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100 Black Female Models Who Carved a Niche For Themselves in the Fashion Industry and Modeling World
The Power of Representation
In the world of fashion, there have been many men and women who have made their mark as professionals and served as inspirations to future prospects.
In particular, black women have made headway in fashion and modeling that would not have been thought as achievable or possible due to past (and sometimes present) beliefs on beauty, race or background.
From the prestigious to the somewhat obscure, black female models have had an impact on media and culture that continues to evolve to this day.
List of Black Female Models
Grace Jones
Jamaican model Grace Jones was hailed during the 1980’s for her androgynous looks, dark skin and her experimental takes on fashion and music. Few of her most known photo shoots are her donning a geometrical haircut and different body suits, making her stand out as a black woman not afraid to experiment with the times.
As a little girl, she moved with her family to New York and studied at Syracuse University. She later moved to France where her looks were positively received and modeled for fashion brands such as Yves-Saint Laurent, Kenzo Takada, and Guy Bourdin to name a few.
Aside from modeling, she also starred in 80s movies including Conan The Destroyer starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and the James Bond film A View to Kill. She contributed to 80’s music with her most famous songs being ‘Slave To The Rhythm’ and ‘Warm Leatherette’. She is credited as a source of inspiration for black models, musicians, and LGBTQ+ artists alike, even getting a shoutout on a remix of Beyonce’s ‘Break My Soul’ with Madonna.
Naomi Campbell
Naomi Campbell is one of the most known black female models in fashion for many reasons, having appeared in music videos with figures like Bob Marley and Culture Club.
She started working on her modeling career at 15 years old, becoming the first black woman to appear on the cover of TIME Magazine in 1991 along with Vogue Paris Magazine and the Vogue Russia Magazine in 1988 and 2000, respectively. She landed on the cover of American Vogue Magazine.
Further building her modeling career, she campaigned for fashion brands like Prada, Versace, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, and Valentino. Over the course of her career, she has appeared in over 500 magazine covers.
Donyale Luna
Before the models we know today as Rihanna, Tyra, Naomi or Iman, much of society including the world of fashion did not have a friendly space for women of color. Due to preexisting notions of race and beauty, it was very difficult for black women to be taken seriously.
Donyale Luna is credited as the real first black supermodel to exist, having made her debut in 1966 as the first African-American model to grace the cover of the British Vogue Magazine. Known for her statuesque beauty and personality, she became the first black fashion model as well as serving as the inspiration behind the first-ever black mannequin made in 1967.
She became a huge star in Europe, where many adored her compared to her American homeland which still held racist notions and struggled to accept her. Sadly, she passed away at 33 from a drug overdose. Even more so, she has been for quite some time relegated to the depths of obscurity despite having made one of the first major contributions for women of color in fashion.
Despite this, Donyale Luna helped pave the way for future black women models and how they wanted the world to see them.
Iman Abdulmajid
Iman Abdulmajid was a Somalian model who was discovered in Nairobi in 1975 by photographer Peter Beard while studying at the University of Nairobi. She would later receive fame posing for Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.
In 1994, she created her own line of cosmetics called Iman Cosmetics which catered to serving makeup curated for women of color with varying shades of skin, like darker skin tones and lighter skin tones.
After modeling for years in runway shows, she created the line to address the problem of women of color not having access various makeup shades.
Beverly Johnson
Beverly Johnson became the first African American model to grace the covers of the American Vogue Magazine in August 1974. Soon after, she graced the cover of the French Elle Magazine, achieving another first in becoming the first black model to land on the cover there.
Aside from having a prestigious modeling career, Beverly was also in other areas of media like TV and movies. A few movies she has acted in are Def Jam’s How To Be A Player, Good Deeds, and About Face: The Supermodels, Then and Now. She starred in Michael Jackson’s music video, ‘Liberian Girl’ alongside Whoopi Goldberg, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Paula Abdul, John Travolta, among others.
She has contributed to philanthropic efforts that concern social issues like abuse, Women’s rights, and disease like AIDS. She is on the Board of Directors for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation that advocates for people who are living with Down’s Syndrome.
Naomi Sims
Known for her dark skin and stature, Sims is renowned for being a trailblazer that broke through the color barrier and " an ambassador for all black people". As a child, her tall skinny frame and dark skin was usually mocked and ridiculed by others. As an adult, she entered modeling at the recommendation of her friends, but would be turned down by publications due to her darker skin color.
That was until she met photographer Gosta Peterson who agreed to photograph her. Sims turned to former Dutch model Wilhelmina Cooper who agreed to promote her.
Soon after, she became the first African American model to appear on the cover of Ladies' Home Journal in November 1968. She was also chosen for a national AT&T commercial and appeared on the cover of Life Magazine.
After her endevors in modeling, she would start her own company in 1986 called Naomi Sims Beauty Products which specialized in wigs, cosmetics, and skincare.
Pat Cleveland
Pat Cleveland was discovered at the age of 16 by Vogue and immediately signed on to the talent management agency, Wilhelmina. She began to build a resume for herself, walking the runway for fashion brands such as Valentino and Christian Dior. Pat later became acquainted with Halston in the 1970's when Disco was in style.
In 1973, she achieved wide spread fame for her role in the Palace of Versailles, a legendary contest that showcased French and American fashion. This event was a pivotal moment in fashion as there were many social and political aspects.
The main aspect of importance was an abundance of black women modeling for the event, something that had never been seen before in Europe or America.
Cleveland, along with other black female models like Billie Blair and Bethann Hardison made a first, yet unforgettable impression.
Mounia
Monique-Antoine Orosemane a.k.a Mounia was a black model who would help change the course of the fashion industry forever. Born on the island of Martinique, she started her modeling career at the house of Givenchy and became the first black model to walk the Chanel runaway.
She would soon meet the French designer Yves Saint Laurent and became his muse and dear friend. Laurent was famed for employing black models as a time when many were hesitant to do so and establishing his own take on beauty.
In 1978, she would walk the Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture show as the first Black haute couture model. She also graced the covers of fashion magazines like Essence, Ebony, Women's Wear Daily, Elle International, and French Vogue.
Tyra Banks
You can't talk about Tyra Banks without mentioning her one of her accolades, which is the reality tv show "America's Next Top Model". In 2003 to 2015, "America's Next Top Model" focused on the female contestants who were looking to become professionals in the modeling industry. It gained a lot of attention and controversy as it showed the depths of what goes on in the fashion world. She is one the most famous models in the world.
Before she got to the height where she is now, she became a Black female model among others to walk for fashion brands like Oscar de la Renta in 1991 along with other brands like Giorgio Armani and Chanel. Banks broke some barriers, including becoming the first Black woman to feature on the cover of GQ Magazine in 1996. Not long after in 1997, she became the first Black woman to appear on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and was a Victoria's Secret Angel for many years.
Gail O’Neill
Gail O'Neill was an African American model who graced the covers of major fashion magazines in the 80's like Vogue and Mademoiselle. She became the spokesperson for the fashion brand Liz Clairborne. O'Neill is known for appearing on the the cover of the 1992 Sports Illustrated Issue. Throughtout the 80's and 90's, O'Neill became a prominent model for luxury brands such as J. Crew and Nordstrom.
In the 90's, she found a passion for journalism and left the modeling industry. She has worked many news outlets like CBS, CNN, and HGTV. She is now an editor-at-large for ArtsATL.org covering arts and culture as well as being the host/co-producer for the podcast, "Collective Knowledge".
Katoucha Niane
Katoucha Niane was a Guinean model who was known as The Peul Princess. She got her start working for Thierry Mugler, then with designer Paco Rabanne and later bacame the muse for Yves Saint Laurent. She walked in fashion shpws for top brands including Chloe, Givenchy, and Chanel. Katoucha walked the catwalk in 2002 for Yves Saint Laurent's farewell show.
She was a stanch fighter against the traumatising practice of female genital mutilation, something that was forced against her will when she was just 9 years old. She started her own organzation 'Katoucha For The Battle Against Female Circumcision' and her book 'In My Flesh' was published in France. She would pass away at the age of 47 due to accidental drowning.
Jasmine Tookes
Jasmine Tookes is a model of African, Caucasian and West Indian descent. She was discovered at the age of 15 at her mother's studio. Since 2012, she has modeled as a Victoria's Secret lingerie model and became a Victoria's Secret angel three years later.
She has walked in runways for brands like Tom Ford, Prada, and Oscar De La Renta. Tookes was chosen to the Fantasy Bra at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 2016.
She was a nominee for the 2016 Social Media Star of the Year Award by models.com.
Rihanna
Before she became one of today's prominent models and businesswomen, Rihanna Fenty had a career in music, making hits and music videos like "Umbrella", 'Pon De Replay", "Rude Boy", "Disturbia", and "Love On The Brain". For that, she won many accolades including 9 Grammys and 12 Billboard Awards.
Despite this, she has expressed a passion for working in the fashion industry. She campaigned for the Armani Jeans and Emporio Armani Underwear in 2011 and was chosen to be the brand ambassador for Puma in 2014. Rihanna won the Best Celebrity Turned Model-Readers' Choice Award in 2014, and won the Best Celebrity As Model-Industry's Choice catagory in 2015, 2017, and 2018.
She runs two fashion brands. The first being Fenty Beauty in Fall 2017 which launched to include foundational shades made to emphasize the importance for all, no matter the skin tone. This made a great impact in the fashion industry considering the struggle for inclusivity for everyone. Following that, she debuted her next brand Savage X Fenty in 2018 which caters to making lingerie for women, no matter what the size.
Jourdan Dunn
English fashion model Jourdan Dunn signed on Storm Model Management at 16 and in 2008, became the first black model to walk the runway at the house of Prada in over a decade. Dunn has campaigned for brands like Burberry, Balmain, and Tommy Hilfiger. From 2012 to 2014, she appeared in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and walked in the New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, and Milan Fashion Week.
Simone Thompson (a.k.a Slick Woods)
Going by the stage name, Slick Woods, Simone Thompson proudly models with a tooth gap, tattoos from to toes, and a bald head, African American model Slick Woods paved her way into the modeling world with her unique take of style. Her appearance is not something considered conventional in traditional sense of fashion, but she has made a niche for herself.
She was discovered by model Ash Stymest and soon became acquainted with photographer Dave Mushegain who photographed her. Slick was featured in the Yeezy Season 2 look book for rapper Kanye West after. She's campaigned for major brands like Calvin Klein, Jimmy Choo, and modeled for the Italian brand Fendi. She was chosen by Rihanna to be one the faces for her Fenty Beauty makeup line.
Precious Lee
Beauty has consistently been changing with the times, even during periods of change. Making us rethink everything we thought we knew about beauty standards. One standard that has been challenged semi recently is the idea of models needing to be skinny.
Precious Lee gained prominence as the first Black plus-size model to appear on the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue in 2016. She has been on the covers of Vogue Italia, British Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Re-Edition, and Elle Magazine.
Winnie Harlow
Jamaican-Canadian model Winnie Harlow rose to fame on Season 21 of the reality tv show America's Next Top Model as a competitor. After the show, she would model and later be chosen to be the brand ambassador for Desigual, a Spanish clothing brand in 2016. She has modeling for fashion brands like H&M, Swarovski, MAC Cosmetics, and Dior Beauty.
Having Vitiligo exposed her to being bullied for much of her life, including her modeling career. She has became an advocate for those with the condition and educating people about it. Harlow made appearances in music videos for artists like Eminem's "Guts Over Fear" , Beyonce's "Lemonade", and Afrobeats artist WizKid's "True Love".
Diandra Forrest
Diandra Forrest is an African American model credited as being the first female model with the skin condition, albinism, to signed under a prominent modeling agency. She first broke out into the fashion world when she met photographer Shameer Khan who photographed her for Elite Model Management. She did editorial photos for Refinery29, Vogue Portugal, and L'Official Lithuania.
She is an advocate for people with albinism and spreads awareness about the condition.
Adut Akech Bior
Adut Akech Bior is a South Sudanese model who's lived the underdog story. She was born in a refugee camp and later moved with her family to Australian for a better life. In her early teen years, she was determined to find work for a modeling agency, signing to her mother agency Chadwick Models in Sydney, Australia.
At 16 she was cast for the Saint Laurent's Spring/Summer 2017 show as a global exclusive. This served as her first big break. She soon signed on to Elite Model Management in New York.
After that, Adut Akech found work walking for fashion brands like Givenchy, Prada, Tom Ford, and Versace. She has also walked in the New York Fashion Week. She became known for her dark skin and proudly donning her natural hair. The South Sudanese Australian model has been an advocate for refugees and people of color.
Jari Jones
Granddaughter to the famous model Billy Jones, Jari Jones became well acquainted with acting and modeling. She made history as the first black trans woman to be a producer for the movie, "Port Authority" which was entered at the Cannes Film Festival.
She made history again as one of the faces in Calvin Klein's 2020 pride campaign as well as mounted on their billboard in SOHO. She has graced the covers of various news and fashion publications like Teen Vogue, Paper Magazine, Allure and the New York Times. Jones has been tv shows including Pose and Netflix's Tales of the City.
Alexandra Mark
Alexandra Mark is a New York based model of Trinidad and Tobago descent. She has done editorial photos for Elle Arabia and Hearts Magazine. She graced the cover of Grazia UK Magazine in October 2022, which was her first magazine cover. Mark has worked with other fashion clients like Vogue, Revlon, Estee Lauder and Chloe. Aside from modeling, she is making her way into the music industry as Alex & The, debuting her first feature "Loose" by artist Brooklish and incorporating Caribbean and New York sound.
Dilone
Known by her stage name Dilone, she has graced the covers of Allure Magazine, Vogue Mexico, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue Turkiye and Vogue Portugal and walked the runway for Schiaparelli and Puma. She is one of the many who modeled in the Desert Fashion Show for Hugo Boss. Dilone has had experience in acting, starring in "The Novice" alongside Isabelle Fuhrman and Amy Forsyth. She has portrayed legendary model Pat Cleveland in the 2021 Netflix Series "Halston".
Madisin
Madisin Rian is a model who is the current spokesperson for Armani Beauty. She has done campaigns for fashion brands like Ralph Lauren's Polo for the Fall 2021 Heritage Campaign. Rian has also appeared on the cover for Vestal Magazine in Winter 2021 and Elle Serbia as well as featuring on the cover of Numero Berlin. In 2018, she became the first black model to hold the honor of being the face of the Italian makeup brand.
Chanel Iman
Chanel Iman is an American model of Korean and African-American descent. She has appeared on the cover of Elle Croatia, L'Official Paris, D'Scene and Madame Germany. She began her career in modeling at the age 12 with Ford Models and came in third place in the 2006 Ford's Supermodel of the World Contest. From 2009 to 2011, Iman walked in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, soon chosen to be a Victoria's Secret Angel in several campaigns.
Sessilee Lopez
Sessilee Lopez is an American model who has appeared on the the covers of Harper's Bazaar, i-D and French Numero. In 2008 and 2009, she appeared on the runway of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. She also walked in the Barbie 50th Anniversary Show at the 2009 New York Fashion Week.
Yaya Dacosta
Yaya Dacosta is a model and actress with Brazilian and African-American descent. She is known as the Cycle 3 runner-up in America's Next Top Model. She has graced the covers of Hype Hair, Splash Magazine, and featured on the covers of Elle South Africa and W Magazine. Dacosta is known for her acting roles in tv drams like All My Children, Ugly Betty and Chicago Med.
ugbad
Ugbad Abdi, or better known as Ugbad, is an American model of Somalian heritage. She made her debut at the Valentino Spring 2019 show in Paris. She has walked for Victoria Beckham, Off-White, and Burberry and graced the cover of Vogue Arabia in April 2022. A devout Muslim, she has worn her headscarf for Fendi and Lanvin, becoming the first model to do so.
Sacha Quenby
Sacha Quenby is a model form the United Kingdom who has made the cover of Vogue Japan and featured on the cover of POP Magazine in 2020 and 2022, respectively. Sacha has walked in fashion shows for Christian Dior, Victoria Beckham, Alexander McQueen, and others.
Mona Tougaard
Mona Tougaard is Danish model of Somali, Ethiopian and Turkish descent. When she was 15 years old, Mona won the Denmark's Elite Model Look competition in 2017. Two years later she was chosen to walk Prada's Fall 2019 show along with other models like Adut Akech Bior and Gigi Hadid. She has walked for Mugler, Fendi, Schiaperelli and appeared in advertisements for Chanel Beauty and Alberta Ferretti.
Maty Fall
Maty Fall is a model of Italian and Senegalese heritage. She has walked in runway shows for brands like Chanel, Dior, Jean Paul Garnier, and Schiaperelli. Fall made the cover of Vogue Italia in 2021 and graced the cover of M Le Magazine Du Monde in 2022. In 2021, she had an impressive track record of walking the most runways, 37 in total!
Malika Louback
Malika Louback is a model of Djiboutian and French heritage. In 2020, she became the first Djiboutian woman to grace the cover of Vogue Paris. It also marked her first magazine cover. Aside from being a model, Malika is an engineer who has studied in materials science engineering looking to establish her own business and give back to her country of Djibouti. She has appeared on the covers of Vogue Japan, Vogue Italia, and Numero.
Malaika Holmen
Malaika Holmen is a Swedish model based in London. She has walked in fashion shows for Rokh, Max Mara, and David Koma. She has graced the covers of The Sunday Times Style, Vogue Scandanavia, and her recent cover in 2022 on Manifesto Magazine.
Kerolyn Soares
Kerolyn Soares is a Brazilian model who has walked in runaway shows for fashion brands including Mugler, Givenechy, Balmain, Saint Laurant, Versace, Boss by Hugo Boss, and Lanvin among others. She has modeled for the Alberta Ferretti x Wolford Campaign in 2022. Soares has graced the covers of Vogue Brazil, Vogue Latin America, Vogue Mexico, Porter, and Puss Pass.
Kai-Isaiah Jamal
Kai-Isaiah Jamal is a London based Trans model. They have slowly risen up in the fashion industry as one of the few transmen to come out and advocate for Trans visibility. They have graced the covers of Elle Denmark, i-D, Wonderland, ES Magazine and the Metamorphosis Issue 14 of BLANC Magazine.
Georgia Palmer
Georgia Palmer is a London based model who has appeared on the cover of Vogue Italia and done ad campaigns for Tommy Hilfiger, Piaget, Mugler, and Burberry. She has appeared on the cover of M Le Magazine Du Monde and Vogue Turkiye. She is the founder of Sibling Studios in London, a space for various multimedia equipment and events.
Caren Jepkemei
Caren Jepkemei is a Kenya-born model who has graced the covers of Numero Russia and Vogue Italia. She has starred in the 2021 video "Balmain 1945" and was cast in three other movies. Those being "GCDS: Fall/Winter 2021 at Milan Fashion Week", Dion Lee: Spring/Summer 2023 at NYFW (2023), and Jason Wu: Spring/Summer 2023 at NYFW (2023). She has walked the runway for fashion brands like Alexandre Vauthier and Giambattista Valli.
Blesnya Minher
Blesnya Minher is an Angolan model who has campaigned for Chanel Beauty Les Beiges Summer 2022 and Louis Vuitton BUBBLEGRAM and Louis Vuitton Jewelry Spring 2022. She has walked in shows for Chanel, Stella McCarthney, Max Mara, and Michael Kors. She has graced the covers of Vogue Latin America, Style Magazine UK, RUSSH Magazine and The Sunday Style Times.
Barbara Valente
Barbara Valente is a Brazilian model who has walked the runway for Wales Bonner, Casablanca, Balmain, and Stella McCarthney. She has been on the front covers of Vogue Brazil, Harper's Bazaar, and 10 Magazine Australia.
Aweng Chuol
Aweng Ade-Chuol is a South Sudanese Australian model who has achieved fame for her high cheekbones and facial scars. She made the front cover of Porter Magazine, ES Magazine, Numero Netherlands, Numero China, and Elle Magazine. She is married to fellow model Alexus Ade-Chuol.
Awar Odhiang
Awar Odhiang is a South Sudanese model who has walked in runway shows for Valentino, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Kendo. She has done ads for Alexander McQueen, Bottaga Veneta. Her latest editorials are Vogue Australia, Vogue Spain, and Vouge UK.
Anok Yai
Anok Yai is a model born in Egypt. She was first discovered in Howard University during homecoming week by a professional photographer. Her photo gained much popularity over social media in a matter of hours.
When she was 19, she signed to Next Models and soon acheived her first breakthrough as the second black model to open a Prada show, with Naomi Campbell achieveing that honor in 1997. She also is the first South Sudanese model to open a Prada show. She made the front covers of Vogue Espana and W Magazine.
Amar Akway
Amar Akway is an Ethiopian born model who has featured on the cover of Vogue Italia, British Vogue, Vogue Japan, and M Magazine. She has done campaigns for Lora Piana, Fendace and Zara Studio. She got into modeling through a another Ethiopian model named Mekdalawit introduced her to the agency Ingrid Tamborin. After which she debuted with Lanvin for SS20 and would go on to walk for Givenchy, Schiaparelli, Chanel and Ralph Lauren.
Alva Claire
Alva Claire is a Jamaican-American model whose career in modeling started off differently, beginning as a backstage assistant and was later asked to walk for the Savage x Fenty Fashion Show in 2019 at the Barclays Center. She is also a plus size model who has spoke much on inclusiveness in the fashion industry, making history as one the few plus size model to walk for Versace. She has made the front cover of Elle UK.
Akon Changkou
Akon Changkou is a South Sudanese Australian model who got into modeling by walking the runway for Louis Vuitton's Spring 2020 show in Paris, France. After that, she would continue to walk for the brand, even chosen to open for the Louis Vuitton Resort 2022 Show. She has walked for other fashion brands like Chanel, Valentino, and Lanvin. Akon has done campaigns for Calvin Klein and Chanel Beauty. She has graced the covers of Vogue France and the 30 Year Issue of Purple Magazine.
Ajok Madel
Ajok Madel was discovered after she sent photos of herself to a local agency who immediately signed her on. She has walked for brands like Givenchy, Hermes, and Versace. One significant achievement as of late is closing out the Victoria Beckham SS20 at the London Fashion Week. She has made the front cover of Puss Puss Magazine and did campaigns for Net-A-Porter and Marc O'Polo.
Achenrin Madit
Achenrin Madit is a model of South Sudanese descent who has made her mark at the age of 20 for her passion for diversity and sustainable fashion. She walked for Stella McCartney in Summer 2020 at the Brunello Factory. Madit has campaigned for Ports 1961 and Alexander McQueen and cast in the 12 minute 2021 movie "Jungle Red".
Jayden Robison
Jayden is a model who has done editorial photos for Elle Canada and Flaunt magazine. She made an appearance on Sports Illustrated's website casting call for their 2016 swimsuit edition. She also starred in the 2015 short movie "Gorgeous Vortex".
Alek Wek
Alek Wek is a South Sudanese-British model who rose to prominence in the 1990's. She was discovered at an outdoor market in London and made her debut in 1995. She has walked for major fashion shows for designer brands like Marc Jacobs and Ralph Lauren. She achieved two particular milestones in the 90's. One being the first African model to grace to cover of Elle Magazine and the other being named MTV's Model of the Year in 1997. She is an advocate concerning the HIV/AIDS crisis and the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
Mari Malek
Mari Malek is a model who escaped her home in South Sudan with her mother and siblings because of the civil war in South Sudan. She works as a model and DJ, having worked with many brands and artists including Vogue, Italian Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, Essence, Lady Gaga and Harper's Bazaar. As Dj Stiletto, her music takes on influences like World Music, Afro Beats, Disco and Hip Hop.
Debra Shaw
Debra Shaw is an African American model who first intended to be a fashion designer, but made her way into modeling after winning a modeling competition. She has walked for major fashion houses like Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, Moschino and many more. She has graced the covers of Dazed, Vogue Portugal, 10 Magazine, and L'Official Magazine.
Oluchi Onweagba
Oluchi Onweagba is a Nigerian-born model and actress who got her first start after winning ‘The Face of Africa’ competition at 17 years old. She has been on the front covers of New African Women Magazine, Mania Magazine, 1-D Magazine and many others. Oluchi appeared in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show six times and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue four times. She is known for being one of the first faces of Africa in the modeling industry, with her noticeable 6’0 height.
Veronica Webb
Veronica Webb is an African-American model who made history as one of the first African-American models to land a major cosmetics contract with the company Revlon in 1990. She made history again as being one of the first black female models to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. She has been on the covers of Elle Magazine, Marie Claire, i-D Magazine and much more.
Adwoa Aboah
Adwoa Aboah is a British model who signed on to Storm Models Management when she was 16 years old. Adwoa has graced the covers of prestigious magazines including Vogue Arabia, Vogue Espana, i-D Magazine, TIME Magazine, and Elle UK. She has been in movies such as “Ghost In The Shell” (2017), “Top Boy” (2022), and “Willow” (2022). She is known for being a mental health advocate for young girls and women through her organization ‘Gurls Talk’ where topics like relationships, depression, and sexuality are openly discussed.
Binx Walton
Binx Walton is an African-American model who began her modeling career at the age of 16, making her debut walking in the 2013 Marc Jacobs Autumn/Winter Show during the New York Fashion Week. She made the covers of Vogue Korea, i-D Magazine, Vogue Espana, W Magazine, and Vogue Brazil. She has campaigned for designer brands like Proenza Schouler, Celine, and Balmain.
Imaan Hammam
Imaan is a Dutch-born model of Moroccan and Egyptian heritage who was discovered by a modeling agent in the Netherlands. When she was 14 years old, she was given the honor to open Givenchy’s Spring/Summer show. Her career shortly took off and she appeared on the covers of Vogue Paris, Vogue Arabia, The Perfect Magazine, Vogue Mexico, and Vogue Latin America among others. She has gained fame for being on more international covers of Vogue in 2017.
Selena Forrest
Selena Forrest is a model from California who got her big break when she walked the runway for designer brand Proenza Schouler. She has done campaigns for other brands including Givenchy, Prada, Isabel Marant, and Tory Burch. Forrest made the covers of M Le Magazine Du Monde and Vogue Russia.
Adesuwa Aighewi
Adesuwa Aighewi is a model of Chinese, Nigerian and Thai descent who entered modeling by opening for the Coach Spring/Summer 2018 show. Soon, her career in modeling began and she would walk for brands including Alexander Wang, Bottega Veneta, Marc Jacobs and Versace. She has been an advocate on current social issues like climate change and sustainability in fashion. Adesuwa has started her own jewelry line named the ‘Legacy Project’.
Amilna Estevao
Amilna Estevao is an Angolan model who took an interest in modeling in her teen years. She signed on to Da Banda Model Management and shortly after, won the Elite Model Look Angola 2013 competition. She has walked in shows for Puma and Adam Lippes. Estevao has made the front cover of Harper’s Bazaar Mexico as well as done campaigns for H&M, Banana Republic, and Redken.
Aya Jones
Aya Jones is a French model who was discovered by an agent for the New York agency, The Lions. She graced the covers of SLIMI Magazine and has appeared in ads for Fenty Beauty and Nars Cosmetics. She’s walked for major fashion brands including Isabel Morant, Oscar De La Renta, and Alexander McQueen.
Cindy Bruna
Cindy Bruna is a French fashion model of Italian and Congolese descent who made history as the first female model of color to walk exclusively for Calvin Klein in 2012. A year later, she would walk in her first Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. She made the covers of Elle Russia, Elle France, Elle Spain, and The Sunday Times Style Magazine. She has walked in shows for Givenchy, Balmain, and Alexander McQueen. Bruna is considered to be one of the most in demand models in the world as of now.
Indira Scott
Indira Scott is a model from Jamaica, Queens, New York. Scott got her career jump started by debuting in the Dior F/W 18 Haute Couture show where she closed out the event. She has modeled for Savage x Fenty in New York, Ralph Lauren, and Dior.
Jordan Daniels
Jordan Daniels is a model born in Cape Town and raised in New Zealand. She has walked in shows for Ferragamo, Givenchy, Stella McCartney, and Savage x Fenty. Daniels has done campaigns for Bloomingdale’s MAVI, and Moose Knuckles.
Jasmine Sanders
Jasmine Sanders is a model of African-American and German heritage. Aside from being a model, she is a social media star known by her handle ‘Golden Barbie’. As a teenager, she modeled for Seventeen, Free People and Nike. Her journey would led her to making the covers of Harper’s Bazaar Mexico, L'Officiel Switzerland, and Wonderland Magazine, among others. Shewas a spokesmodel for Reebok and would launch her own sneakers in late 2017. She would make her first appearance at the 2018 Met Gala by H&M.
Maria Borges
Born in Angola, Maria Borges would start her career in modeling when she won second place in the Angolan edition of Elite Model Look competition in 2010. Two years later, she would walk 17 runways as her first fashion week debut. Maria got recognition for being the first African woman to be on the cover of the American version of Elle Magazine in 2017. In June 2021, she was chosen to be the ambassador for tourism of Angola by the Institute of Tourism Promotion.
Flaviana Matata
Matata is a model from Tanzania who has graced the covers of New African Woman Magazine and Nu Woman Magazine. She has walked for major designer brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Tory Burch, Vivienne Westwood and Jason Wu. She runs her foundation, the ‘Flaviana Matata Foundation’ which seeks to empower young girls through education via scholarships and providing resources like school supplies and menstrual pads. Her organization focuses on the Tanzania mainland, Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, Dodoma and other regions.
Alana Monteiro
Alana Montiero has had experience in the performance arts starting from childhood. She has a resume in extensive areas including fashion modeling, singing, acting, dancing and writing. Alana had featured on the covers of U.S and worldwide editions of prestigious fashion magazines like Grazia Bulgaria and L’Officiel Russia. Alana has also worked with top beauty brands like MAC Cosmetics and CoverGirl, with the second giving her more recognition. She has featured in movies like “Second Act” and “Hocus Pocus 2”.
Tina Kunakey Di Vita
Di Vita always aspired to be a model in her youth, starting from shooting commercials in her home village of Basque to traveling to places like Madrid and London. She achieved fame by featuring in reggae artist Kalash’s music video, “Danje” and French pop/R&B singer M. Pokora’s “Belinda”. Since then, she has graced the covers of Harper’s Bazaar Espana, DSECTION Magazine, Madame Figaro, and Glamour Magazine.
Duckie Thot
Nyadak Thot, or known by her stage name Duckie Thot, has made her claim to fame by winning third place in the eighth cycle of Australia's Next Top Model. In 2017, she made her runway debut at the Yeezy SS17 Show. Duckie is famous for her dark complexion which has gotten her chosen to be a face for Rihanna’s cosmetics line, ‘Fenty Beauty’. She is also an ambassador of L’Oreal.
Salem Mitchell
If you’ve seen Salem Mitchell in action, one prominent feature that stands out are her freckles. She was discovered through social media, particularly Instagram. Before modeling, her photos would be the subject of praise and bullying from other platform users, which has inspired her to take on the mantle of raising awareness of cyber-bullying and embracing your own beauty. She has done editorials for H&M, Vogue Ukraine, and Cosmopolitan U.S.
Rose Bertram
Rose Bertram is a model from Belgium and was introduced to modeling when her mother signed her to an agency at 13 years old. Shae has done campaigns for brands like H&M, L’Oreal, and Primark. Rose appeared in the 2015 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and made the covers of Glamour Netherlands and Vogue Netherlands. Rose would make history in 2018 by being the first female model to appear on the Vogue Dutch cover pregnant.
Aoki Lee Simmons
Daughter of famous model and Baby Phat designer, Kimora Lee Simmons, Aoki has pursued two loves; modeling and education. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science at Harvard University. She has done shows for Tommy Hilfiger, Sergio Hudson, and Pyer Moss.
Oumi Janta
The world of modeling has no shortage of unique personalities with their own interests next to being a model. Enter Oumi Janta is a jam skater and social media influencer from Germany and is of Senegalese heritage; doing ads for brands like Adidas and Rimowa and runs a roller skate business named Jam.Skate.Club. She is credited as the source for creating the trend of black women getting into roller skating.
Ashley Moore
Ashley Moore is a model from California who started her career when she was cast in the E! Reality tv series “Model Squad” in 2015. She played the character Riley in the 2021 horror tv series, “I Know What You Did Last Summer”. Moore has photographed in editorials for Oyster Magazine, GQ Magazine U.S., and Seventeen Magazine.
Eva Apio
Eva Apio is a Ugandan model in England. Her mother was a professional model who won the Miss Uganda competition. Eva’s family was well into fashion and modeling and as a child, Eva would take after. She has appeared on the cover of Wonderland, Marie Claire Greece, and L’Officiel Lichtenstein. She has her own organization, the ‘Eva Apio Foundation’ that aims to address issues youths in Uganda are facing which include getting active, doing sport activities, and therapy for trauma.
Samirah Raheem
Samirah Raheem is a model who kickstarted the #SlutWalk challenge in 2017, which garnered a lot of controversy and support. She has walked in the New York Fashion Week for Studio 189 and modeled for Chromat at the Fall/Winter 2019 Show at New York Fashion Week. Samirah has been featured in an editorial story for Ubikwist Magazine. She is a proud activist for self-expression as a woman of color and a plus size model.
Isabella Peschardt
Isabella Peschardt is a Los Angeles model of Ethiopian and Danish heritage. Her mother was a former model and stylist, with Isabella starting her career at the age of 5. She has been pictured in ad photography for Juicy Couture and editorials for Schon Magazine, W Magazine, and Interview Germany. Isabella is passionate about music, releasing her first EP, “Three” in 2018 followed by “Always Maybe” and “Too Drunk To Let Go” in 2020. Her recent Album is ‘Human’. Isabella has her own online stone called ‘Le Bloomer Studio’.
Sharam Diniz
Sharam Diniz is a model of Angolan and Portuguese heritage. She was chosen as the winner of the Ford Supermodel Portugal 2009 competition and would win the Portuguese Supermodel of the World competition a year later, which pole vaulted her onto the international modeling scene. She has graced the covers of FRESH Magazine, Vogue Portugal, Ubikwist Magazine, and GQ Portugal. Diniz has also campaigned for top designer brands like Tom Ford, Ralph Lauren, and Clinique. She opened her own beauty line ‘Sharam Hair’.
Devyn Abdullah
Devyn Abdullah is an American model who is known for being the first winner of Naomi Campbell’s modeling competition, “The Face”. Soon after she was chosen to be an ambassador for the beauty brand, ‘Ulta Beauty’. She has appeared in ads for “American Horror Story” on FX.
Cipriana Quann
Cipriana Quann is black female model who is the sister of music artist, TK Wonder. She was featured on the Juicy Couture Fall/Winter 16 Campaign and did editorials for Glamour Germany, Elle Brazil, Masthead Magazine. She did a campaign for Fendi with her sister.
Joyjah
Joyjah Estrada, or known as Joyjah, is a model of Australian and Belizean descent who has gained popularity for her beauty, lifestyle and hair care content on social media platforms like Instagram (@joyjah) and YouTube (Joyjan Estrada). She made the cover of Love Magazine in 2017 and did an editorial for Bullett Magazine’s She Walks.
Vinetria
Vinetria is a Michigan-born model and influencer who is known for her being active on Instagram. She has gained attention for her shots featuring her posing in chic styles. She runs a YouTube channel that focuses on beauty and shopping. She is signed to Public Image Management as well as in an editorial for Up! Magazine and on the cover for Wonderland Magazine as of 2022.
Aketch Joy Winnie
Aketch Joy Winnie did not start off as a model, although she had a passion for it growing up in Uganda. Before she entered the modeling industry, she graduated with a degree in English and Literature and worked as a teacher while slowly working towards her goal. She made her breakthrough in 2018 and has modeled for Gucci and Marc Jacobs. Sketch has done editorials for JANE For The Day and Glass Magazine. She runs a charity organization, “Little Hands of Grace” that aims to provide children and families with education, food and shelter in the Katerina Village of Uganda.
Leomie Anderson
Leomie Anderson is a model from Great Britain who has gained fame for walking in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show at least four times from 2015 to 2018. She has walked in runways for brands like Sergio Hudson, Puma and Christian Cowan. She graced the covers of 10 Magazine and More or Less Magazine. In 2020, she became the first Black British Victoria’s Secret Angel.
Mayowa Nicholas
Mayowa Nicholas is a fashion model from Nigeria who was scouted at 15 years old and won the Nigerian edition of the Elite Model Look competition in 2014. Then came with being chosen to represent Nigeria at the Global Elite Model Look World Finals in China where she came in the top ten. She has graced the front covers of Vogue Japan, Numero, and Vogue Dutch. In 2016, she became the first ever Nigerian model to grace a campaign for Dolce & Gabbana. She also became the first Nigerian face for Calvin Klein.
Khadijha Red Thunder
Khadijha Red Thunder is a model and actress of African-American and Native American descent, as a member from the Chippewa Cree tribe in Washington. She made the covers of Styleby Magazine, Vogue Mexico, and featured on the Grazia cover with Cami Taylor. She played the character Steph Jones in the “After” film series and appeared in the music video for the song “Think About You” by Kygo featuring Valerie Broussard.
Sira Kante
Sira Kante is a Guinean model who has appeared in ads for Marni and ASOS and appeared on the April 2022 cover of Debonair Afrik. She walked the runway during New York Fashion Week events three times; she walked in the Pyer Moss: Spring/Summer 2019 Show, Laquan Smith Spring/Summer 2019 Show, and the Aliétte: Spring/Summer 2020 Show. Sira starred in the official music video for “Shame” by R&B singer Maxwell who made the song as a statement against colorism in everyday life, particularly in entertainment. Sira also performed as the lead model for the alternate music video “Come Closer” for Nigerian singer Wizkid.
Ebonee Davis
Ebonee Davis is a black female model from Seattle, Washington. She appeared in the 18th season of the reality tv show, ‘America’s Next Top Model’ and is known for being an outspoken activist for representation in the fashion industry. She appeared on the covers of L'Officiel USA and L’Officiel Paris and has done editorials for W Magazine, Office Magazine and Glamour. Davis has done campaigns for brands including Calvin Klein and walked in Yeezus Season 4.
Liya KebedeLiya Kebede is an Ethiopian fashion model who made history by appearing on the cover of Vogue Magazine multiple times; which include Vogue Italy, Vogue Japan, and Vogue Paris with the Paris May 2000 edition dedicating the entire issue to Kebede. She made history again in 2003 by becoming the first black female model to represent the cosmetics brand, Estee Lauder. She founded her fashion label, LemLem, in 2007 that aims to make sustainable clothing for women and preserve the art of traditional weaving. LemLem became the first international brand made in Africa.
Lineisy Montero
Lineisy Montero is model from the Dominican Republic who is known for rocking her Afro hair on the runway, photos and editorials. She debuted for Prada in 2015 wearing her natural hair, which garnered a lot of attention in the media and started a pattern of black women models embracing their natural hair. She has appeared on covers of i-D Magazine, Vogue Latin America, and Vogue Mexico and campaigned for Dior, Chanel, and Prada.
Selita Ebanks
Selita Ebanks is a model from the Cayman Islands who appeared in the 2007 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, She has done editorials for V Magazine, The Block Magazine, and appeared on the covers of FHM Russia, Ocean Drive and Maxim. Selita has been credited in acting roles for tv shows such as ‘How I Met Your Mother’, ‘Hawaii Five-O’, and ‘The Apprentice’. She played the phoenix character in Kanye West’s “Runaway” video which was a song from his fifth album, ‘My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy’.
Jasmine Daniels
Jasmine Daniels is an American model from Florida who got into the professional modeling world in 2014. She has done editorials for InStyle Mexico, L’Officiel Brazil, W Magazine and Harper’s Bazaar. She walked for Christopher Raeburn for the Autumn/Winter 2015 London Fashion Show and modeled for the 2019 Savage x Fenty Show.
Lameka Fox
Lameka Fox is a Maryland model who was discovered by the modeling agency IMG in 2016 after she entered the agency’s ‘We Love Your Genes’ contest. Not long after, she made her modeling debut, opening for the Yeezy SS/17 show during the New York Fashion Week. She has also walked in other fashion weeks based in Paris, Milan and London.
Fox made the covers of Grazia Australia, Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam, and L’Officiel Italy among others. She is cast in the tv show ‘Supreme Models’ which centers on black models changing the industry over the years.
Damaris Lewis
Dameris Lewis is an American model who got her start at age when she was discovered by a Brooklyn dance company. She would do modeling assignments while attending LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts.
From 2009 to 2011, she would appear in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit editions as well as appear on the covers of Glow Magazine and L’Officiel Ukraine. She has also acted on the big screen including the 2018 movie ‘BlacKkKlansman’, played the character Jazmine on the 2019 tv series ‘Pose’ and played Blackfire in the superhero tv series ‘Titans’.
Alana Henry
Alana Henry is a Jamaican fashion model currently based in London. She was discovered at the age of 15 while she was in school. She has done editorials for brands like Elle Italia, Marie Claire Brazil and appeared on the cover of the December 2017 Issue of Harper’s Bazaar UK. She walked in shows such as the Gucci Resort Show 2018 Show in Florence, Italy and the Christian Cowan F/W 18 Show. Alana has done campaigns for Italian makeup brand Kiko Milano and textile print company Vlisco.
Emira D’Spain
Emira D’Spain is a TikTok influencer who made history as the first Black transgranger model to work with Victoria’s Secret. This would mark her first collaboration as she would make the video “Secret Girl’s Guide to the Perfect Valentine’s Day”.
As of now, she has 1.1 million followers on TikTok and works for PAPER Magazine as the beauty director. She campaigned to raise money for the ‘It Gets Better Project’ which aims to connect and encourage LGBTQ+ youth worldwide.
Halima Aden
Halima Aden is a Somali-American fashion model who made history for being the first model to wear a hijab and burkini in the 2016 Miss Minnesota USA pageant. Aden is credited for being the first hijabi model that opened the doors for visibility in modeling and fashion.
She appeared in the debut video for Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty and on the covers of prominent magazines like Vogue Arabia, Harper’s Bazaar Japan, Essence, and Elle Singapore.
Zuri Tibby
Zuri Tibby is a model from Florida who was discovered at a shopping mall. Tibby was soon catapulted into the spotlight as she became the first black model to be chosen to be the spokesperson for Victoria’s Secret PINK. She has been in editorials for Vogue Germany, Garage Magazine, and V Magazine.
Jourdana Phillips
Jourdana Phillips is a model who has walked in three Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows back to back from 2016 to 2018. She landed an exclusive for designer Anthony Vaccarello’s debut collection for the Saint Laurent S/S 17 Show. She gained attention for donning a platinum blond afro on the runway to much acclaim. Phillips has a degree in education and aims to advocate for children and teachers.
Khoudia Diop
Over the years, there has been a greater push for people of color to be represented fairly in the visual arts, in all shades and sizes. With Khoudia Diop, embracing and celebrating dark skin is a necessity in an industry (and world at large) that still has difficulty seeing darker shades as beautiful.
Khoudia got attention after she appeared in a photo shoot called ‘The Colored Girl Project’ which garnered lots of followers online. She did an ad campaign for the brand Make Up For Ever’s #BlendInStandOut in 2017. She is known as the Melanin Goddess online.
Nyakim Gatwech
Nyakim Gatwech is an American model born in Ethiopia and of South Sudanese descent. She is known for proudly modeling her dark skin color, which led to the name “Queen of the Dark”. She appeared on the covers of WOE (Women Own Excellence) Magazine and the Winter 2018 Disrupshion Magazine Issue.
She is the co-founder of a nonprofit organization ‘The BalangNyal Foundation’ along with journalist Nyamal Gatluak which advocates for education, personal care and career opportunities for girls and young women in Ethiopia.
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