Dominating runways and high fashion campaigns, Black supermodels have made a name for themselves beyond the mannequins wearing the clothes. Many of fashion’s most elite are Black women, representing distinct cultures and varying shades of brown. They broke down barriers and demanded the industry restructure their Eurocentric standards of beauty.
From iconic supermodels to new names rising today, here are nine Black female supermodels that have made their mark in beauty and fashion.
Naomi Campbell
No conversation about supermodels can be had without mentioning Naomi Campbell. A groundbreaking figure in the fashion industry, she’s known for her fierce presence and unparalleled runway walk. One of the first popular Black supermodels, the cultural icon and trailblazer rose to prominence in the late 1980s and has graced the covers of countless high-fashion magazines since. As a cultural icon and trailblazer, she’s exactly who she thinks she is.
Tyra Banks
Tyra Banks revolutionized the modeling industry by bringing charisma and personality into the game. As one of the first Black models to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, Banks shattered racial barriers in mainstream fashion. Beyond her modeling career, Banks transitioned into television, hosting her very own talk show and competition show “America’s Next Top Model.” She’s never diluted her spark and continues to be the most authentic version of herself.
Kimora Lee Simmons
Rising to fame as a model for Chanel in the 1990s, Kimora Lee Simmons is an entrepreneur and model who has made a significant impact on the industry. She launched her own successful brand, Baby Phat, which became a staple in 2000s urban fashion. She has championed diversity and inclusivity, inspiring many young designers and models to embrace their unique identities.
Grace Jones
Grace Jones’ name has become synonymous with high fashion. As a revolutionary figure, her avant-garde style and powerful persona is unparalleled. As a model in the 1970s and 1980s, she challenged conventional beauty standards with her striking features and androgynous looks, often collaborating with renowned designers like Jean-Paul Gaultier. Jones’s bold and eclectic fashion choices have made her a symbol of self-expression and individuality.
Iman
A pioneering supermodel and entrepreneur, there is still no one touching Iman. As one of the first Black supermodels to gain widespread acclaim, she broke racial barriers with elegance and grace. Her advocacy for social issues and representation has made her a respected figure in both fashion and humanitarian efforts, continuing to hold herself with timeless poise.
Veronica Webb
One of the first Black models to secure a major cosmetics contract, Veronica Webb made history in 1992 after working with Revlon. Her unique look and versatility made her a coveted name for many prestigious brands and designers throughout the 1990s. Beyond modeling, Webb has also made significant contributions as a writer and television personality, using her platform to advocate for diversity in fashion and promote positive body image.
Duckie Thot
A fashion newcomer, Duckie Thot has quickly emerged as a powerful force in the fashion world, known for her striking features and remarkable presence on the runway. Since her rise to fame as a contestant on “Australia’s Next Top Model,” the South Sudanese model has worked with major brands and designers, becoming a muse for many in the fashion industry.
Beverly Johnson
Beverly Johnson is a pioneering supermodel. She most notably made history as the first Black woman to grace the cover of Vogue in 1974. This groundbreaking achievement opened doors for many models of color, challenging the industry’s beauty standards. Johnson’s elegance and versatility allowed her to work with top designers and brands, establishing her as a household name.
Anok Yai
Anok Yai, who was discovered by her picture going viral on social media, is now a rising star in the fashion industry. Recognized for her stunning beauty and powerful presence, she is proof that dreams can come true for anyone in any corner of the world. Yai’s journey from a college student to a sought-after model had landed her iconic campaigns and runway appearances.