Several Fashion CEOs have been reported to be forcing their youngest designers, aspiring designers, and interns to become fitting models against their will in order to save money.
However, the issue goes further as some rookie designers have expressed their concern about sexual harassment.
Mr. Lee, a fashion design student, stated, "In order to live as a designer, despite your education in design, society wants you to become a model. It's difficult to find work for those who cannot become fitting models."
When the rookie designers do find jobs, the situation gets even tougher because of the unwanted and unnecessary physical contact that occurs when they are asked to become fitting models.
For women, an even more serious issue can arise as they are exposed to various feelings of shame and humiliation as they are forced to measure every part of their body for sizing.
Ms. Yoo, an aspiring designer, commented, "Length of my shoulder, width of my chest, waist, and my butt, they were measuring everything. That was really humiliating. The management seems to be sexually harassing everyone and using fitting as an excuse. I thought that this was a problem. I don't know why they would do such things to those they picked because of their education in fashion design."
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The situation worsens as it was also reported that some interns and designers were laid off when their role as a fitting model was no longer needed or they did not have the qualifications as a fitting model.
And because of this, some aspiring designers were forced to diet against their will.
Just like in any business companies, the interns or aspiring designers are forced to start from the bottom and work their way up. However, in the fashion industry that means that you would have to abide by the requests of the senior designers.
If any of the aspiring designers or interns spoke out against the management or the senior designers, they would be kicked out of the industry.
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