Bring ID, US designers tell models

Besides reiterating a recommendation that designers only cast models aged at least 16 years old, Diane Von Furstenberg and CFDA CEO Steven Kolb advised designers to require models to present valid ID as an enforcement measure.

The move follows Von Furstenberg’s widely reported gaffe from last season. Von Furstenberg only learned that Hailey Clauson was, at 15, below the recommended age threshold after the model had walked in her show.

‘The casting agents for the Diane von Furstenberg show will be doing this and we encourage others to do the same,’ the letter read. (FYI: In London, the BFC has banned models from walking in shows until they are at least 16.)

News of the CFDA letter emerged as an interview in which Michael Kors alludes to the difficulties of enforcing age limits went live on Interview magazine’s site.

‘I said two years ago, “No models under 16,”’ Kors said in conversation with model Lauren Hutton. ‘Well, of course, right after I said that, we started seeing all of these girls from Eastern Europe, and every girl who’d walk in, you’d say, “Hi. What’s your name?” And she’d be like, “I’m Svetlana.” I’m like, “Svetlana, where are you from?” “Ukraine.” “Svetlana, how old are you?” “16.” Next girl walks in—she’s from Eastern Europe and 16. Next one? Eastern European and 16. I was like, “Was there a bus?”’

Kors stops short