October 1, 2006

Writers Alert:  Fashion Windows

Fashion Windows, an online fashion magazine out of Dallas, Texas, refuses to pay an NWU member almost $5,000 against invoices for photographic work completed in 2004 and 2005.

The member started a working relationship with Fashion Windows in mid 2000. Over the next four years he worked for the same rate for each job he did for Fashion Windows, and he was regularly paid on his invoices.

Then, after the member completed a job in October, 2004, Fashion Windows delayed payment, citing “accounting” issues. Fashion Windows repeatedly said they would pay interest on the delayed payment and that the check was in the mail. No payment was forthcoming.

Based on his favorable past relationship with Fashion Windows, the member nevertheless took on another Fashion Windows job in April, 2005. When the member invoiced for the April work, Fashion Windows again delayed payment, citing a variety of reasons. Then Fashion Windows tried to “kill” the project by sending him a check for $500.

Despite persistent attempts by an NWU Grievance Officer and by the National Grievance Officer, Fashion Windows flatly refuses to pay the photographer unless he sends them the rolls of film (something they never asked for in the past) as proof that he did the work. The cost of the film represents a small portion of the total invoice, but Fashion Windows has stonewalled on paying anything at all. The photographer made and sent contact sheets (at considerable expense), but Fashion Windows won’t accept them as proof.

The NWU urges its members to consider these facts before undertaking assignments from Fashion Windows.