Sara Ziff
Founder & Executive Director, The Model Alliance
A vocal advocate for models’ rights in the wake of the #MeToo movement, she is creating an initiative to protect models from sexual harassment.
The fashion model, filmmaker and labour activist founded The Model Alliance in 2012 and has since become an advocate for models’ rights, using her experience in the industry to spearhead labour protections for underage models as well as working conditions in the wake of the #MeToo movement.
Ziff began her career as a fashion model, appearing in advertising campaigns for brands including Tommy Hilfiger , Kenzo and Stella McCartney . She has walked the runway for Prada, Chanel and Christian Dior. The idea for The Model Alliance began while working on her first documentary in 2009, “Picture Me.”
She founded the non-profit organisation in 2012 to advocate for fair labour standards for models working in the fashion industry. The following year, The Model Alliance championed child labour protections for underage fashion models, who were left out from existing protections for child performers in New York. This extended them basic protections, including provisions for educational requirements, maximum working hours and trust accounts. In 2017, along with assemblywoman Nily Rozic, the Model Alliance introduced the Models’ Harassment Protection Act, a New York State bill that would afford models protection against sexual and other forms of harassment in the workplace.
In May 2018, over 100 models joined the Model Alliance to launch the Respect programme, a global initiative calling on brands and agencies to sign a legally binding agreement to protect models from sexual harassment, following a number of allegations of misconduct against well-known photographers, casting directors and editors.
Ziff graduated with a degree in political science from Columbia University and earned her MPA at Harvard Business School.
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At NYFW, Models Push Governor to Sign Fashion Workers Act into Law
The Model Alliance delivered hundreds of letters from models and allies to New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s office Tuesday morning, calling on her to sign the act which passed in the state’s Senate and Assembly in July.
At NYFW, Models Push Governor to Sign Fashion Workers Act into Law
The Model Alliance delivered hundreds of letters from models and allies to New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s office Tuesday morning, calling on her to sign the act which passed in the state’s Senate and Assembly in July.
Is This the Year New York Regulates Fashion?
Two landmark bills taking aim at the industry’s environmental and social impact — the New York Fashion Act and the Fashion Workers Act — are back on the US state’s legislative agenda.
Is This the Year New York Regulates Fashion?
Two landmark bills taking aim at the industry’s environmental and social impact — the New York Fashion Act and the Fashion Workers Act — are back on the US state’s legislative agenda.
The Future of the Modelling Industry
The global modelling industry is finally creaking back into motion after months of lockdowns. But with agencies facing slashed advertising budgets, cancelled fashion shows and digital disruption, can the sector adapt to its new reality fast enough?
The Future of the Modelling Industry
The global modelling industry is finally creaking back into motion after months of lockdowns. But with agencies facing slashed advertising budgets, cancelled fashion shows and digital disruption, can the sector adapt to its new reality fast enough?
Was #MeToo Just a Trend for Fashion?
Reactions to public claims of sexual misconduct within fashion have shifted dramatically over the past decade, but critics question how much the industry has really changed. As part of our series reflecting on the 2010s, BoF takes stock.
Was #MeToo Just a Trend for Fashion?
Reactions to public claims of sexual misconduct within fashion have shifted dramatically over the past decade, but critics question how much the industry has really changed. As part of our series reflecting on the 2010s, BoF takes stock.
Modelling Agency With Ties to Epstein Names Macy’s, Nordstrom as Clients
As sex trafficking allegations swirl, MC2 Model Management and its president Jean-Luc Brunel are in the spotlight for his well-documented relationship with Epstein dating back to 2002.
Modelling Agency With Ties to Epstein Names Macy’s, Nordstrom as Clients
As sex trafficking allegations swirl, MC2 Model Management and its president Jean-Luc Brunel are in the spotlight for his well-documented relationship with Epstein dating back to 2002.
Over 100 Models Petition Victoria’s Secret on Sexual Misconduct
Organised by the Model Alliance and signed by major models including a former Victoria’s Secret ‘Angel,’ the letter calls on the lingerie behemoth to commit to a new code of conduct.
Over 100 Models Petition Victoria’s Secret on Sexual Misconduct
Organised by the Model Alliance and signed by major models including a former Victoria’s Secret ‘Angel,’ the letter calls on the lingerie behemoth to commit to a new code of conduct.
Why Most Luxury Brands Still Hire Underage Models
While Kering moved to ban all models under 18, some of the biggest fashion companies haven’t followed suit.
Why Most Luxury Brands Still Hire Underage Models
While Kering moved to ban all models under 18, some of the biggest fashion companies haven’t followed suit.
End of the Model Agency as We Know It?
New digital apps are providing some of the services offered by traditional agencies at much lower commissions.
End of the Model Agency as We Know It?
New digital apps are providing some of the services offered by traditional agencies at much lower commissions.
What Must Fashion Do to Safeguard Models?
In the post #MeToo era, the industry has gained momentum in its race to protect models. But how far has it come in recent years?
What Must Fashion Do to Safeguard Models?
In the post #MeToo era, the industry has gained momentum in its race to protect models. But how far has it come in recent years?
Fashion’s Year of Reckoning: Have We Learned Anything?
Nine months after the rise of fashion’s own #MeToo movement casting director James Scully, Model Alliance founder Sara Ziff and supermodel-turned-activist Karen Elson take stock.
Fashion’s Year of Reckoning: Have We Learned Anything?
Nine months after the rise of fashion’s own #MeToo movement casting director James Scully, Model Alliance founder Sara Ziff and supermodel-turned-activist Karen Elson take stock.
What is The BoF 500?
The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world.
