Black supermodels have long been fighting for their place at the fashion table and even though there are way more visible faces today (Sessilee Lopez, Chanel Iman, Melodie Monrose to name a few) than there were back in the 1970′s, fashion has still turned a blind eye to models of color and their impact on the fashion world.
We’re here to pay tribute. Although there are countless others, this group of 10 models have shaped the way fashion has viewed Black women and have opened the doors for the younger group of girls that are becoming more prevalent today.
Check out 10 iconic Black supermodels who have paved the way:
Naomi Sims
Photo: WENN
Naomi Sims is historically one the first Black models to exist and the first dark skinned model to grace the cover of major women’s lifestyle magazines such as Ladies Home Journal and Cosmopolitan. Hailing from Mississippi, Naomi Sims was in her prime of her career in the late 60′s and 70′s when the “Black Is Beautiful” movement was taking off. Her look was so unique at the time that she is credited for opening the doors for other Black supermodels who had darker complexions to be noticed. She passed away in 2009.
Pat Cleveland
Vogue Paris December 1990 Pat Cleveland-3Photo: Vogue Paris
Pat Cleveland was discovered on the train in NYC by then Vogue fashion editor, Carrie Donovan. Born in Harlem, Pat Cleveland is one of the original black supermodels of the 70′s along with Naomi Sims. She started as a model for Ebony‘s Fashion Fair tour but once she saw how racist Americans were towards Blacks while on tour she moved to Paris and began hanging out with the likes of Karl Lagerfeld and Juan Ramos. She was a muse to Halston and is known for being an exhibitionist and theatrical. She still models today and recently appeared in an ad campaign for Zac Posen with her daughter who is also a model.
Grace Jones
A View To A Kill Grace Jones pf
Photo: Getty
Who doesn’t know Grace Jones and her impact on the modelling world? Although her claim to fame is for her renowned singing and acting career, her iconic unrelenting style and role as muse to many designers has broadened the image of black women in fashion. Current celebrities like Rihanna and Lady Gaga cite her as their inspiration.
Beverly Johnsonbeverly_johnson_smi_0001
Photo: WENN
Beverly Johnson forever changed the course of Black women’s representation in fashion when she became the first Black woman to appear on the cover of Vogue U.S. After her appearance on the “fashion bible’s” cover designers everywhere began to use more African-American models in their campaigns and shows.
Naomi Campbell
naomi-campbell-by-karim-sadli-for-harpers-bazaar-march-2012-2
Naomi Campbell’s negative reputation had begun to precede the model herself but nonetheless, she is still one of the most iconic Black models to ever do it. Her successful career started in the 1980′s and has not let up since. She was the first black supermodel to be featured on the cover of Vogue Paris and British Vogue, and has booked countless fashion campaigns throughout her reign.
Iman
Iman-on-the-cover-of-German
Photo: Cosmopolitan
Iman is a world-renowned supermodel who has reached a point for the work she has done that she doesn’t even need to use her last name. Iman has since retired from the modeling industry to dive into the world of beauty and cosmetics and also advocate for other black models around the world. In 1994, she started Iman Cosmetics where she formulated beauty products for African-American women whose shades are not usually found in stores. It has proven successful and has grown into a multi-million dollar business. She also does a multitude of charity projects in her homeland of Somalia and throughout East Africa.
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