Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
Diversity Not "In" at Fashion Week
By
Jen Carlson
Published Feb 10, 2008
Modified Mar 7, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Carlson
Published Feb 10, 2008
Modified Mar 7, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Before the first model walked down the runway, Naomi Campbell spoke out about the lack of minorities at this year's Fashion Week. The Daily News follows up on her initial accusation as the tents emptied out this weekend, saying that "a campaign to promote diversity on the runways during New York's Fashion Week appears to have failed miserably."
According the paper, out of 1,584 model slots, 94 (6%) went to black models, 17 (1%) to Latinas accounted and 95 (6%) to Asians for 95. Of the 66 designers who showed in Bryant Park's tents, 18 had no black models, and 6 had all-white lineups. Some in the industry spoke up:
"I'm disappointed," supermodel Naomi Campbell told The News when she learned of the findings. "For this to be going on in 2008 is just shocking."
"We are losing the colors in fashion," said supermodel Tyson Beckford, who was seen applauding the rare black model to strut past him at several shows. "Every season, you notice it's starting to get worse. We're not afraid to call them out."
The designers point blame at the modeling agencies, however, saying that they don't send enough models. Michelle Smith, of Milly, said "of the approximately 450 girls we saw on castings from 16 different agencies, only 12 were African-American." Smith did cast one black model but cut her when she gained weight. Reminding us that fashion pretty much always discriminates.
Photo from Marc Jacobs show via Grape Juice Girl's Flickr.
Tagged
bryant
bryant park
daily news
discrimination
diversity
fashion
fashion week
flickr
marc jacobs
models
naomi campbell
new york
news
the daily news
the industry
The News
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
A Mumford & Sons member is opening a new venue in Williamsburg's Domino Sugar Factory
Domino will welcome audiences in April of 2027.
By
Sonia Rao
Published Nov 13, 2026
An expert guide to navigating the Fulton Center subway frankenstation
Bonus tip: There's a Krispy Kreme.
By
Elizabeth Shwe
and
James Ramsay
Arts & Entertainment
An expert guide to navigating the Fulton Center subway frankenstation
Bonus tip: There's a Krispy Kreme.
By
Elizabeth Shwe
and
James Ramsay
A good bet: New Yorkers are lining up to become casino dealers
By
Hannah Frishberg
Long-lost Georgia O’Keeffe painting found in East Village closet
By
Hannah Frishberg
The real race at the NYC Marathon is getting to the front of the toilet line
By
Samantha Max
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .