29 Black Supermodels Who Changed Fashion Forever
Meet the trailblazing Black supermodels whose beauty, talent, and impact have shaped fashion’s global story.
Throughout fashion history, Black supermodels have not only inspired designers and audiences with their beauty and talent but also shattered barriers and redefined standards of representation in an industry that often struggled with diversity. This article celebrates 29 remarkable Black supermodels who transformed runways and magazine covers and continue to impact the fashion narrative today.
Table of Contents
- Beverly Johnson
- Naomi Campbell
- Iman
- Tyra Banks
- Donyale Luna
- Naomi Sims
- Winnie Harlow
- Pat Cleveland
- Grace Jones
- Alek Wek
- Jourdan Dunn
- Anok Yai
- Precious Lee
- Ducky Thot
- Shudu Gram
- Aja Kani
- Sessilee Lopez
- Chanel Iman
- Leomie Anderson
- Tyson Beckford
- Liya Kebede
- Karly Lopez
- Damaris Lewis
- Maria Borges
- Adut Akech
- Alton Mason
- Paloma Elsesser
- Betty Adeky
Beverly Johnson
Beverly Johnson became a legend when she was the first Black model to grace the cover of American Vogue in 1974, a groundbreaking moment that transformed possibilities for models of color. Her trailblazing career includes nearly 500 magazine covers, and she’s championed equity, health, and representation in the modeling world. Johnson has also written books, performed in film and TV, and received the Model Pioneer Award. Her memoir, The Face That Changed It All, candidly addresses industry issues like eating disorders and discrimination.
Naomi Campbell
Naomi Campbell, recognized internationally for her magnetic presence, started modeling at 15 and quickly became one of fashion’s most influential supermodels. She shattered barriers as the first Black woman on the covers of French Vogue, TIME, and the iconic U.S. Vogue September issue. Campbell is renowned for her fierce walk and work with designers like Versace and Ralph Lauren. Beyond modeling, she advocates for diversity, produces documentaries, and continues to mentor new talent.
Iman
Iman, born Zara Mohamed Abdulmajid, is not only a fashion icon but a founder and creative entrepreneur. Rising in the 1970s, she worked with top designers such as Gianni Versace and Calvin Klein. Frustrated with limited makeup choices for deeper skin tones, Iman launched her own cosmetics line in 1994—a pioneering move that revolutionized beauty retail for women of color. Her products dominated sales and empowered countless individuals.
Tyra Banks
Tyra Banks made history as the first Black model on the covers of GQ and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She became Victoria’s Secret’s first Black Angel and was integral to many luxury runways from Chanel to Dior. Banks’ impact extended beyond the runway; she hosted America’s Next Top Model, which democratized modeling, and continues her media influence with shows like Dancing with the Stars.
Donyale Luna
Donyale Luna was the first Black model to star on the cover of British Vogue in 1966, and her presence radically altered the industry’s concept of beauty. As the first recognized Black supermodel, she appeared for major designers and magazine covers worldwide. Her legacy endures, inspiring models like Naomi Campbell and sparking documentaries about her place in fashion history.
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Naomi Sims
Naomi Sims achieved many industry firsts, appearing on the cover of Ladies’ Home Journal in 1968 and LIFE in 1969. Tired of quotas and racism, Sims left modeling in 1973 and became a successful entrepreneur, launching wigs and cosmetics for Black women. Her forward-thinking contributions laid foundations for future generations.
Winnie Harlow
Winnie Harlow is internationally recognized for championing inclusion and redefining beauty standards. Despite not winning America’s Next Top Model, her courage in showing her vitiligo and authentic self led to stardom. She’s appeared in Vogue, Ebony, and campaigns for Fendi, Nike, Puma, and MAC. Harlow stands as a powerful advocate for diversity.
Pat Cleveland
Pat Cleveland shaped the fashion world from the 1960s onward, modeling in Essence’s first issue and taking part in iconic shows like the Battle of Versailles. She worked extensively with designer Halston and became a muse for artists such as Salvador Dali and Karl Lagerfeld. Cleveland is hailed as “the first Black supermodel” by legendary industry voices and continues her work influencing the next generation.
Grace Jones
Grace Jones became an avant-garde fashion icon, known for her androgynous style and powerful presence. Both a model and singer, Jones inspired designers with her bold aesthetic and fearless attitude, breaking gender and color barriers alike.
Alek Wek
Alek Wek challenged the conventional Eurocentric standards of beauty and became the first African model to achieve supermodel status. Wek’s arrival transformed runway casting and opened possibilities for models with darker skin.
Jourdan Dunn
Jourdan Dunn was discovered in London and went on to walk for brands like Prada, Burberry, and Balmain. Dunn’s success as the first Black model to walk Prada’s runway in over a decade signaled shifting industry norms.
Anok Yai
Anok Yai became the second Black model in history to open a Prada show, following Naomi Campbell. Yai is celebrated for campaigns with major brands like Mugler and her powerful advocacy for representation in the industry.
Precious Lee
Precious Lee is a champion for body positivity and diversity. She’s modeled for Versace and marked important milestones as a plus-size Black model, pushing fashion farther toward inclusivity.
Ducky Thot
Ducky Thot, with her striking look and South Sudanese heritage, is recognized for walking at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and appearing in campaigns for brands such as Fenty and Balmain.
Shudu Gram
Shudu Gram, the world’s first digital supermodel, challenges the boundaries of beauty representation. Though virtual, Shudu’s impact has spurred conversations on technology, diversity, and authenticity in fashion.
Aja Kani
Aja Kani has become influential in redefining modern standards of beauty, walking for top designers and frequently discussing intersectionality in her advocacy work.
Sessilee Lopez
Sessilee Lopez is celebrated for her editorial work and frequent appearances in magazines like Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar. Lopez’s creative collaborations continue to shape visual culture.
Chanel Iman
Chanel Iman rose to prominence as a Victoria’s Secret Angel and through work with designers ranging from Tom Ford to Alexander McQueen. Her versatility and charisma have made her a mainstay in the modeling world.
Leomie Anderson
Leomie Anderson has graced runways for brands such as Fenty, Victoria’s Secret, and Moschino. Anderson also advocates for better industry practices and inclusivity.
Tyson Beckford
Tyson Beckford remains the most popular Black male supermodel, known for his campaigns with Ralph Lauren and opening doors for men of color in fashion.
Liya Kebede
Liya Kebede is an Ethiopian model-turned-philanthropist who has walked for Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, and Dolce & Gabbana. Kebede’s work goes beyond modeling, as she advocates for maternal health and social causes.
Karly Lopez
Karly Lopez is an up-and-coming face in the fashion industry, celebrated for editorial and commercial work across global platforms.
Damaris Lewis
Damaris Lewis is recognized for her athleticism and work with publications such as Sports Illustrated. Lewis also has significant dance and philanthropic credits.
Maria Borges
Maria Borges made headlines walking the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show with her natural hair, advancing the movement for authenticity and inclusivity.
Adut Akech
Adut Akech, hailing from South Sudan, has been the face of major fashion houses and won Model of the Year. She is known for speaking out about representation and discrimination.
Alton Mason
Alton Mason is celebrated as the first Black male model to walk for Chanel and has worked with Gucci, Versace, and Off-White. His athletic background informs his memorable runway style.
Paloma Elsesser
Paloma Elsesser is a champion for curves and diversity, gracing runways and covers for Fenty, Vogue, and more.
Betty Adeky
Betty Adeky represents the new guard of Black supermodels, defining modern elegance and appearing in campaigns for top global brands.
Impact: Changing Fashion Through Representation
- Breaking Color Barriers: Black supermodels have challenged and changed long-standing industry exclusion.
- Redefining Beauty: By gracing magazine covers and high-fashion campaigns, these models have diversified society’s beauty standards.
- Advocating for Equity: Many have spoken out and worked toward more inclusive hiring and representation in retail, advertising, and media.
- Entrepreneurship: Several models have launched influential beauty and fashion lines tailored to underrepresented communities.
- Mentorship: The legacies of these trailblazers continue, as they inspire new generations to pursue modeling and activism.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who was the first Black supermodel?
A: Donyale Luna is widely regarded as the first Black supermodel, setting new standards in the 1960s with her appearance on the cover of British Vogue and collaborations with major designers.
Q: Which Black model was the first to appear on the cover of American Vogue?
A: Beverly Johnson broke barriers in 1974 as the first Black model to appear on the cover of American Vogue.
Q: How have Black supermodels influenced beauty standards?
A: Black supermodels redefined beauty by increasing representation and visibility for underrepresented groups, influencing the industry’s standards and consumer expectations.
Q: Are Black male models represented in this history?
A: Yes, trailblazers like Tyson Beckford and Alton Mason have made history for Black male models and continue to inspire diversity and inclusivity.
Q: What challenges do Black supermodels still face in the industry?
A: Despite progress, issues such as discrimination, lack of diverse casting, and limited beauty products remain. Many supermodels continue advocacy for equity and inclusion.
Black Supermodels Who Inspire the Future
From Beverly Johnson and Naomi Campbell to new icons like Adut Akech and Anok Yai, Black supermodels’ enduring influence spans decades. Their courage, innovation, and resilience have not just shaped fashion—they’ve opened spaces for all to shine. Their legacies stand as proof of the power of visibility, artistry, and unwavering commitment to equality in every style era.
References
- https://hellobeautiful.com/playlist/black-female-models/
- https://www.essence.com/fashion/iconic-black-models-shaping-fashions-past-present-future/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/g33236965/black-supermodels/
- https://www.the-independent.com/news/media/press/cosmopolitan-apologises-for-using-black-models-to-illustrate-dead-looks-in-racist-beauty-feature-a112051.html
- https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/the-groundbreaking-black-models-who-changed-fashion
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/a61482816/unpacking-black-beauty/
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