Two Sides of the Fashion Coin (Part 4)
I have my thoughts to eliminate any problems between designers and models, or at least improve communication. One such solution would be to have that model take a picture of what they will be wearing and exactly how they will be wearing it in a show and the designer would say what they would like changed and what is okay. This eliminates any last minute problems and unnecessary situations or miscommunications that could be avoided at the last minute. Also, a model is paid to do a job. You may not get the perfect designer you would like to work with who has the greatest bed-side manner but you have to learn to deal with the different types of personalities that will be presented to you on a daily basis in this industry. We’re all adults and we should be able to deal with it without much drama.
Designers, if a model doesn’t wish to compromise to your vision and you are paying them good money for their services, terminate their contract. It’s as simple as that. Again, I know I may sound harsh but this is not a sugarplum fairy kind of industry where everyone is oh-so-nice and accommodating. It’s a business, so run it like one. Just say that it’s nothing personal but I’m looking for a flexible model to see my vision for my clothing realized. Ask for your product and payment back and if they refuse then you have a reason to get upset. This is also to the models- taking their merchandise and money for a job that you never did gives them ammo to smudge your reputation. It doesn’t matter if it’s not destroyed and people still work with you. There will be those that will listen and see that your work ethic is not up to their standards and you will find yourself lost out on a potential client/employer. That’s something you don’t want. Designers, if a model does this to you, then you have every right to complain to the agency that they are signed with for their behavior and lack of ethics in my opinion.
Every side has their individual rights, designers and models alike. It’s only a question of where one ends and the other begins. What is your personal or professional boundary? Have a question or opinion to share on this thought provoking topic? Then please feel free to share. Just know that I have tried to be completely unbiased in my article and show both sides of the argument and industry as I hope you have seen and understood. [Smiles]
Now, you may be wondering, “what if the designer takes it too far or are too rude for you to handle?” It’s a simple solution really- terminate your contract and return all money and products/merchandise to that designer. We all have to make tough calls in our life and we all have our limit on the type of personality we are willing to work with. It is your right. No one is forcing you to work with that person. You signed that contract yourself and you have the right to end it and return the items and money that was given to you in return for your services, which you could not provide because of the situation. If you’re thinking of keeping any of it, don’t. You may be saying, “Well they were complete assholes to me so I deserve this for pain and suffering.” Get over it and give it up. This may sound harsh but you do not want to have anything used against you and keeping merchandise and money for a job that you never finished or went through with doesn’t paint you in the prettiest of pictures.
As a model in the tough and critical world of second life fashion, one would come across many difficult and sensitive situations that may be hard for them to handle in the heat of the moment. Several moral and professional questions would then arise out of that situation and make us question our very natures and the nature of the industry itself. It would put into question our boundaries, limits, ethics, acceptable working conditions, and politics. Where do a designer’s rights end and a model’s rights begin I wonder. It’s a tough question and I’m sure many would have several views and opinions to add on the subject of this article. But shouldn’t there be a standardized boundary, not just the personal boundary that we set for ourselves? When applying with agencies or for modeling positions I’m sure we are all familiar with the application question: “Would you be willing to change your appearance to fit the clients needs?” And I’m sure that most of us have probably put down yes with slight variations of parts of themselves they would not change. Some of us have that boundary that we do not feel we could cross morally for ourselves and I believe that’s entirely respectable and their personal right. I personally would not change my race to fit an image just as I could not do it in real. There are some that do not believe in changing other parts of themselves- eyes, hair color, shape, size, bust, height, etc., and I think all of that is fine but when does it become interference? When can a model refuse? Should a model refuse? Do they have the right to refuse, and if so under what circumstances?
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