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Home • Black History Month

Black Beauty History: Marsha Hunt, Renaissance Woman Of The '60s

She made history as the first Black woman to cover England's high fashion glossy, Queen, and appeared on the cover of British Vogue in 1969.
Black Beauty History: Marsha Hunt, Renaissance Woman Of The '60s
Matt Green
By Nikki Brown · Updated October 26, 2020

There are plenty of Black women who embodied the spirit of the ’60s, but Marsha Hunt was another level of ferocity.

A true renaissance woman, the model, activist, actress, singer and muse first made headlines when she appeared in the original London production of Hair.

Although she had just a few lines in the psychedelic musical, photographer Justin de Villeneuve made her the show’s literal posterchild after taking this promotional photo: 

From there, she embarked on a singing career that resulted in a stint of music festival performances and album releases. In short: she was a rockstar. And although most like to note her relationship with Mick Jagger–the father of her only child–we’re most enamored with her accomplishments in the fashion industry. 

She made history as the first Black woman to cover England’s high fashion glossy, Queen, and appeared on the cover of British Vogue in 1969, a huge feat during that era. And in 2005, she recreated that same cover for her book after winning a battle with cancer. 

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Marsha’s ability to thrive through decades of racial tension within the entertainment and fashion industries is what makes her an integral part of Black beauty history. She also doesn’t take a bad picture. 

Seriously, case in point: 

Purple curls? Peach blush? That choker?! Now, this is a look worth copying! Shop an updated version below and check out more photos of Hunt in all her glory. 

1. Sephora Collection 5 Eyeshadow Palette: From flirty to intense purples, these shades are poppin’ for all skin tones. $25, sephora.com

2. ASOS Embroidered Pom Pom Choker: With a necklace this ornate, you don’t need any other accessories. $23, asos.com

3. Make Up For Ever HD Blush: MUFE is one of the few brands making shades for us and their cream blush is no exception. $26, sephora.com

4. Ciaté London Pretty Stix Murumuru Butter Lipstick in Innocent: The most perfect peach lipstick we’ve ever seen. $20, sephora.com

See more photos of our Black beauty muse below! 

01
Black Beauty Muse: Marsha Hunt

Serving rockstar realness in leather shorts. 

Black Beauty History: Marsha Hunt, Renaissance Woman Of The '60s
Getty Images
02
Black Beauty Muse: Marsha Hunt

A queen on her throne. 

Black Beauty History: Marsha Hunt, Renaissance Woman Of The '60s
Getty Images
03
Black Beauty Muse: Marsha Hunt

Still beautiful without all the frills. 

Black Beauty History: Marsha Hunt, Renaissance Woman Of The '60s
Getty Images
04
Black Beauty Muse: Marsha Hunt

Pretty in patterns.

Black Beauty History: Marsha Hunt, Renaissance Woman Of The '60s
Getty Images
05
Black Beauty Muse: Marsha Hunt

Afrolicious. 

Black Beauty History: Marsha Hunt, Renaissance Woman Of The '60s
Getty Images
06
Black Beauty Muse: Marsha Hunt

Slaying in menswear. 

Black Beauty History: Marsha Hunt, Renaissance Woman Of The '60s
Michael Putland
07
Black Beauty Muse: Marsha Hunt

Fresh faced and ready for her close up. 

Black Beauty History: Marsha Hunt, Renaissance Woman Of The '60s
Getty Images
08
Black Beauty Muse: Marsha Hunt

Perfection. 

Black Beauty History: Marsha Hunt, Renaissance Woman Of The '60s
Getty Images
09
Black Beauty Muse: Marsha Hunt

She’s got her eye on you. 

Black Beauty History: Marsha Hunt, Renaissance Woman Of The '60s
Matt Green
10
Black Beauty Muse: Marsha Hunt

She’s got the moves. 

Black Beauty History: Marsha Hunt, Renaissance Woman Of The '60s
Matt Green
11
Black Beauty Muse: Marsha Hunt

Making overalls chic. 

Black Beauty History: Marsha Hunt, Renaissance Woman Of The '60s
Antonia Hille
TOPICS:  History