Even now, when I tell folks that I’m doing a little bit of fashion law work, they exclaim with genuine surprise. Not necessarily because it’s me doing it, more like confusion, “You mean, that’s a thing?”I am still struck with how little ‘official’ recognition the fashion law niche carries.I received an email advertisement to attend a legal seminar on “food truck, beer, and brewery law.”No one would ask, “is that a thing?” about Baguettaboutit, Chirba Chirba, Shotgun Betty & Hell Yes Ma’am.(Baguettaboutit food truck with toasted baguettes filled with deliciousness; Chirba Chirba dumpling heaven on wheels; Shotgun Betty hefeweizen from LoneRider and Belgian golden from Raleigh Brewing Company – my faves).
Fashion is a $1.2 Billion global industry.American consumers spend $250 million each year on clothing & accessories.Every American man, woman, and child, spends some money on apparel every year.Every day, every single man, woman, and child touches some type of garment.
Notably, the twice-yearly fashion weeks in New York City bring in revenue that is MORE than the economic impact to the host city of the SUPER BOWL.More than the Super Bowl. $900 million for NYFW vs. $60-600 million for football.BOOM.( Super Bowl impact $60 million say the statisticians and economists, $600 million say the NFL. Either way, fashion wins.)
Yet, there is no confusion about “Sports Law.”There are well-established law school curriculums in prestigious schools like Marquette, Tulane, and Villanova.There are two fashion law programs, one at Loyola and the other at Fordham, where I studied.These programs are very well-respected and are growing, but they are new; the first course ever was offered at Fordham in 2006.Then, as now, the impression is that this line of work is “frivolous,” “superficial.” With almost $16 Billion in gross revenue in 2013, tell that to Gap, Inc. (Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, Athleta, Intermix).