Every February marks the celebration of Black History Month, along with anticipations of the year’s first Fashion Week events. As a way to honor both events, ORANGE is taking a look at some of fashion’s most iconic black supermodels.
Story by Katharine Noe
Naomi Sims: Mar. 30, 1948 – Aug. 1, 2009
Sims is considered by many to be the first black supermodel. She made history when she appeared as the first black model to be on the cover of “Ladies’ Home Journal” in 1968 and LIFE Magazine in 1969. Sims’ iconic modeling success came to an end just four years later after she retired as a model to pursue a career designing a line of hair wigs made specifically for black women. According to the New York Times, her wig designs accrued $5 million within five years. Sims continued to be a role model in the black community by authoring numerous books and using her success as a platform to help black women facing similar challenges.
Beverly Johnson: Oct. 13, 1952 – Present
Johnson is best known for her 1974 Vogue cover appearance, making her the first black woman to ever grace the cover of American Vogue. This iconic moment in the fashion industry paved the way for other magazines to begin to use black models. Throughout her modeling career, Johnson used her fame to help aspiring black models and advocated for civil rights. In addition to modeling, Johnson has worked as an actress and entrepreneur.
Tyra Banks: Dec. 4, 1973 – Present
A model since her teenage years, Banks is best known modeling swimsuits and lingerie. As one of the original Victoria’s Secret Angels, she became the first black model to appear on the cover of any Victoria’s Secret catalogue. In 1997, Banks made history, yet again, when she became the first black model to appear on the cover of Sport’s Illustrated’s swimsuit edition. On top of these accomplishments, she was also the first black model to appear on the cover of GQ Magazine, but her iconic success did not end with her modeling career. Banks executive produced and hosted “America’s Next Top Model” while also creating “The Tyra Banks Show.” In addition, Banks has worked as an author, singer and actress, appearing in multiple films and television shows.
Jasmine Tookes: Feb. 1, 1991 – Present
Beginning her career as a commercial model for brands such as UGG and Gap, Tookes now walks the runway as a Victoria’s Secret Angel. She was most recently selected to wear the $3 million Fantasy Bra, an opportunity not many Angels have the honor of receiving. The honor goes beyond the bra itself as Tookes is the third black woman in Victoria’s Secret history to model the company’s most famous piece.
Naomi Campbell: May 22, 1970 – Present
Coined as one of the “original supermodels,” Naomi Campbell has been a force in the fashion industry since she was first discovered at the age of 15. Despite Campbell’s British origins, she continues to play a central role in the American fashion industry and was one of the most recognizable and sought-after models in the country in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Campbell is also known for her philanthropic efforts in South Africa, even teaming up with the late Nelson Mandela who referred to Campbell as his “honorary granddaughter.” On top of her career in modeling and charity work, she has also appeared and starred in numerous television shows.
