**7. Conclusions**

This work builds on the extension of copyright protection to fashion shows to answer three questions that are crucial in the fashion industry: Are fashion shows copyrightable subject matter? Who is the copyright owner of the work? Are models considered performers?

As to the first question, fashion shows can be protected under copyright in Italy, as there is not a fixation requirement for copyright works nor is there a closed catalogue of copyright subject matter. In this respect, the most akin creations to fashion shows are performance arts, which allow the repetition of a given plot but are also subject to a certain degree of variation, influenced by environmental and social conditions.

Regarding the second question, fashion shows fall within the category of "collective works" and, although they are the result of the work of a number of contributors (architects, set designers, sound and light technicians, hairdressers, makeup artists, seamstresses, etc.), the author has to be considered the director, who is in charge of devising and organizing such work. Typically, fashion *maisons* appoint well-known art directors to create and coordinate fashion shows.

With respect to the role of models, international laws set a minimum standard whereby as long as a performance is the interpretation of a copyrighted work, performers' rights shall apply. It is reasonable to argue that the performance of the model in the context of the fashion show involves a role of "remarkable artistic importance", thus warranting protection by neighboring rights. Therefore, if this is the case, and once it is established that fashion shows enjoy copyright protection, countries denying performer rights to models walking down the catwalk might theoretically be in breach of their international obligations.

To be on the safest side, fashion companies should include in their agreements a clause whereby all the relevant individuals, including fashion directors and models, transfer their economic rights as authors, coauthors, and performers of the fashion show.

Finally, copyright protection could be accompanied by further tools, such as registered or unregistered designs for the single elements of a scene or choreography or unfair competition, if the general look and feel of a former fashion shows has been slavishly imitated.

**Author Contributions:** Writing—original draft, E.V. and V.M.

**Funding:** This research received no external funding.

**Conflicts of Interest:** The authors declare no conflict of interest.
