Lupo and Marsh Quoted On Lawyers’ Pivotal Role in the Met Gala

Law360

Chairman Anthony Lupo and Consumer Products Group Co-Leader Michelle Mancino Marsh were quoted on how attorneys play a pivotal role behind the scenes at the Met Gala, one of the world’s premier fashion events.

Lawyers are integral in advising on contract agreements between fashion houses and brands and celebrities, including morals clauses.

“Those [contractual terms] have become de rigueur for brands who are working with celebrities and have an expectation that the behavior matches the brand’s goodwill,” Michelle said, adding that some designers may be ok with political statements on the red carpet while others are not.

Tony remarked that though such provisions are typical for these types of agreements, they are unlikely to be relevant, as attendees are approved by Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue and chief content officer at Condé Nast.

“This is an event to be seen at — [the celebrities] are on their game,” he said.

Attorneys are also integral to the relationships between celebrities and the various brand agreements they enter into, safeguarding that whatever combination is selected does not breach any existing contracts.

“That’s the No. 1 risk for talent,” Tony said.

Michelle added that celebrities often rely on skilled attorneys to handle negotiations with fashion houses, ensuring all parties are protected and expectations are met.

She said, “Most celebrities are really not dressing themselves, and they’re not negotiating the terms themselves. They are using highly skilled entertainment and media attorneys to interact with fashion houses to make sure everyone is protected and that expectations are set and met.”

A particular celebrity concern is whether a look or item could and would be copied, a problem more likely to come up for accessories designers, Michelle noted.

“Where IP attorneys tend to get involved [in the design review process] is accessories, like handbags and footwear, where there’s less room for creativity and so there’s a smaller playground for designs.”

Ultimately, an attorney’s role for events like the Met Gala is to help protect relationships between brands and celebrities.

“Ensuring that the talent and the brand have not gone afoul of any agreements — that’s the No. 1 thing,” Tony said.

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