The fashion model industry contributes some £100 million to the UK economy. Models are the faces of nearly every clothing, cosmetics, haircare brand, and many more, both online and in the mainstream media.
Without models there would be no London Fashion Week. Without models there would be no fashion photographers, stylists, casting agents or hair and make-up artists.
AI is something with which the fashion industry acknowledges it must work and should be able to do so in a fair, transparent, managed and constructive manner. Clients should not be using AI to obtain, manipulate, distribute and potentially own models’ data without their consent and without following industry-agreed principles & practices.
Otherwise, it effectively encourages the theft of models’ images and the infringement of their rights. It will lead to significant unemployment with the entire fashion sector.
The British Fashion Model Agents Association represents over 5,000 models and is officially affiliated to the British Fashion Council.
The attached petition, signed by 2,338 models demonstrates their concern and strength of feeling. Their faces are their own and should not to be used without their agreement.
For further information please contact John Horner, director of the BFMA at john@bfma.fashion
