Over the past year the message that has come through loud and clear is this: when women support each other, we win. Setting a very fashionable example is the game-changing MODEL MAFIA. Wearing FW18’s must-have coats, some of the group’s members talk to us about change, challenges and the importance of community
Photography Carlota GuerreroStyling Tracy Taylor
NAOMI SHIMADA Advocate for model diversity
“The modeling industry is almost completely unregulated. We need to stay organized to be able to support and protect one another. I feel positive about the changes that have happened in terms of casting, but I now want to talk about what goes on behind the camera and up and down the chain in the fashion industry. In 15 years, I’ve shot with just two black photographers – that’s a problem. We need to move past what diversity means just in terms of casting, otherwise it’s tokenism.”@naomishimada
MEISHA BROOKS Champion of models’ rights
“I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Harvard and I model and act full-time. I hope to use my diverse background to create a platform where we can inspire others to challenge themselves and pursue their passions – even if they reside in two seemingly conflicting worlds. I’m passionate, too, about the Respect Program headed by the Model Alliance, a research and policy organization that champions models’ rights. We need comprehensive measures and legal avenues to ensure the safety of the often underage and financially vulnerable individuals who are being exploited throughout the industry. Knowing that I am able to tackle any problem alongside those who understand and want to be an ally is empowering and comforting.” @meishabrooks
MOLLY BAIR Sustainability activist
“The fashion industry is a wonder space for innovation, creativity and global human connection, yet generally fails to focus or even consider the environmental impacts of its actions. There must be a major shift towards sustainability. I’m a relatively new member of Model Mafia and I’ve found it very beneficial to meet like-minded models. I’m hoping to connect them to an environmental organization that I work with, Pure Earth, which facilitates clean-ups in the poorest communities around the world while educating them about future pollution prevention, and empowering them through promoting local businesses.” @molllsbair
Featuring coats by Koche, Casasola, Loewe, Rejina Pyo, Acne Studios, Bassike, Jonathan Simkhai, Rokh, The Row, Sea.