The African American model has come very far over the years and here at BCG we wanted to take a moment to celebrate the model of our past and present!
The very first African American woman to ever grace Vogue magazine was Donyale Luna, who was featured in the 1966 UK edition.
A 1966 Life magazine article titled “The Luna Year” described the stunning model as:
“A new heavenly body who, because of her striking singularity, promises to remain on high for many a season. Donyale Luna, as she calls herself, is unquestionably the hottest model in Europe at the moment. She is only 20, a Negro, hails from Detroit, and is not to be missed if one reads Harper’s Bazaar, Paris Match, Britain’s Queen, the British, French or American editions of Vogue.”
For American Vogue it took a little while longer. Beverley Johnson was featured on the cover in 1974, looking equally stunning.
She was later featured on A French Elle cover a year later, helping to jump-start her career as one of the greatest ladies of fashion of the seventies and eighties and pave the way.
Today we have gorgeous African American models who can reach as high as their hearts desire. With evolving fashion, a budding society and beauty in all shade. We have these two women to thank for opening the door for Tyra Banks, Chanel Iman, Oluchi Onweagba, and Alek Wek. Giving us a prime definition of what beauty is for our young women of tomorrow.
BCG Salutes our models for Black History Month!
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