Gigi Hadid and Vogue Italia apologized Thursday following controversy about the model's darkened skin tone.
Hadid said on Twitter the heavy bronzer and editing were meant to show her in "a different way creatively."
The images were captured and re-touched by photographer American photographer Steven Klein.
"The bronzing and photoshop is a style that S. Klein has done for many years and I believe was what expected from the shoot (to show me in a different way creatively), BUT, although I understand what Vogue Italia's intentions were, it was not executed correctly, and the concerns that have been brought up are valid," Hadid wrote.
"Please know that things would have been different if my control of the situation was different," she said."Regardless, I want to apologize because my intention is never to diminish those concerns or take opportunities away from anyone else, and I hope this can be an example to other magazines and teams in the future."
Many criticized Hadid's appearance after Vogue Italia posted the cover Wednesday on Instagram.
"Yeah why hire a black model when we can paint Gigi's complete body and face to look like one," another person added in the comments.
Vogue Italia apologized in an Instagram post Thursday.
"Throughout its history, Vogue Italia has respected and encouraged the creative viewpoints of commissioned photographers. In our latest cover shoot by Steven Klein, the vision was to create a beachwear-themed story with a stylized bronzing effect," the magazine said.
"We understand that the result has caused some debate with our readers, and we sincerely apologize if we have caused any offense."
