Update: Cosmo Adds to Information About KYA Incident

“No Dark Skin”

Earlier this week, we reported on the incident at the KYA Swim casting during Miami Swim Week, where models were allegedly victims of racial discrimination. Today, Cosmopolitan has expanded on the coverage, reporting that, according to Joia Talbott, it was the KYA casting director who told all the models in line, “No dark skin.”

According to Cosmo:

“That is what came out of her mouth. Quote for quote,” Talbott says. Talbott says the woman said the casting was closed, even though a line of mostly white models was still waiting downstairs, waiting to be called up.

“We get chosen over every day, that just comes with the territory—either they like you or they don’t. That’s not what it is. I have very thick skin,” she says, adding that her issue is more about the way in which the casting practices “went above and beyond to be disrespectful and degrading towards women of color.”

the casting went above and beyond to be disrespectful and degrading towards women of color

Pictures of the KYA show can be seen here.

##

With love,

FWO

Follow Fashion Week Online® on Instagram for exclusive content

You may also enjoy ...

Sarawong Praise of Shadow Spring/Summer 27

On the occasion of Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2027, SARAWONG unveils Praise of Shadow, a collection that turns away from the impulse to banish...

Fashion Scout’s Ones To Watch: Edition 03

Marking the close of Fashion Scout’s three-part Ones To Watch programme for its 20th anniversary season, Edition 03 brought together seven emerging designers –...

Unique Fashion Show New York 2026: Where Global Design, Sustainability, and Art Converged on Park Avenue

Designers, artists, diplomats, and industry leaders from six continents gathered at the historic Park Avenue Christian Church for a night that redefined what a...