Is NYFW Breaking Underage Model Law?

Eagle-Eyed fashion watchers may assume that certain New York brands have broken the law by sending underage models down their catwalks so far this season, but all is not as it seems. When 14-year-old Mason Grammer (daughter of Camille and Kelsey Grammer) walked in the Malan Breton show last week, eyebrows may have been raised in light of the advent of the recent federal law protecting "child" models- but as long as the brands in question follow certain guidelines, models under 18 are still allowed to walk.

The brand must: possess a certificate of eligibility to employ "child performers" issued by the New York State Department of Labour, The Fashion Law reports; submit a notice of its intention to use child performers; ensure those employed have valid work permits; adhere to the restricted working hours - including breaks after four hours of work; and keep evidence that the underage models' pay is entered into their trust funds as stipulated by the law.

If these points are obeyed, models under 18 can take to the catwalk without concern - but, crucially, if any of these points are not met, the brands could be subject to significant fines: $1,000 for the first violation, $2,000 for the second and $3,000 for the third, and every one thereafter.