So yes, New York has done groundbreaking work protecting models’ rights. Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Fashion Workers Act, which will take effect in June 2025. But advocates call it a big step forward. The state’s fashion industry has more than 180,000 employees, according to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics. According to a 2023 report from BoF Insights, New York’s fashion industry brings in billions of dollars in revenue annually. This legislation provides additional transparency in contracts and expenses. It also covers harassment, exploitation and abuses of artificial intelligence. Campaigners view it as a landmark. They hope that it will galvanize more international reforms.
Activists pushed for stronger protections for years.According to a Model Alliance survey from 2021, 60 percent reported feeling pressure to lose weight. Another 30 percent noted months-long delays in payments. Supporters say the new measure addresses those issues directly. It requires that agreements be clear and repayment made on time. It also increases legal remedies for unauthorised use of A.I. But observers say the potential is far wider. The nascent “virtual fashion” market could be worth billions by 2030, according to Vogue Business. In the interim, this law helps safeguard real-world talent.
Transparency lies at the heart of the act. Management companies are required to register and disclose relevant information. Many are celebrating this as an overdue shift. McKinsey’s 2022 “State of Fashion” report emphasized widespread opacity in model agencies. It cited recurring misunderstandings over fees and terms. The act helps to create accountability by establishing explicit contractual obligations for affected individuals and entities. This, advocates hope, would do away with hidden charges and vague commitments. The legislation also deals with harassment allegations. The new rules mean victims don’t have to worry about retaliation if they seek support.
This marks a step toward healthier industry standards.