Epstein Files Expose Fashion Titan Faith Kates' Decades-Long Ties to Financier
The Jeffrey Epstein saga has taken a dramatic and deeply troubling turn, with newly released documents casting a harsh spotlight on the global fashion industry. The mandated disclosure of the "Epstein Files" by the US Justice Department, spanning late 2025 into early 2026, has unveiled connections to powerful figures, but none more shocking than the revelations about modeling mogul Faith Kates.
The Modeling Titan and Her Troubled Past
Faith Kates is a legendary name in fashion circles. As the co-founder of Next Model Management, established in 1989 alongside Joel Wilkenfeld and the late Jean-Luc Brunel, she helped shape the careers of countless models. However, the association with Brunel, who died in a French prison awaiting trial on Epstein-related sex trafficking charges, now appears as a significant red flag in retrospect.
An "Unconditional" Friendship Revealed
The leaked documents paint a disturbing picture of a nearly 40-year relationship between Kates and the convicted financier. These are not casual connections; the files mention Kates over 5,000 times, indicating profound involvement. Remarkably, even after Epstein's conviction for soliciting a minor, Kates maintained close ties. Emails from 2009 show her offering "unconditional" friendship and support, with one message stating, "I really do love you like a brother." Their correspondence continued until just weeks before Epstein's final arrest in 2019.
The Modeling Pipeline to Epstein
Allegations become particularly alarming when examining how Kates' professional role intersected with Epstein's activities. Records and interviews suggest she actively connected female models from her agency directly with Epstein. Former Victoria's Secret model Barbara Stoyanoff recounts a chilling episode where Kates arranged a meeting at Next's New York offices, resulting in Epstein allegedly asking Stoyanoff to lift her dress for body "evaluation." Another aspiring model was reportedly brought to him only to face brutal insults about her appearance and rejection from a trip on his private jet.
Communications reveal Epstein routinely requested names of girls for gala events or "aspiring actresses" for dinners. As recently as 2017, Kates allegedly sent him photos and intimate measurements of a former Next model.
Financial Ties and Secret Advice
Beyond social connections, their relationship involved substantial financial and advisory elements. Documents show discussions of multi-million dollar loans and Epstein funneling donations to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, where Kates served as president. She secretly relied on him for high-level business advice, indicating a bond that transcended mere acquaintance.
A Brutal Fall from Grace
When these documents surfaced late last year, backlash was swift and severe. Kates' camp attempted damage control, with a spokesperson labeling Epstein a "master manipulator" and denying any intentional harm to models. However, the fashion industry responded decisively. By December 2025, Kates abruptly stepped down from Next Management, with her official statement citing retirement for charity work, while insiders whispered she was forced out.
Next Management severed all legal ties, releasing a statement claiming ignorance of their co-founder's dark associations. For an industry built on image, this scandal leaves a permanent stain, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities and ethical failures at the highest levels.
