SizzlingKnown as a pioneer in the fashion industry, Hardison broke barriers by being one of the first black models for reputable names such as Calvin Klein, Perry Ellis and Oscar de la Renta.
This icon has help steer notable careers like Iman, Naomi Campbell and Tyson Beckford. Among the numerous of awards she has received, the CFDA honored her with the Founder’s Award for her work and contribution to fashion.
As the former Editor at Large of Vogue Magazine and previous assistant to Andy Warhol, Andre Leon Talley, is best known for his role at the most elite fashion house and introducing the world to rising designers.
Andre Leon Talley’s skills are very highly sought out.In 2008, the now Editor at Large of Número Russia Magazine, advised and introduced First Lady Michelle Obama to Philip Lim.
Talk about a laundry list of accomplishments. This previous Victoria Secret Model blossomed into a TV show host, producer, actress and author. This original angel, has earned herself two Daytime Emmy awards, a New York Times Best Seller, and has been repeatedly named as one of TIMES Most Influential people.
At the age of 15 Tyra began her modeling career and took the fashion world by storm by being booked for 25 shows during her first Fashion Week ever. This spearhead would later earn the covers of Vogue, Teen Vogue & Elle Magazine.
In 1974, Beverly Johnson made history by being the first African American woman on the cover of Vogue magazine. And a year later she was the first black woman to appear on the French addition of Elle Magazine.
Beverly has been featured on the covers of over 500 Issues and counting. Johnson’s standout resume and unprecedented success made her one of NY Times’ most influential people.
At the age of 18, Enninful took on the Fashion Director role at I-D magazine making him the youngest Fashion Director in the industry. After a plethora of amazing jobs, Enninful is now currently the Fashion & Style Director for W Magazine.
Later on into his career,Edward spearheaded the first ever “Black Issue” for Italian Vogue, that not only sold out on stands, but Conde Nast had to print another 40,000 copies. Talk about ground breaking!
This Somalian fashion model, actress, and entrepreneur is a not only known for her charitable work but is a trailblazer in the field of ethnic cosmetics. Her first modeling assignment in the 70s was Vogue and soon after she landed some of the highest modeling gigs, which pushed her to the title of a supermodel.
Iman’s accomplishments earned her the Fashion Icon Lifetime Achievement Award from the CFDA, an award given to “an individual whose signature style has had profound influence on fashion.”
Making an influential and successful fashion line is not easy; however Tracy Reese did it with grace and poise. As a prestigious American Designer, Tracy is a board member of the elite CFDA organization.
This American designer not only has a packed house at every fashion show but dresses recognizable clients such as the First Lady Michelle Obama.
Campbell’s career is never ending and her influence has made headlines. Being one of the first out of 6 models to be dubbed “supermodels,” the 44-year-old’s career started in 1987 and has no indication of letting up anytime soon.
In addition her famous modeling career, Campbell has made several appearances on the big and small screen, authored books, and has involved herself in an assortment of charity work.
This successful model broke barriers by not conforming to the philosophy of Caucasian Beauty. Alek has appeared in top publications such as Vogue, Elle and Ebony.
Alek’s success has been celebrated by other black women including Lupita Nyong’o saying “When I saw Alek I inadvertently saw a reflection of myself that I could not deny.”
She’s known as a “style disrupter” for a reason. From making strides by styling Jay-Z, to producing her HSN line “June by June Ambrose,” it’s a known fact that this stylist is always on the go.
This celebrity stylist is never taking a break. From Missy Elloit to Puff Daddy, June’s resume goes way back.
This “curator of cool” is the founder and photographer for “All The Pretty Birds”. McPherson is known for capturing memorable stylish moments which have been featured in Italian Elle, Glamour, Harpers Bazaar and more.
As the previous Editor and Chief of GRAZIA.it, McPherson continues to make waves in the industry as the Style Director for Out There.
From being the first black Director at Seventeen Magazine, to now owning her own company, Tai Beauchamp Inc., this powerhouse has made incredible strides in the Fashion industry.
With a resume of top companies such as Oprah Magazine, InStyle Magazine and Vibe it’s no secret why this beauty made our list.
Young indeed, but this 23-year-old supermodel is one of the highest paid models in the industry. Flaunting in pages such as Vogue, Elle, Harpers Bazaar we are sure this is only the beginning of Chanel’s career.
Strutting her way down high-brand runways such as Tom Ford, Dolce & Gabbana and Versace, there is no stopping this legend in the making.
