Diana Ross’ style has always been the stuff of fairy tales. From her Supreme days to those unforgettable 70s disco ensembles, Ross has delivered some epic moments. Not only has she gifted us with show-stopping fashion, she’s birthed another fabulous woman on this list who is continuing the legacy of fly, Tracee Ellis Ross.
Lena Horne’s classy yet effortless style oozed old Hollywood glamour. She was never seen out of sorts and often opted for luxurious fabrics and textures to complete her look.
Dorothy Dandridge was all about easy, breezy glam. She was a true product of her time, always clad in prim and proper looks. Somehow though, she managed to make the most beautiful pieces look like she pulled them off with no effort.
Disco queen Donna Summer’s style was just as edgy and over-the-top as it was elegant. Leg-baring leotards, furs and sequins were staples for the fierce diva.
Iconic model Pat Cleveland made her mark on the fashion industry 60s and 70s but in edition to being a muse she’s a fashion darling. From being dripping in drapes and sequins to making jeans and a t-shirt look beyond cool, Pat’s definitely one well-dressed lady.
Fashion icon Grace Jones is the epitome of avant-garde style. The model/singer/actres was never afraid to push the boundaries of what’s considered beautiful, appealing and delightfully strange. Jones’ style leaves you wondering what’s going on and why it works so well.
Solange’s style is otherworldly, in the best way possible. Unafraid to take risks and make statements, Solange has distinguished herself as a budding style icon to be reckoned with.
June Ambrose fashion expertise doesn’t start or stop with styling A-list celebrities. In recent years she’s become known for her impeccable personal style. With a penchant for bold prints, eye-popping color and unexpected pairings, June’s style is in a league of its own.
We’ve seen Kerry Washington blossom from her early role in Save the Last Dance to dominating the red carpet with high profile roles like Scandal. Through the years she’s managed to deliver classic, head-turning looks for the books.
Even if Rihanna wasn’t officially a fashion icon, she’d rank high on our list. Aside from the fact that she’s always fly, she’s been able to master a laundry list of looks, start trends and sell out anything she puts her name on.
Susan Fales Hill is a television producer, author, screenwriter and bonafide style star. Always classy with a bit of edge, Fales-Hill has even been on the annual International Best Dressed List.
Diahann Carroll has always been known for her poised demeanor and impeccable taste. Aside from her astounding accomplishments as an actress, she always been a class act when it comes to timeless, show-stopping style.
Marjorie Harvey is a lady that loves couture and we can’t get enough of it! Her fierce passion for all things fashion is evident in not only her gorgeous threads but her popular blog and appearance in pretty much every fashion week front row we can think of.
Glam comes in small packages too! Diva performer Eartha Kitt was known to command a stage with her voice and her breathtaking style. Quite possibly the original “bad gal,” Kitt’s style was as fiesty and cool as it was soft and elegant.
Tracee Ellis Ross had no choice but to be a fashion maven in her own right. When it literally runs in your blood (thanks Diana Ross!) and you have access to some of the most covetable vintage pieces there are, there’s really no stopping you. Tracee’s style doesn’t stop there though, the actress has cultivated quite an impressive wardrobe and has quite the creative chops when it comes to designing and styling her own pieces.
As Vogue.com’s Fashion News Director it’s obvious we’re dealing with a woman of immense sartorial knowledge, but there’s something more to be said about Chioma’s edgy, chic, and slightly off-beat style. She’s not afraid to mix-and-match like a boss and her relationships with up-and-coming designers let’s her stay ahead of the curve.
Fashion legend Beverly Johnson was the first African-American model to appear on the cover of Vogue, so we could really stop there. However, it’d be a crime not to acknowledge that it’s her cool, calm and collected demeanor that manages to translate into her style, and make her a stand-out fashion maven.
Not only does Halle Berry exude effortless beauty, she’s delivered some of our favorite fashion moments over the years. From the red carpet to the sidewalk, Berry is always someone to watch when it comes to sultry yet cool style.
As the Director and Chief Curator of The Studio Museum in Harlem, Thelma Golden’s style is definitely influenced by her knowledge and love of art. Married to famed fashion designer Duro Oluwo, Golden masterfully plays with vibrant prints, colors and shapes.
Pam Grier was not only the queen of the 70s for her epic movie roles but for her era-defining fashion. The bell-bottoms, the floral mid-driff baring tops, the platforms perfect for kicking in a door Foxy Brown style, there’s no denying Grier’s fierce style.
