Humans of Fashion Foundation launched on February 6, releasing a global platform to discuss prevalence and effects of sexual harassment and assault in the fashion industry, and connect those who have experienced it with support.
Co-founders fashion model, Kristina Romanova (Vera Wang, Ralph Lauren, Dolce & Gabbana) and singer-songwriter/lawyer, Antoniette Costa (Billboard Classical Charts), have founded NGO, working to create a global platform that guides and connects individuals in the fashion industry who have experienced sexual harassment, abuse, misconduct and assault in the fashion industry with pro bono and subsidized legal professionals, counselors, and support networks.
The Humans of Fashion Foundation wants to create a safer workplace for ALL professionals in the fashion industry from models and designers to stylists and makeup artists. By creating and releasing an application dedicated to real time reporting, Humans of Fashion Foundation hopes to bring a revolutionary approach to the issue of sexual harassment and assault in the industry, and facilitate an avenue for discussion. By incorporating technology into the platform, it’s working to make the industry safer and encourage support between fashion veterans and the younger generation.
“With recent campaigns such as #metoo and #timesup, social media has become an empowering tool to facilitate a collective voice. Every human deserves to have his or her voice heard. Every human deserves to have his or her rights protected. But not everyone can afford it,” said Kristina Romanova. “Models and all others come to the bustling global fashion centers from diverse backgrounds, speaking diverse languages with big hopes and open hearts. They deserve good friends who will listen and offer advice if they run into problems.”
“In addition to the financial burden, not everyone knows how to navigate the system to get the help they need,” added Antoniette Costa. “We want to be the welcoming connection to assure dreams don’t end up on the floor like the quick change of clothes before the Runway.”
Launching just ahead of NY Fashion Week, the event has attracted the support of the fashion industry, with leaders such as Sarah Gore Reeves, Paul Schindler, Panache Desai, and Caron Bernstein all joining the advisory board.
The founders are looking forward to welcoming fashion industry professionals and media to the event, to discuss more about their inspiration behind the Humans of Fashion Foundation and what they seek to achieve.
