Stronger Together

The most positive message to come through following the past year’s revelations of workplace abuse across almost all industries? That when women unite to support one another, we are more powerful, and happier, too. The greatest example of this in fashion is the Model Mafia, created with the intention of unifying and supporting one of the industry’s most isolated and vulnerable workers. And while it was the brainchild of long-time campaigners Cameron Russell and Áine Rose Campbell, there is no ‘leader’ of the group; it is a community of equitable members, each with their own causes and passions, who want to promote activism and fairness within the fashion industry. To honor these incredible women, we gathered as many of them as we could and asked them why Model Mafia is so essential to the industry – and what changes they most want to see next.

“The activism I understand is the project of shifting culture. The really fabulous thing about fashion is that we’re culture makers and we’re a community, and it is those strengths that we can lean into to take the risks that are going to evolve the world around us. The Model Mafia has given me a lot of energy around what is possible; it’s given me so much hope and optimism, but I don’t think it’s particularly to do with the fact that we’re all models; it’s the fact that when we organized our own community – people whose experiences and whose challenges are shared – we built trust, and as we began to see each other’s strengths and where we need to support each other. We became a supercharged, leaderful group with a lot of camaraderie surprisingly quickly. I could only help bring the #MeToo movement to fashion because I had a big network of trusting models and we could take risks together. Where these models are coming from and what they want to say and do in the world is so profound, and together we have the platform to raise up each other’s stories.” @cameronrussell

“As freelancers, modeling can be isolating. The Model Mafia is a community that has created strong bonds between its members and a sense of belonging. There is a generous heart at the center of the group and we move together to make the world a better place. There is power in numbers and what makes us unique is our high visibility on social media – when we rally around a cause, we can reach millions and effect change. I hope that we will be able to take part in more activations so that we can quickly respond to issues online as a group, or turn up to a march in large numbers. I hope that these actions will help push for a fairer and safer fashion industry and a more equitable world.” @ainerosecampbell

“My life has changed completely since my first Model Mafia meeting. For too long, [models’] human rights have been trampled on and we have been silenced within the industry. It’s time for us to reclaim our power, reclaim our autonomy and have a say in the images that are being created, and Model Mafia gives us that opportunity. My mistreatment as a black model is what attracted me to the group, but my message has evolved. Although I am still very vocal about the need for knowledgeable makeup artists, hairdressers, casting directors and agents, my primary focus has become healing the self-image of black girls and women. I’d like to be a representation of a fully integrated, multi-dimensional black person, something I was conditioned to believe could not exist.” @eboneedavis

“The worst thing about the fashion industry is its lack of diversity, but we’re doing our part to change that for the next generation. I plan to keep pushing myself and other trans folk and anyone who is facing adversity in the industry and life to be our best and beyond. I’m so happy to have our strong and supportive community, where there’s a safe space to have healthy, positive discourse. It really adds to my armor knowing that I have women who back me up and are rooting for me while I root for them in return. Since the very first meeting, I have felt more confident about speaking up and having the courage to go after what I believe is right.” @leynabloom

“Modeling can be a very lonely profession. Everyone needs a community, a place where people understand what you’re dealing with. Model Mafia offers that and more. I wish I’d had it when I started out; there’s so much industry knowledge that gets lost, instead of passed onto the new faces. Don’t underestimate a network of ‘models’; they are entrepreneurs, social change-makers, programmers… I learn [something] every time Model Mafia meets up – it’s better than any old boys’ network.” @nimuesmit

“As a model I always yearned for community, friendship and a support system. Who better to understand the ups and downs of our jobs than fellow models? Most importantly, I wanted to be a part of a group that was as enthused as me to stand up against injustices that we all face, and tackle things like the #MeToo movement, climate justice awareness and calling out racism. No matter what our skin color, we should all have access to opportunities. And our jobs should not include abuse. The group has definitely made me more of an aware, confident and humble model. I’m no longer afraid to speak up and make a stand for myself and others because I know that I have a model-hood fighting with me.” @kayelitaylor

“I always felt connected to fight for different causes, but it was very difficult to find support in [modeling]. When you have people who think like you, you feel safer and more confident, but the real power is when we are together, when we come for the things that we believe in. Being a part of Model Mafia has made me feel stronger because I have learned that it is our responsibility to use our voice, not only our image, and that I have a tool that can make changes happen. We can see changes happening now in the fashion industry that in my opinion could go a lot faster: the radical change of how beauty is stereotyped, for example, and the equality of races and cultures.” @austriaulloa

“My personal motivations for being a part of the Model Mafia are driven by my yearning for the representation and liberation of black and brown trans femmes. I want to see more diversity – and I don’t mean showcasing one or two slender black/brown cis women, but folks from all walks of life who exist at varying intersections. Secondly, I want to see models treated as artists and collaborators. I am tired of being dehumanized and made to feel like I am easily replaceable when I am quite the opposite. Model Mafia gives us much needed room to take charge on the changes we’d like to see.” @br0nz3_g0dd3ss