Diane Von Furstenberg pleads for fair-play on the runway

The famed American designer who invented the “wrap dress” is using her voice to support ethical practices in the cutthroat world of fashion. In an open letter published on the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s website, DVF urges fashion houses to treat its models fairly, ahead of New York Fashion Week which starts next Wednesday. In the letter, CFDA President Diane Von Furstenberg and CFDA CEO Steven Kolb ask fellow designers to acknowledge, review and consider the Health Initiative guidelines that have become the standard for working with runway models during fashion week. At a minimum, you are required to adhere to labor laws that require models under the age of 18 to have proper documents and schedules,” reminded Von Furstenberg and Kolb in their online missive which included links for downloading the relevant guidelines for fashion houses.