From The Straits Times    |

Coco Rocha: Models need supportCoco Rocha thinks models need “a support group”.

The catwalk sensation attended the launch of non-profit organization Model Alliance in New York City last night and explained that it was high time a model’s work was protected by regulations like any other profession.

Model Alliance was established by model-and-filmmaker Sara Ziff and aims to stop the exploitation of young girls in fashion by introducing labour regulations in the US model industry.

“For too long, the modelling industry has been like the Wild West,” Coco was quoted as saying by style.com.

“It’s about time we had this kind of a support group. No one really thinks about the fact that we need the same benefits that other people get in the workforce, so I was totally on board when Sara told me about [Model Alliance]. It would be amazing to look back at the history of models 20 years from now and know I was a part of something like this.”

Other super models supporting the cause are Doutzen Kroes and Crystal Renn.

Founder Sara explained why the support group resonates with so many girls working in the fashion industry. She has witnessed the manipulation of young models many times and explained they are often too scared to stand up for themselves.

“There are way too many instances where models are paid next to nothing for the work that they do,” she told Modelinia. “And if they speak up they’re quickly replaced by another girl who doesn’t ask for any money.” © Cover Media