In the glamorous sphere of fashion that thrives on creativity and mutual respect, trust and good reputation are vital currencies. For many emerging fashion designers, who pour their heart and soul into every stitch and drape, making a mark in the industry requires not just talent, but the right guidance and opportunities. Amid this hopeful endeavor, unfortunately, instances of exploitation and deceit overshadow the glitz and glamour, leaving budding designers feeling betrayed and defeated. It is essential to highlight such instances and educate the industry to protect the rights of young creatives. One such alarming incident revolves around the well-known Los Angeles events company The Movement LA, owned by Kisha Nicole Waters, and the fashion designer Sherita Moss from Moss Kouture.
Sherita Moss, a promising name in the fashion world, viewed Kisha Nicole not only as a business associate but also as a mentor and friend, especially in times of hardship. However, she experienced the harsh realities of the business world when she encountered an unexpected side of Kisha Nicole. Sherita, disappointed by several fashion shows’ lack of quality, which did not benefit her brand, decided not to pay for future shows, which also included those organized by Kisha.
Despite Sherita’s disappointment and resolve to not fund more fashion shows, Kisha Nicole continued to demand payments. She lured Sherita into agreeing by promising her a top-tier fashion show that would be broadcasted on a leading major streaming platform. As Sherita eagerly anticipated this significant boost for her brand, none of the promises came to fruition, leaving her feeling swindled and distressed.
Sherita recounts this heartbreaking episode and notes, “I dropped out of the show early. All the stuff that she promised to those other designers, and that she promised me never happened. One of the things that she promised was, that this show was going to be streaming on a major streaming platform. I have the emails with her and her assistant trying to set up appointments and dates for me to interview with the platform. She purposely scheduled that interview around the time that I was going to be in New York for Fashion Week. She knew I wasn’t going to be available. And I told her assistant, ‘I told you guys and Kisha all the things that I had coming up, and needed to know when the interview would be.'”
This incident serves as a poignant instance of the exploitation fashion designers can face at the hands of individuals, like Kisha Nicole, who place their interests over ethical business practices. This betrayal not only compromised Sherita’s trust in Kisha Nicole but also negatively impacted her brand’s reputation in the industry. What was expected to be a fruitful association tarnished her brand’s image and subjected her to unwarranted stress and anxiety.
The case of Sherita Moss and The Movement LA/Kisha Nicole shines a harsh light on the darker edges of the fashion industry that seldom surface in public discourse. Aside from Moss Kouture, other victims include Mike Malone and Luis Aviles Mx. It underscores the need for increased transparency, earnestness, and integrity in the business dealings of fashion. As the industry continues to thrive on the creativity and dedication of talented individuals like Sherita Moss, Mike Malone, and Luis Aviles, it becomes imperative to foster an environment that encourages innovation and ethical business practices, rather than opportunistic behavior.
The fight against exploitation and deceit in the industry is an ongoing one, and it begins with acknowledging and bringing forth such incidents that violate trust and tarnish reputations. While the world of fashion continues to dazzle us with beauty and creativity, it is essential to peel back the layers and address the issues that lurk beneath the surface, ensuring a fair and respectful playground for all aspiring designers.
