Thefashion industryhas been notoriously undiverse in the past, but recent bounds towards inclusivity means black models are finally capable of getting the popularity, success and opportunities they deserve on therunway. Here, we take a look at some of the top black fashion models in the industry.
1.Adut Akech
Adut Akechis a 21-year-old South Sudanese-Australian model. She was scouted multiple times as a young teenager but started her career at 16 when she signed to Chadwick Models and made her fashion weekrunwaydebut in theSaint LaurentS/S 17 show.
She then went on to close both their F/W 17 and S/S 18 shows as an exclusive, signing to Elite Model Management in Paris and securing her place as one of the most popular black fashion models in 2020.
2.Naomi Campbell
Naomi was one of the “super 6”, a group of models in the 90’s thought of as the firstsupermodels.
She first came into the limelight in her early teens as a dancer. She was soon noticed for her beauty and graced the cover of Elle magazine just before her 16th birthday. Her career exploded and she is still to this day thought of as one of the biggest and most successfulsupermodelsto date.
3.Jourdan Dunn
Jourdan is an English model andactresswho is considered to be one of this generation’s topsupermodels. She was scouted at the age of 15 whilst shopping with a friend in a London Primark and was quickly signed to Storm Management.
Since then, Jourdan has walked manyrunwaysand featured on the covers of many Vogues including British, America, Turkey, Japan and Brazil. She has walked in theVictoria’s Secret Fashion Showand featured in a campaign with MaybellineNew York.
4.Iman
Imanis a former fashion model and was discovered whilst at university. She promptly moved to America to pursue her career.
Her first modelling job was forVogue. She soon became extremely popular and was amusefor Versace, Halston,Calvin Klein, Donna Karan andYves Saint Laurent.
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5.Winnie Harlow
Winnie Harlowgot her big break after featuring on the 21stcycleofAmerica’s Next Top Model. Following her elimination from the show, she became the first brand representative for the Spanish clothing brandDesigual. She then shot for Glamour and Cosmopolitan magazines and was featured onVogueItalia’s website.
She has modelled for brands including Fendi, Marc Jacobs,DiorandTommy Hilfigerand in 2018 she modelled for theVictoria’s Secret Fashion Show. She is a regular public speaker about her skin condition, Vitiligo.
6.Beverly Johnson
In 1974,Beverly Johnsonrose to fame when she became thefirst black modelto appear on the cover ofAmerican Vogue. She is considered to be one of the most influential people in fashion and has graced more than 500 magazine covers.
She has also written several books and branched out into acting.
7.Slick Woods
Slick is am American model known for her bald head, tattoos and tooth gap. At 24, she has already had a successful career. She was discovered by male model Ash Stymest and has gone on to do campaigns withCalvin Kleinand Moschino.
She is one of the facesFentyBeauty,Rihanna‘s make-up brand.
8.Tyra Banks
Tyra began her modelling career aged 15 and went on to be the first woman of African-American descent to feature on the covers ofGQand theSports IllustratedSwimsuit Issue.
She was a Victoria’s Secret Angel for several years and was one of the world’s top-earning models. Since then, she created the popular TV showAmerica’s Next Top Modeland has authored a book called Modelland. She has also created a model-orientated theme park in Santa Monica.
9. Jasmine Tookes
Jasmine is an American model. Her mother is a celebrity fashion stylist and Jasmine was discovered at one of her mother’s showroom appointments.
As well as being a Victoria’s Secret Angel, Jasmine has worked for Tom Ford,Calvin Klein, Burberry, Moschino and Ralph Lauren.
10.Leomie Anderson
Leomie is an English model and designer and started her modelling career in 2010. After auditioning 3 times she was finally accepted to model in theVictoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
Since then, she has become one of the faces of theFentyBeauty andPat McGrath‘s make-up lines. She has also launched her own clothing line.
11.Veronica Webb
Veronica is famous for being thefirst African-American modelto have a major cosmetics contract.
After a makeup artist saw her in a housewares boutique, she dropped out of school to become a model.
She has worked for Victoria’s Secret,Chanel,Vogue,Revlonand Todd Oldham.
12.Grace Jones
Jamaican modelGrace Jonesis most famous for her incredible music career, but she is also well-known for her fashion sense and her work as a model. Beginning her modelling career inNew York, she then moved to Paris and was – and remains – well-known for her androgynous appearance.
Grace Joneshas a very unique make-up and fashion style. She has also had a successful acting career and was a Bond girl in the James Bond film ‘A View to Kill’.
13.Rihanna
Rihannamay be asingerby trade but she has also had a big impact on thefashion world. She launched her own fashion brand,Fenty, and an underwear line called Savage XFenty. She hires many diverse models and has been applauded for the amount of diversity she has introduced into the industry.
14.Donyale Luna
Donyale Lunais an American model from the late 60s. She was thought of as the world’s firstblack supermodeland was thefirst African-American modelto appear on the cover of BritishVogue.
She was a cover girl 11 times and paved the way for future black fashion models to find success in the modelling industry.
15. Tyson Beckford
Beckford was discovered inNew Yorkcity and was named ‘Man of the Year’ in 1995 by VH1. He was thefirst black modelto sign anexclusive contractwith Ralph Lauren.
He is considered to be the most successful black model of all time and has expanded his career by featuring on multiple TV shows includingAmerica’s Next Top Modeland the American version of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here.
Who is the Highest-Paid Black Model?
Naomi CampbellandTyra Banksare thought to be the richestblack female supermodels. Their careers have spanned decades and they have branched out into other industries including music and TV.
The most successful black male model is thought to be Tyson Beckford. He received huge contracts during the 90’s and was as popular as the top female supermodels of the time. His TV appearances have kept him on the radar and he has featured on many TV shows and music videos.
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As a seasoned enthusiast with a deep understanding of the fashion industry, I can attest to the significant strides made in recent years towards promoting diversity and inclusivity. The article you've shared highlights some of the top black fashion models who have not only broken barriers but also shaped the industry's landscape. The recognition of these models is a testament to the ongoing efforts to create a more diverse and representative space within the fashion world.
Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Adut Akech:
- South Sudanese-Australian model.
- Signed with Chadwick Models and later Elite Model Management in Paris.
- Notable for closing Saint Laurent shows.
-
Naomi Campbell:
- Part of the "super 6," considered the first supermodels in the 90s.
- Emerged as a model after being noticed for her beauty at an early age.
- Graced the cover of Elle magazine before turning 16.
-
Jourdan Dunn:
- English model and actress.
- Discovered at the age of 15 while shopping in London.
- Featured on various Vogue covers and walked in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
-
Iman:
- Former fashion model discovered while at university.
- Popular muse for Versace, Halston, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, and Yves Saint Laurent.
- First modeling job was for Vogue.
-
Winnie Harlow:
- Gained prominence on America’s Next Top Model.
- First brand representative for Desigual.
- Modeled for Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Dior, Tommy Hilfiger, and Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
-
Beverly Johnson:
- Rose to fame in 1974 as the first black model on the cover of American Vogue.
- Featured on more than 500 magazine covers.
- Influential figure in fashion, also involved in acting and writing.
-
Slick Woods:
- Known for her distinctive features – bald head, tattoos, and tooth gap.
- Discovered by Ash Stymest, worked with Calvin Klein, Moschino, and is associated with Fenty Beauty.
-
Tyra Banks:
- First woman of African-American descent on GQ and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covers.
- Victoria’s Secret Angel and creator of America’s Next Top Model.
- Authored a book called Modelland and created a model-oriented theme park.
-
Jasmine Tookes:
- American model, discovered at her mother’s showroom appointment.
- Victoria’s Secret Angel and worked for Tom Ford, Calvin Klein, Burberry, Moschino, and Ralph Lauren.
-
Leomie Anderson:
- English model and designer.
- Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show participant.
- Associated with Fenty Beauty and Pat McGrath’s makeup lines, launched her own clothing line.
-
Veronica Webb:
- First African-American model with a major cosmetics contract.
- Worked for Victoria’s Secret, Chanel, Vogue, Revlon, and Todd Oldham.
-
Grace Jones:
- Jamaican model known for her music career and androgynous appearance.
- Worked in New York and Paris, successful in modeling and acting.
- Bond girl in the James Bond film 'A View to Kill.'
-
Rihanna:
- Singer and fashion icon, launched Fenty fashion brand and Savage X Fenty underwear line.
- Known for promoting diversity in the fashion industry.
-
Donyale Luna:
- Late 60s American model, considered the world’s first black supermodel.
- First African-American model on the cover of British Vogue.
-
Tyson Beckford:
- Discovered in New York City, named 'Man of the Year' in 1995.
- First black model to sign an exclusive contract with Ralph Lauren.
- Considered the most successful black model, featured on TV shows like America’s Next Top Model.
The article concludes by noting that Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks are thought to be the richest black female supermodels, while Tyson Beckford is considered the most successful black male model. This underlines the enduring impact these models have had on the industry, both in terms of breaking barriers and achieving financial success.
