Pier59 Studios Calls For Ban On Some Of The Top Modeling Agencies Ahead Of New York Fashion Week In February

NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Federico Pignatelli, founder of The Industry Model Management, Pier59 Studios and creator of the Model's Bill of Rights, ahead of Fashion Week reiterates the ban of several modeling agencies—Wilhelmina, Elite USA, Major, Nomad—from the iconic photography studio and fashion week destination.

"The way that models are treated is too often disgraceful," said Pignatelli. "In an industry that has grown exponentially over the past 30 years but entirely unregulated, I find myself now in the position, as the owner of Pier59 Studios, of demanding that Wilhelmina, Elite USA, Major and Nomad clean up their acts."

As a champion of model's rights, Federico Pignatelli hopes that the ban encourages all agencies to take the comprehensive bill of rights seriously as the modeling industry braces themselves for another busy season in the coming month.

"The goal of the Model's Bill of Rights is to ensure that models are working in safe studio locations and environments, are free from harassment, do not receive legal pressure from their agencies, and, fundamentally, that they are paid in a fair and timely manner without unjustified overcharges," Pignatelli adds.

Immigration violations are also rampant within the fashion industry. Models are frequently sent to jobs by their agencies without proper documentation, putting them at risk for fines, jail time and even deportation. Further, those models who have been granted visas by their agencies often feel pressured by the very companies that are supposed to protect them, as their immigration status is used as leverage to encourage them to take jobs that they would otherwise turn down.

"The bottom line, young models need to feel educated, empowered and confident to be in control of their career," Pignatelli comments. "We offer comprehensive education programs at The Industry Model Management to help combat this, but until the rest of the industry starts following the law, we may see little change."

For more information on the Model's Bill of Rights, please visit www.theindustrymodelmgmt.com. To learn more on Pier59 Studios and how to book the space, please visit www.pier59studios.com

About The Industry Model Management
The Industry Model Management is a high-end boutique women's agency, with headquarters located in the Iconic Pier59 Studios at Chelsea Piers in NYC in addition to our offices in LA. Our focus is on discovering new talent and managing each individual to cultivate a successful and long-term career. In maintaining a very select roster, The Industry Model Management is able to offer a personalized level of service to each and every model we represent. The Industry Model Management is also on the forefront of changing the way models are being paid. Payments are made regularly in no more than 60 days from completed work, regardless if clients have paid or not.

Owned by Federico Pignatelli, The Industry Model Management is part of the Art & Fashion Group Company which includes the iconic Pier59 Studios which boasts the highest caliber of international fashion and advertising clients in the world. With the ability to call on strong and distinctive relationships within the fashion community, The Industry Model Management has an exceptional edge over other model and talent agencies. With our in-house access to the Pier59 Studio Group's state of the art digital, production and studio teams we are able to develop talent and create content that looks to the future of video and social media branding. The Industry Model Management is a place that never ceases to inspire both its agents and models alike.

About Pier59 Studios
Founded in 1995 by Federico Pignatelli and his Art and Fashion Group Corporation, Pier59 Studios is a 110,000 square-foot premier photography and multimedia studio located at Chelsea Piers in New York City. As the largest photography facility and multimedia complex in the world, the space is equipped with state of the art technology and accommodates the needs of photographers, designers, advertising agencies and television and film production companies. Pier59 Studios features eleven column-free studio spaces, including a 6,500 square-foot sound stage constructed for live performances, special events, video and commercial projects. Nine studios are naturally lit and contain retractable walls. For more information please visit www.pier59studios.com.

Media Inquiries:
Amanda Yodice
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SOURCE Pier59 Studios

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