Posts by admin@fashionlawinstitute.com

Media Mentions 2020

2020 (selected)

 

‘Cultural Appropriation’: A Rivalrous Reaction to a Rivalrous Problem
Medium, December 26, 2020

Intellectual Property – A Way To Protect The ‘Expressions Of Folklore’
International Journal of Advanced Legal Research, December 11, 2020

Thank U, Next: Cultural Appropriation Has Overstayed Its Welcome
Let’s Give This Some Thought Podcast, December 7, 2020

How to Tell if Your Louis Vuitton is Fake
Budget Fashionista, December 5, 2020

Fashion (Law) Forward: An Interview with Professor Susan Scafidi
JLPP Cornell Journal of Law & Public Policy, November 23, 2020

Supreme x VF Corp Deal: What Does it Means For Supreme
New Culture, November 19, 2020

Access for All Requires Native Justice
Eloquent Magazine, November 14, 2020

The UK watchdog is tackling greenwashing. Will others?
Vogue Business, November 12, 2020

Will Supreme End Up in TJ Maxx?
Complex, November 12, 2020

Fashion Law in 2020: Part I
Fashion Law Chile, November 9, 2020

Who Owns Culture? There’s a Legal Side to the Issue of Cultural Appropriation
WWD, November 5, 2020

Is Kamala Harris’s Fashion Her Secret Weapon?
The Wall Street Journal, October 31, 2020

Trick nor Treat: the hounding of Halloween
The Critic, October 30, 2020

This is America: I’m a Black person who loves Halloween. Please stop ruining it for me
USA Today, October 29, 2020

“Stop Cooking Your Watered Down Versions of Asian Food”
Erica Lovelace Cooks, October 28, 2020

Offensive Halloween Costumes You Definitely Shouldn’t Wear
Latin Post, October 27, 2020

Photographer Under Fire for Using A Nude Photo in a Book After the Model Asked Him Not To 
DIY Photography, October 8, 2020

What is Cultural Appropriation? Social Justice Usage
Dayz of Noah, October 26, 2020

Honoring Indigenous Wellness Practices
Similar Souls on Fire, October 12, 2020

US Legal Protections for TK & TCES, Gaps in Protection, and Indigenous Peoples’ Initiatives 
Native American Rights Fund, October 19, 2020

Kanye West Wants a Board Seat at Gap and Adidas. We Break Down What That Means and if It’s Possible.
Complex, October 6, 2020

All Shook Up: The Politics of Cultural Appropriation
Dissent, October 5, 2020

CLL Hosts First Virtual Fashion Pop-Up Clinic
Cowan, Leibowitz, & Latman, September 29, 2020

On the Rise: Patricia M. Flanagan
Law.com, September 28, 2020

Can Black Lives Matter Finally Fix the Fashion Industry?
Cosmopolitan, September 25, 2020

This year’s election matters to fashion and humanity more than ever
Fashionista, September 24, 2020

For Fashion Week, the industry tries to reinvent itself
Marketplace, September 24, 2020

Belgian designer accuses Virgil Abloh of copying. Again.
Art Daily, September 18, 2020

When Non-Native People Burn Sage, It’s Cultural Appropriation—And We Don’t Support It
Well + Good, September 18, 2020

COVID Crisis in Fashion Industry Affects Women and Families, Fordham Experts Say
Fordham News, September 15, 2020

Demystifying Your Office Dress Code Policy
Eden, September 10, 2020

What is cultural appropriation? Examples and definition of the term after Adele is criticised for use of Bantu Knots
The Scotsman, September 2, 2020

What is the definition of cultural appropriation – and why is it bad?
Horncastle News, September 2, 2020

Decoding Fashion Industry: Need for Fashion Law
Legal Wires, September 1, 2020

Is The ‘Fox Eye’ Makeup Trend Racist Toward Asians?
Huffpost, August 31, 2020

Mexico: Fashion Law
ECIJA, August 27, 2020

Belgian Designer Accuses Virgil Abloh of Copying. Again.
The New York Times, August 13, 2020

Comic Book Legal Defense Fund Names Interim Director
Hollywood Reporter, August 13, 2020

So Ordered: The Messy Nature of Dress Codes
Die Workwear, August 13, 2020

Brands Claim Their Clothes Kill Viruses. Will Consumers Buy It?
Business of Fashion, August 10, 2020

Forever 21 goes from rags to riches to bankruptcy court
Spectacular Failures, August 10, 2020

The Difference Between Cultural Appropriation and Cultural Appreciation
Passion Passport, August 7, 2020

SUSTAINABILITY AND INNOVATION
Italian American Chamber of Commerce, July 28, 2020

Careers in Geek Fashion
ComicCon@Home2020, July 26, 2020

“Crazy” Talk: Mental Health, Pop Culture, and the Pandemic
ComicCon@Home 2020, July 24, 2020

Will Halloween be canceled? What costumes will be culturally appropriate amid racial reckoning
ABC News, July 22, 2020

Cultural Appropriation Was Always Inexcusable
Instyle, July 15, 2020

Kanye West’s Deal with Gap is Unprecedented. Here’s Why.
Complex, July 13, 2020

Brooks Brothers files for bankruptcy
Marketplace, July 8, 2020

Are Robots Coming For Models’ Jobs?
Elle, July 8, 2020

Fashion and law are increasing the degree courses and masters
Il Sole 24, July 8, 2020

The new corporate swag: Branded masks, sanitizer spray bottles and Zoom vanity light rings
Washington Post, July 2, 2020

Why Fashion Brands and Their Retail Landlords Are Suing Each Other
Business of Fashion, June 26, 2020

Stephen Sidkin speaking at UAL and Fashion Law Institute webinar, 25 June 2020
Fox Williams, June 24, 2020

Best Graduate Schools
US News, June 23, 2020

Guide to Career in Fashion Law; Work Profile, Opportunities and Scope
Legal Desire, June 22, 2020

A Guide to Understanding and Avoiding Cultural Appropriation
ThoughtCo., June 18, 2020

Fashion questions now – Professor Susan Scafidi & Jeff Trexler
University of the Arts London, June 16, 2020

Lessons Learned: Alumni Reflect on Navigating New Careers in Tough Times
Fordham Law News, June 11, 2020

Innovative Solutions to Fast Fashion Challenges
Environmental Law Institute, June 10, 2020

New Remote Networking Program Fosters Alumni-Student Relationships
Fordham Law News, June 4, 2020

TV host Jimmy Fallon apologizes for wearing blackface in old SNL clip after being slammed on social media
Asia Ville News, May 27, 2020

Going Viral: Fashion, Law, and the Coronavirus
Fordham Law News, April 29, 2020

How Fashion Is Navigating The COVID-19 Pandemic
US Chamber of Commerce, April 16, 2020

Collaboration, Compassion Key for Supply Chain Crisis Management 
Sourcing Journal, April 2, 2020

Modeling Agencies Feeling the Pain, Developing Digital Solutions
WWD, March 31, 2020

What Fashion Brands Need to Know about the Stimulus Package
Business of Fashion, March 27, 2020

Experts Unpack the Massive Cross-Industry Impact of the Coronavirus
US Chamber of Commerce, March 20, 2020

Living & Working In the New Reality 
Look Online, March 19, 2020

Fashion as Art: Rights and Remedies in the Age of Social Media
MDPI, March 11, 2020

Coronavirus, Cancellations, and Contracts
WWD, March 10, 2020

Watch the Careers In Gaming Fashion Panel From PAX East 2020
Geekfold, March 5, 2020

The fight for the Phillie Phanatic: Who owns the essence of an iconic mascot?
The Score, March 4, 2020

TikTok teens are obsessed with fake luxury products
CNBC, March 1, 2020

The Law and Ethics on Cultural Appropriation
Durham University, February 28, 2020

How to Tell if your Louis Vuitton is Fake
Budget Fashionista, February 27, 2020

Phillie Phanatic Fight Shines Spotlight on Copyright Licensing
Bloomberg Law, February 26, 2020

The Origin of Fashion Law And It’s Arrival in Spain 
Enrique Ortega Burgos, February 22, 2020

Dressing For The Campaign Trail Can Be Tough For Female Candidates
Washington Post, February 19, 2020

Fashion Laws with comparison
Be Attractive, February 18, 2020

Fashion Between Inspiration and Appropriation
MDPI, February 12, 2020

Forever 21 get $81 Million Stalking-Horse Bid From ABG, Landlords
WWD, February 3, 2020

Can Beyoncé or Adidas Sue Popeyes Over Ivy Park-Inspired Collection?
Complex, January 31, 2020

Fashion Law Speaker- The Intersection of Copyright and Fashion 
Cornell, January 31, 2020

Fashion Law Professional Development Workshop
University of Arts London, January 31, 2020

Creation, Destruction, and the Future of Fashion
Fordham Intellectual Property, Media, & Entertainment Law Journal, January 30, 2020

Albany Strip Club Must Face Carmen Electra Image Use Claims (3) 
Bloomberg Law, January 29, 2020

The Failure of the Forever 21 Empire
January 17, 2020

Rosita Arvigo on Cultural Appropriation
Lotus Womb, January 7, 2020

Multiculturalism, or Culture or Appropriation
City Journal, January 3 , 2020

Thursday 6/25 event: CSM x FLI

Fashion Law Institute gavel logo hitting coronavirus

In a world challenged by COVID-19 lockdowns and other political struggles and ethical concerns, the fashion industry is united in our search for new business strategies. How can fashion designers and businesses protect themselves amidst a global recession? What does the revision of the fashion calendar mean for sales cycles, and should the industry be setting a common calendar at all? What are the best ways for fashion brands and media outlets to address diversity and inclusion? Is sustainability sustainable when companies are struggling to survive? This special event co-hosted with Central Saint Martins will explore how fashion professionals and companies can adapt to these and other emerging challenges, with speakers including Professors Susan Scafidi and Jeff Trexler along with other industry guests.

SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

  • Abisade Adenubi, Heritage Apparels
  • John Maltbie, Louis Vuitton
  • Don M. Obert, The Obert Law Firm
  • Stephen Sidkin, Fox Williams
  • Jeff Trexler, Moda Legal
  • Gary Wassner, Hilldun
  • Moderator: Professor Susan Scafidi, Fashion Law Institute

Register here!

SCOTUS on trans rights, dress codes

Bostock v Clayton County GA Supreme Court ruling header with rainbow filter background

The Supreme Court has released its landmark ruling in Harris Funeral Homes v. EEOC, which is consolidated under Bostock v. Clayton County. Key passages and the whole ruling PDF below — in brief, the Court holds that it is illegal to fire someone for being transgender, but the ruling expressly does not reach the issue of dress codes.

RIP: Dr. Arnauld F. “Scotty” Scafidi, 1937-2020

Professor Scafidi, seated above and looking at her father, Arnauld F. "Scotty" Scafidi

As some of you know, Professor Scafidi’s father passed away on Easter Sunday of natural causes unrelated to the coronavirus. They were very close, and she has posted a tribute on her Facebook page here.

What you may not know is that Dr. Scafidi was effectively given his name by the cosmetics magnate Elizabeth Arden, founder of the iconic Red Door spa & salon chain dramatized in the Broadway musical War Paint and now closed permanently in the wake of the coronavirus.

Before Dr. Scafidi was born, his father, Antone B. Scafidi, was hired by Miss Arden as the star hair stylist for her flagship salon in New York. In keeping with the parlance of the era, he should have been known to all as “Mr. Antone,” but a Polish hairdresser by way of Paris, Monsieur Antoine, had a rival salon down the street at Saks Fifth Avenue. To avoid confusion and a potential trademark issue, Miss Arden decreed that her charismatic and charming stylist would be known as “Mr. Arnauld” – keeping the initial, adding a touch of French savoir faire, and ultimately allowing the name to be pronounced in good New York fashion. When Antone’s first child came along, he eschewed the tradition of naming a first son after his paternal grandfather and instead passed along the more “American” name Arnauld.

Arnauld as an infant, held by his parents, Catherine and Antone Scafidi

Dr. Scafidi didn’t particularly care for the frequently misspelled name and generally went by the high school nickname of Scotty – a story for another day. He did, however, absorb quite a bit of fashion and beauty industry knowledge through his parents as well as family friends and relatives in the business, and he very much enjoyed meeting many of you at the Fashion Law Institute’s 3rd anniversary show under the tents at New York Fashion week in 2013, which happened to coincide with his 50th wedding anniversary.

We offer a stylish sendoff to the father of our Fashion Law Institute founder and send our condolences to the Scafidi family.

In addition, we’d like to extend our sympathy to the many members of our community who are mourning friends and loved ones now, and at the same time struggling with the day-to-day difficulties of the current crisis. We’ll figure this out together and return stronger than ever.

Professor Scafidi and her father

Video: Fashion & the Coronavirus panel

Thank you to our panelists and attendees at our first online event! The complete video is above. We tried to answer as many questions as we could either in the group chat or in our discussions, but more responses and resources will follow soon!

ATTORNEY CLE INFORMATION

If you are an attorney seeking continuing legal education credit from New York or a state with New York reciprocity, you can receive CLE credit whether you saw the livestream or watch the event on demand.  Simply email us for the CLE materials link/password; fill out this official form, including the special codes announced at various points during the session; and email the completed to info@fashionlawinstitute.com. (If you've already emailed it to a different address, you don't need to email it again — we monitor all of our email addresses!)

For those watching the video on demand, the opportunity to request CLE credit is available.

DATE: Friday, March 27, 2020
TIME: 9:30 - 10:45am NYC time
VENUE: Zoom
NYS CLE: 1.5 hours professional practice,
transitional and non-transitional

GOING VIRAL
Fashion & the Coronavirus

"Going viral" was the most sought-after metaphor of the millennium -- until a real virus stopped the world from turning. Our hearts go out to all who have suffered during the current crisis, whether directly through illness or indirectly through upheaval in our personal and professional lives.

We all want to reach out and contribute what we can at this difficult time. For the Fashion Law Institute, that means connecting with you, our global community, and offering a free online event with CLE credit for attorneys and information for everyone.

The coronavirus has of course raised many concerns throughout the fashion industry, from managing production and the supply chain to re-reading contracts, changing retail's try-on culture, closing stores, canceling events, and shifting work online, all the while maintaining continuity with regard to brand protection and other legal matters.

If this moment in history has an (antimicrobial) silver lining, it's that we can come together to share solutions for the issues at hand and the rebuilding that is still to come.

The coronavirus may have a regal name, but cooperation is humanity's crowning glory.

Be well, and we hope to see you at our 10th annual symposium, now in September!

SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

  • Diana Bernal, Retail consultant
  • Nancy Bishai, APP Group (MACKAGE and SOIA & KYO)
  • Cristina Del Valle, Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • Karyn D. Jefferson, Benjamin Moore & Co.
  • Tony Kim, Hero Within
  • Don M. Obert, The Obert Law Firm
  • Jeff Trexler, Moda Legal
  • Gary Wassner, Hilldun
  • Moderator: Professor Susan Scafidi, Fashion Law Institute

CSM x Fashion Law Institute

Transparent Fashion Law Institute gavel and spool of thread logo over UK and US flags

The Fashion Law Institute is going to London!

A new decade brings new opportunities and challenges to the fashion industry – and when it comes to strategic thinking, two heads are better than one. Join thought leaders from the Fashion Law Institute and Central Saint Martins, together for the first time to discuss the changing legal and business landscape and what it means for fashion’s future.

The first annual CSM x Fashion Law Institute Fashion Law Professional Development Workshop will take place on November 5, 2020 (NEW DATE) from 10am-4pm at CSM . Exploring what’s ahead in the industry, it’s designed to share everything our two institutions’ know about the industry’s legal and business environment, supporting professionals who want to prepare for fashion’s changing future.

This programme is created for designers, entrepreneurs, lawyers, and other fashion industry professionals. It will be led by Professor Susan Scafidi, the Fashion Law Institute’s founder and director, and Jeff Trexler, the Institute’s associate director, in conjunction with Central Saint Martins Fashion academics. Other guest speakers will include fashion in-house counsel, designers, and executives.

The level of this workshop is intermediate or advanced and would suit practicing professionals that would like to learn more about Fashion Law.

The aim of the workshop is to underpin innovative design and communication with a richer awareness of fashion law and business for fashion industry professionals. The programme will cover key developments and trends in such important areas as intellectual property, privacy, advertising, antitrust, and international trade.

This Professional Development day will be a mixture of discussions and lectures. This dynamic structure has been designed to be engaging and allow for participants to network, learn from each other and gain valuable information from the course leaders.

Register here!

(Please note that outside the U.S., the shortform for November 5, 2020 is written as 5/11/2020 — that’s November, not May!)

Inside Out 5: Fashion’s In-House Counsel

Sold out announcement for event -- Inside Out 5: Fashion's In-House Counsel on the New Roaring '20s, on Friday, February 7, 9:30-10:45am. Black and white image of a Prohibition-era woman's legs with a flask tucked in a garter.

 

A new decade brings new challenges to the fashion industry, and in-house counsel are at the cutting edge of change. Join us for our annual New York Fashion Week legal speakeasy, "Inside Out 5: Fashion's In-House Counsel on the New Roaring '20s." 

DATE: Friday, February 7, 2020
TIME: 9:30-10:45am (breakfast 9am)
PLACE: Fordham Law School, 150 W. 62nd Street, Room 7-119
NYS CLE: 1.5 hours professional practice, transitional and non-transitional

SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

  • Karyn D. Jefferson, Benjamin Moore
  • Marie Funel, Birchbox
  • Nick Barnhorst, Fresh
  • Louise Firestone, LVMH
  • Jeffrey Hellman, PVH
  • Ashley Valdes, Warby Parker