Equity’s Model Union
In 2009, British Equity opened its doors to models as the first independent representation of its kind for models in the fashion industry. Described by Marie Claire as a “pioneering campaign,” the models’ committee is chaired by Dunja Knezevic and Alexa Brown. The committee is elected by and comprised of working models based in the U.K. Together, they labor to improve working conditions and to inspire everyone in the industry to make the necessary changes to achieve a working environment based on respect, support, and understanding. The 2009 Code of Conduct is the product of the union negotiating, and is supported by the British Fashion Council, the Association of Model Agencies, and the Greater London Authority as the first transparent agreement documenting models’ basic rights for fashion week. It includes provisions governing minimum rates, breaks, transport outside work hours, temperature control at shows, guaranteed access to food and water, nudity regulations, and image usage restrictions. Union membership is available to any working model without fear of blacklisting or discrimination. The union provides facial disfigurement insurance, health insurance and injury compensation, legal support and advice, nutritionists, counseling, accounting services, confidentiality protection and the opportunity to be a member of the models’ committee. British Equity is a member of the International Federation of Actors, a network of entertainment unions of which U.S. Actors’ Equity, the Screen Actors Guild, and the American Federation of Television and Radio Actors are also members.
“Models standing up for themselves? It can only be a good thing for the industry.” – The Independent
For more information and membership, email wbebb@equity.org.uk
