30 Black Models Who Shaped Fashion History
From Pat Cleveland to Precious Lee, L’OFFICIEL looks back at the trailblazing Black models who have made an impact on fashion.
From the rise of fashion media in the mid-20th century to the present, the industry has seen a number of calls for inclusivity—with many of them unanswered. For decades years, modeling agencies, designers, and editors tended to look for one body type and skin color. Still, over the years, there have been a number of Black models who have shifted the industry's status quo and shaped fashion history through their artistry, beauty, and courage.
World-renowned supermodels like Naomi Campbell and Iman broke barriers and catwalked their way to diversifying the industry. They paved the (run)way for a younger generation of models, laying a foundation for names like Joan Smalls, Winnie Harlow, and Anok Yai to thrive today. Meanwhile, Beverly Johnson and Tyra Banks made history as the first Black models to grace the covers of major magazines. Haute couture model Mounia became Yves Saint Laurent’s first Black muse.
As we continue into Fashion Month during Black History Month, L’OFFICIEL pays homage to 30 Black models who helped shape the fashion industry as we know it today. Click through the gallery below to see and read about history-makers to know. 
