Skip to content
  • Essence GU
  • Beautycon
  • NaturallyCurly
  • Afropunk
  • Essence Studios
  • Soko Mrkt
  • Ese Funds
  • Refinery29
  • WeLoveUs.shop
  • 2026 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
  • Celebrity
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Entrepreneurship
  • News
  • Shopping
  • Video
  • Events
  • Subscribe
Home • Fashion Week

The History of the Black Model

An epic 60 years chronicling the queens of the catwalk.
History of the Black Model
Iman Alvin Ailey Nyfw Lead
By Tia Williams · Updated October 28, 2020
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…
There’s no better way to celebrate Black History Month and New York’s upcoming Fashion Week simultaneously than with a look back at the glamorous history of the Black model.

In our timeline of the past 60 years’ legendary catwalk queens, we pay homage to icons including Donyale Luna and Iman, who have paved the way for present-day divas like Chanel Iman and Joan Smalls.

Check out our recap of the unforgettable brown beauties.