February 10, 2012

Another Lesson In Black History… Who Was The First Black Male Model To Sign An Exclusive Contract With Ralph Lauren?

Tyson Beckford was the first black male model to sign an exclusive contract with Ralph Lauren in 1993. He was also the first black male model to receive supermodel status.

With the help of a talent agent, Beckford was introduced to the world of Fashion.

After being spotted by an editor from the hip-hop magazine “The Source” in 1991, Beckford begins to pursue a modeling career with the advice of the editor. While pursuing a modeling career, Beckford soon landed a contract with a New York modeling agency, therefore, beginning a new life in front of cameras and on runaways.

Beckford gained much exposure from modeling. In 1993 his big chance arrived when Ralph Lauren signed him to an exclusive contract as the front model for the company’s Polo Sport fragrance and fashion line. This lead to a number of other modeling jobs that would soon land him the title of the “first black male supermodel!”