Black Models

Black Models Who Shaped Fashion History, trailblazing models who have made an impact on high fashion on the runway and off.

There are few black models or non-existent or the token model. But these pioneer models breakthrough the barriers in the fashion world and diversifying the industry to pave the way for the younger generation and passing the torch to them.

They're more than a pretty face they're business women and successful entrepreneurs. Ladies, keep slaying and shine brightly!

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Widely credited as the first African American supermodel, Naomi Sims started modeling in the ‘60s and was one of the first to sign to Wilhelmina Models.

Meik Magazine

Detroit-born model Donyale Luna was one of Andy Warhol's "Superstars" in the '60s, appearing in several of his films, in addition to having a successful editorial and runway career.

One of the best-known Black models worldwide, Somali-born Iman was discovered while in university by photographer Pete Beard in 1975.

Sudanese-British Alek Wek was discovered in the Crystal Palace outdoor market in London when she was 18 years old, and gained exposure when she starred in Tina Turner's "GoldenEye" music video.

Known for outrageous, avant-garde personal style, the Jamaican singer, actress, and model Grace Jones was one of the first Black women in the fashion business, where she modeled in Paris for designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Alaïa, before appearing on numerous magazine covers.

Vogue

Beverly Johnson set several firsts in her career as a Black model. In addition to landing the “Vogue” cover, she was also the first Black woman on the cover of French “Elle.”

Along with Pat Cleveland, Billie Blair was one of the Black models who walked at the famous Battle of Versailles fashion show in 1973. The model was successful throughout the '70s and '80s.

thegentlewoman

Pat Cleveland was discovered at age 14 and went on to become a Halstonette in the 1970s. Tired of the racism she experienced in the American fashion industry, Cleveland moved to Paris and said she wouldn’t return to the U.S. until a Black model made it on the cover of “Vogue.” She upheld that promise and only moved back after Beverly Johnson earned the cover in 1974.

Bethann Hardison

Bethann Hardison was a major supermodel in the '60s and '70s, working for Ford Models. She became a modeling scout and discovered fellow superstar Naomi Campbell.

The Sun

Perhaps the most famous Black supermodel, Naomi Campbell was officially discovered at age 15 while shopping in London, though she had appeared in a Bob Marley music video as a child. After she was scouted, she became a top supermodel of the late '80s and '90s, and remains a major figure in the industry today.

Models Wiki - Fandom

Tyra Banks started modeling at age 15, and was signed to Elite Model Management at 16. She was the first Black woman to cover both “GQ” and the “Sports Illustrated” Swimsuit Issue.

Joan Smalls came onto the scene in 2007, when she finished college and was immediately signed by Elite Model Management. She became an industry fixture when she was signed exclusively by Givenchy for Riccardo Tisci's haute couture show for Spring/Summer 2010.

W Magazine

Winnie Harlow first gained prominence in 2014 as a contestant on the 21st cycle of the “America's Next Top Model.” Since then the Canadian has been a role model for other Black girls and those with the skin condition vitiligo, as she’s dominated runways and editorials.

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South Sudanese-Australian model Adut Akech made her fashion week runway debut as an exclusive in the Saint Laurent Spring/Summer 2017 show and has become a prominent face on the runways of Valentino, Versace, Burberry, and many more top designers.

IMG Models

Chanel Iman Robinson Shepard is an American model. She is best known for her work as a Victoria's Secret Angel. Vogue Paris declared her as one of the top 30 models of the 2000s. She is half African American and half Korean.

Allure

Veronica Webb was discovered in the mid-‘80s, and upon signing on as a spokesmodel with Revlon, she became the first Black model to win a major cosmetics contract.

Select Model Management

Precious Lee is a trailblazer for Black curve models in the fashion world, having made a splash at Versace’s Spring/Summer 2021 show last year and becoming the first African American curve model in “Vogue.” She’s outspoken in her activism for making fashion a more inclusive space for all races and sizes.

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