Debenhams signs fair treatment code for models

Department store Debenhams has become the second

organisation to sign up to the Equity code for fair treatment of models, following fashion magazine Vogue’s lead.

By signing, models hired by Debenhams for all of its photo shoots, TV ads, lookbooks and website images, will have a pre-agreed maximum length of working hours, provisions of breaks and refreshments during shoots, private changing area, as well assurances that relevant insurances such as travel and public liability are in place.

In addition, the retailer will also have to clearly explain the nature of the shoot in advance and provide prompt payment in accordance with the agreed payment terms by the retailer and the agencies it uses.

The move builds on Debenhams’ existing guidelines that ensure no one under 16 will be used to represent an adult and that all models must be at least a size eight and no smaller.

Debenhams’ chief executive, Michael Sharp, said: “Fair treatment of everyone who models for us has always been a priority. The code firmly cements our ambition. We hope others follow our lead.”

Dunja Knezevic, a working model and current Chair of Equity’s Models Committee, added: “It’s fantastic that Debenhams has supported models by being the first retailer to sign up to the Ten Point Code.

“Debenhams is not only positively employing models who represent the body image more typical of women in the work place, but they are treating models with the same care as a good employer. We can only hope that other major retailers will follow their example.”