A global platform to discuss prevalence and effects of sexual harassment and assault in the fashion industry, and connect those who have experienced it with support.

Fashion model Kristina Romanova and singer-songwriter/lawyer, Antoniette Costa, have cofounded a NGO that works to create a global platform that informs and connects those in the fashion industry who have experienced sexual harassment, abuse and assault. The pair offer pro bono and subsidized legal professionals, counselors and support.

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The Humans of Fashion Foundation aims to create a safer workplace for all professionals in the fashion industry, from models and designers to stylists and makeup artists. By creating an app that delivers real-time reporting, the Humans of Fashion Foundation hopes to bring a revolutionary approach to the problem of sexual harassment and assault in the industry, and to start the conversation around this globally prevalent issue. Romanova and Costa want to encourage a fashion industry that is safer and to encourage a mentoring relationship between fashion veterans and younger generations.

“With recent high profile campaigns such as #metoo and #timesup, social media has become an empowering tool to facilitate a collective voice,” says Romanova. “Every human deserves to have his or her voice heard. Every human deserves to have his or her rights protected. But not everyone can afford it. Models arrive at bustling global fashion centers from diverse backgrounds, with diverse languages, big hopes and open hearts. They deserve good friends who will listen and offer them advice if they run into a problem.”

“In addition to the financial burden, not everyone knows how to navigate the system to get the help they need,” addsCosta. “We want to be the welcoming connection to assure dreams don’t end up on the floor – like a quick change of clothing before hitting the runway.”

Launching just before NY Fashion Week, the idea has attracted support from fashion industry leaders such as Sarah Goore Reeves, Paul Schindler, Panache Desai, and Caron Bernstein, who have all joined the advisory board.

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