// // ]]> Before there was a Naomi Campbell, Iman and Tyra Banks, there was Donyale Luna. Donyale Luna was the first notable African American fashion model and the first black cover girl. Born Peggy Anne Freeman in Detroit, Michigan, to parents Peggy and Nathaniel Freeman. Her father, who was reportedly abusive, was murdered when she was 18.Donyale's mother wanted her to become a nurse, but her path was destined for fashion. Donyale created her own dream. She made up stories to h[...]
Naomi Campbell was the last African American to be featured in a Prada ad campaign in 1994. Nineteen years later, Malaika Firth became the newest face of Prada in a Fall/Winter 2013 advertisement. Malaika Firth was born on March 23, 1994, in Mombassa, Kenya. Firth's modeling career started at the age of 17. She was encouraged to try out modeling after her mother watched an episode of The Model Agency, which featured a documentary about Premier Model Management. Firth's mom called the agency[...]
Kathleen Bradley was the first [permanent] African-American model on The Price Is Right from 1990 to 2000. Growing up in Girard, Ohio, Bradley moved to Los Angeles where she was won numerous beauty titles, including Miss Black California in 1971. One of Bradley's most memorable roles was the character she played in the hit film, “Friday” as Mrs. Parker, starring Ice Cube and Chris Tucker. Source: Kathleen Bradley ♥[...]
Born and raised in Bronx, New York, Tomiko Fraser was the first African American to represent Maybelline New York for 8 years. Fraser has also been featured on countless billboards, magazine ads & commercials on behalf of the cosmetics brand. She's appeared in print and television campaigns for brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Alfani, The Gap, Old Navy, Lee Jeans & Target. Fraser has graced the pages of magazines around the world, including German Vogue, Glamour, British Marie Claire, Cosmo[...]
Anais Mali Becomes First Black Model To Cover W in Korea Anais Mokngar Mali is a French model who was born in Toulon, France. In 2009, she signed with Wilhelmina Mode modeling agency. Even though Mali is joined by other models Crystal Renn, Hanne Gaby Odiele, Hyoni Kang, Julia Nobis, Maryna Linchuk, and Valerija Kelava she still is the first black model to ever grace W Korea's Cover. Anais has already modeled for some of the top designers like Betsey Johnson, Vivienne Westwood, Marc Jaco[...]
Naomi Campbell was the first Black model to grace the cover of Time magazine and French Vogue. Naomi Campbell began modeling at the age of 15 when she signed with Synchro Modeling Agency. She landed her first cover at 15 for Elle in April 1986. At age 18 she becomes the first black model to cover French Vogue and Time magazine. Naomi is one of the world's most renowned supermodels. She has walked the Runway for some of the top iconic fashion icons such as Versace, Dior, Marc Jacobs,[...]
Tyra Banks made history in 1996. She was the first African-American model to pose on the covers of Sports Illustrated the swimsuit issue(with model Valeria Mazza) and GQ (February 1996). Banks was also the first-ever African American chosen for the cover of Victoria's Secret catalog in 1996. The following year Tyra graced the cover of Sports Illustrated for the second year in a row, this time, by herself. ♥ //[...]
Katiti Kironde made history when she became the first black woman to land the cover of Glamour Magazine on their August 1968 issue. The issue made history, selling more than two million copies worldwide. Today Katiti works as a Fashion Designer creating a line of perfected women's white shirts and blouses, a classic staple that focuses on minimalist sophistication. //[...]