The CFDA Is Calling for Diverse Castings This NYFW

In a letter sent to the fashion community on Monday, CFDA president and CEO Steven Kolb issued a reminder pertaining the organization's Initiative for Health, Safety, and Diversity. According to the email, the CFDA is encouraging to designers and casting directors to "promote diversity and inclusion, on and off the runway" for the upcoming shows that begin on September 6.

New York Fashion Week has statistically been the most diverse and inclusive city compared to its European counterparts, according to The Fashion Spot's seasonal runway reports. The CFDA is no doubt looking to maintain American fashion's position as the leader in that department.

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In addition to its note about diversity and inclusion, fashion's governing body wants to make sure models and young people are taken care of and respected. "Additionally, we strongly encourage you to guard the well-being of younger individuals, to take into account the age of the models that you hire, and to create areas backstage for models to change in privacy," the letter states.

Kolb finished off his letter with a link to the CFDA's Initiative for Health, Safety, and Diversity, which describes at length the organization's three pillars to address health concerns for models, help those facing abuse and sexual harassment, and improve diversity on the runway.

As we await the first round of shows this season, fashion fans will no doubt look to see if brands and designers are taking these principles to heart.

Photo via Getty (Alexander Wang Spring 2020)