Humans of Fashion Foundation: A New Platform Tackling Harassment in Fashion
How a model and a lawyer are shaking up the fashion industry by addressing harassment, abuse, and wellness for all talents.
What’s Next for Fashion After #MeToo and Time’s Up?
In the wake of the #MeToo movement and Time’s Up, industries across the globe are being forced to reckon with persistent issues of harassment, abuse, and inequality. The fashion industry, long scrutinized for its opaque power structures and lack of accountability, is no exception. But while public outcry has grown louder, tangible change has often lagged—until now.
Enter the Humans of Fashion Foundation (HOFF), a new nonprofit initiative co-founded by model Kristina Romanova and fashion lawyer Antoniette Costa. Their goal? To provide guidance, support, and legal resources to anyone in the fashion industry—models, makeup artists, stylists, photographer assistants, and more—who has experienced harassment or misconduct. The foundation is already making waves, connecting those in need with pro-bono legal professionals, counselors, and a support network designed to span the globe.
The Founders: Why Fashion Needs This Foundation
Romanova and Costa each bring personal experience and professional expertise to the table. Romanova, who began modeling in the U.S. at 16, shares her own stories of uncomfortable encounters—men being “touchy on set or saying inappropriate things”—and the isolation she felt as a young professional with no clear recourse. “I never knew how to deal with that,” she says. “It would have been nice to have a place to go to, someone to talk to for advice.”
Costa, a seasoned fashion lawyer, points out that freelancers make up a huge portion of the industry, and most lack access to a human resources department or any centralized support structure. “With the advent of Instagram, there’s even more of a need to have a system in place,” she explains. “Talent, photographers, or makeup artists with large followings—who book jobs directly through social media—might not have any representation or guidance at all.”
The Scope of the Problem
Sexual harassment and abuse in the fashion industry are not a new phenomenon. A Harvard Business School study cited by Romanova found that by age 31, 46% of women in America have experienced workplace harassment. In fashion, the problem is compounded by the industry’s decentralized structure, lack of transparency, and power imbalances, especially for those just starting out.
“Protecting your rights or getting advice shouldn’t be based on who has the money to pay for it,” Costa says, highlighting how financial barriers and lack of knowledge prevent many from seeking help.
A Global Network for Support and Advocacy
The Humans of Fashion Foundation is building a global platform—starting with its website, humansoffashion.org—to connect those in need with top legal, medical, and wellness professionals. The HOFF Academy, meanwhile, offers educational resources, mentorship, and workshops on topics from legal rights to mental health.
Their legal partner, the Fashion Law Institute, helps connect individuals with pro-bono lawyers and legal consultations. The foundation’s advisory board includes industry leaders, lawyers, and wellness professionals, creating a multidisciplinary approach to support.
Mission and Values
- Providing real-time, confidential support to those facing harassment, abuse, or workplace misconduct in fashion.
- Offering pro-bono and subsidized legal, counseling, and medical services.
- Educating industry professionals about their rights and how to navigate often-complex systems.
- Building a community where industry veterans and newcomers can support one another, share resources, and foster a safer work environment.
What others are reading
“Every human deserves to have his or her voice heard. Every human deserves to have his or her rights protected. But not everyone can afford it,” Romanova states.
How the Platform Works
Currently, anyone seeking help can visit the HOFF website and email humans@humansoffashion.org with a description of their issue. The foundation’s team will connect them to the appropriate professional—whether a lawyer, therapist, or other specialist—and, if needed, follow up to ensure ongoing support.
An app is also in development, which will allow users to more easily access resources, file reports, and connect with professionals directly. The goal is to empower individuals to seek help at any stage—whether immediately after an incident or years later.
Beyond Harassment: Supporting Holistic Well-Being
While the foundation was primarily created to address sexual harassment and abuse, HOFF also aims to support models and industry professionals with a range of other issues, including:
- Visa disputes and legal issues related to international work
- Depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns
- Eating disorders and medical problems often prevalent in fashion
- Career guidance and mentorship
By addressing these interconnected issues, HOFF seeks to foster a healthier, more sustainable industry for everyone.
Industry Response and Why Momentum Matters
The launch of HOFF comes at a time when the fashion industry is under increased pressure to reform. Major figures like photographers Terry Richardson, Bruce Weber, and Mario Testino have faced public accusations, and companies such as Condé Nast have implemented new codes of conduct. These changes signal a shifting culture, but systemic solutions are still lacking.
HOFF’s founders believe that grassroots, peer-led initiatives are critical to driving lasting change. “We want to be the welcoming connection to assure dreams don’t end up on the floor like the quick change of clothes before the runway,” says Costa.
Meet the Founders
Kristina Romanova, a Russian-born model, has worked internationally with top designers and brands, and is fluent in English, Russian, and Spanish. Antoniette Costa is a lawyer who graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and earned her J.D. from Fordham Law School, focusing on fashion law under Susan Scafidi, founder of the Fashion Law Institute. Costa is also a singer-songwriter, bringing a creative, interdisciplinary approach to the foundation’s mission.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Fashion’s Culture
The Humans of Fashion Foundation is more than just a support network—it’s a call to action for the entire industry. By providing resources, education, and a platform for advocacy, HOFF hopes to catalyze a culture shift where harassment and abuse are no longer tolerated or swept under the rug.
As the foundation grows, its founders envision a future where every individual in fashion—regardless of role, experience, or background—has access to the support they need to thrive, both professionally and personally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can use the Humans of Fashion Foundation’s services?
Anyone working in the fashion industry—models, photographers, assistants, stylists, makeup artists—can reach out for support, regardless of their role or experience level.
What kind of support does HOFF provide?
HOFF connects individuals with pro-bono legal professionals, counselors, medical experts, and support networks. They also offer educational resources and mentorship programs.
Is there a cost to use HOFF’s services?
Most services are offered pro-bono or at a subsidized rate, ensuring access regardless of financial means.
How do I contact HOFF?
Visit humansoffashion.org or email humans@humansoffashion.org to request help. An app is also in development for easier access.
How did the founders get involved in this work?
Kristina Romanova’s personal experiences as a model motivated her to create a support network, while Antoniette Costa’s legal background enables her to address systemic issues within the industry.
What’s the long-term goal for HOFF?
To create a safer, more transparent, and supportive fashion industry where harassment and abuse are actively prevented and addressed, and where holistic well-being is prioritized for all professionals.
Conclusion
The Humans of Fashion Foundation is a bold step toward addressing long-standing issues of harassment, abuse, and inequality in the fashion industry. By combining legal expertise, wellness support, and community-building, Romanova and Costa are creating a blueprint for real, lasting change. As more individuals and organizations join the movement, the hope is that fashion will not only become a place of creativity and opportunity but also a safer, more just environment for all.
References
- https://us.fashionnetwork.com/news/Humans-of-fashion-foundation-launches-with-new-app-to-combat-sexual-misconduct,945132.html
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/a16638561/humans-of-fashion-foundation-launch-interview/
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/humans-of-fashion-foundation-will-launch-its-global-initiative-at-milans-fashion-week-300600680.html
- http://www.humansoffashion.org/about-us/
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/humans-of-fashion-foundation-launch-event-connecting-the-fashion-industry-to-a-support-network-of-pro-bono-lawyers-and-counselors-300594169.html
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