MeToo NY Fashion show spotlights sexual harassment

NEW YORK: Eight models, all subject to sexual harassment or assault in one form or another, took advantage of New York Fashion Week on Friday to raise awareness for the #MeToo movement sweeping the United States.

Far from the bright lights of the most coveted fashion tickets in town, none of the women were famous. The venue was a room practically given for free by an affordable hotel close to Times Square. Instead it was an overtly political show organized by advocate and entrepreneur Myriam Chalek, who has made a name for herself by putting marginalized models on the runway during events such as a dwarf show in Dubai. If labels such as Tom Ford have also referenced women empowerment this week — the Texan-born designer turned director showcased “Pussy Power” purses — Chalek says it is the entire point of her show. “I feel like every woman has some kind of responsibility to do something and contribute to change,” she told AFP.

“If you are saying it´s time to change or time´s up, then do something about it.” The clothes were not the star of the show, although the 30-year-old said the mix of fur and leather on the one hand, with silk and tulle on the other aimed to show both the strength and femininity of women. “The difference with this fashion show is that one of the criteria (for models) is that you had to be a victim of sexual misconduct to take part in this show,” she explained. - Pig´s mask - After walking the runway before the roughly 200 assembled guests, the eight models each took to the microphone in turn, standing next to a man dressed entirely in black, his face covered with a pig´s mask.