The fashion industry has a history of black modeling, unfortunately, it’s still popular today. And although progress is (slowly but surely) being made to ensure that people of color, specifically Blacks, are represented in all areas of the industry including modeling, someone often (and unfairly) has to make way for others. The following Black supermodels have had many of their firsts, and they have all also dominated countless catwalks and campaigns and deserve recognition.
1. Naomi Campbell
| Full name : | Naomi Campbell |
| Date of birth: | May 22, 1970 |
| Place of birth: | England |
| Occupations: | Model, actress, singer, businesswoman |
Naomi Elaine Campbell was born on 22 May 1970 in Streatham, South London, to a Jamaican mother. She is one of five supermodels of African descent who have graced the cover of more than 500 magazines. Naomi became the first black model to appear on the covers of TIME, Russian Vogue, and French Vogue and has walked the runways for top designers around the world. She made the whole world recognize her talent even though she was a woman of color.
2. Tyra Banks
| Full name : | Tyra Banks |
| Date of birth: | December 4, 1973 |
| Place of birth: | America |
| Occupations: | Television personality, model, producer, writer, and actress |
Tyra Lynne Banks was born on 4 December 1973 in Inglewood, California, to a medical photographer mother. Thanks to her looks and talent, she became the first African- American model to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and GQ. Tyra Banks! Before becoming a famous judge on America’s Next Top Model (and host of Dancing With the Stars, lol), she was a famous supermodel participating in international fashion shows from Christian Lacroix to Victoria’s Secret.
3. Jourdan Dunn
| Full name : | Jourdan Sherise Dunn |
| Date of birth: | August 3 , 1990 |
| Place of birth: | England |
| Occupations: | British model |
Jourdan Sherise Dunn was born on 3 August 1990 in Brent, London and she is of Jamaican, Syrian, Lebanese, and Grenadian descent. In 2014, she became the new face of Maybelline New York and performed on many catwalks of many famous designers in the world. With her talent and efforts, she has become one of the most famous black supermodels in the world. In 2020, she became engaged to male rapper Dion Hamilton despite having a child in 2009.
4. Chanel Iman
| Full name : | Chanel Iman Robinson |
| Date of birth: | December 1, 1990 |
| Place of birth: | America |
| Occupations: | Model, actress |
Chanel Iman Robinson was born on 1st December 1990 in Atlanta, Georgia, and has African-American and Korean roots. Possessing an outstanding appearance, she has been modeling for Victoria’s Secret since the age of 12. Thanks to his multinational hybrid blood, Iman has a distinct beauty that is sought after by many world- famous fashion brands. In addition to modeling, she also participated in many TV shows and performed in Taylor Swift’s “Bad Blood”.
5. Alek Wek
| Full name : | Alek Wek |
| Date of birth: | April 16, 1977 |
| Place of birth: | Sudan |
| Occupations: | South Sudanese-British model and designer |
Alek Wek was born on 16 April 1977 in Wau, South Sudan, and belongs to the Dinka ethnic community. Her family immigrated to England in 1991 to flee the country’s civil war in Sudan. Alek was one of the first dark-skinned African supermodels to appear in famous international fashion magazines and perform on global catwalks. In 2013, she was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador of UNHCR – United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
6. Jessica White
| Full name : | Jessica White |
| Date of birth: | June 21, 1984 |
| Place of birth: | America |
| Occupations: | American fashion model, actress and television personality |
Jessica White was born on 21 June 1984 in Buffalo, New York, to a pastor father, so from a young age she was a member of a girl group run by the church. She has walked the runways of some of the world’s most famous designers, including Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, and Oscar de la Renta. She has also worked with Covergirl and has done several Sports Illustrated swimwear collections. Contrary to her famous career, her private life is full of scandals; She was arrested in 2010 for assaulting a woman in New York.
7. Oluchi Onweagba
| Full name : | Oluchi Onweagba-Orlandi |
| Date of birth: | August 1, 1980 |
| Place of birth: | Nigeria |
| Occupations: | Nigerian model based |
Oluchi Onweagba Orlandi was born on 1 August 1980 in Lagos, Nigeria to a family of 4 siblings but currently lives in New York City. She has been featured on the covers of the world’s top international magazines, including Elle, Italian Vogue and Pop. Victoria’s Secret models have also walked the catwalks for global brands such as Gucci, Christian Dior, Chanel, Bottega Veneta and others.
After her successful modeling career, she founded a modeling agency in South Africa, OModel Africa, with offices in Johannesburg and more recently in Cape Town. In addition, she also served as the host and main judge of Africa’s Top Model in 2013.
8. Waris Dirie
| Full name : | Waris Dirie |
| Date of birth: | October 21, 1965 |
| Place of birth: | Somalia |
| Occupations: | Somali model, author, actress and human rights activist |
Waris Dirie was born in 1965 in Galkayo, Somalia, into a nomadic family. At the age of 13, she fled across the desert to Mogadishu to escape an arranged marriage with an old man. She then went to London and worked odd jobs while learning English. She was discovered by famous photographer Terence Donovan when she was 18 years old and became one of the first African supermodels in the UK. With her talent and efforts, she quickly became a successful model, appearing in advertisements for top brands such as Chanel, Levi’s, and Revlon.
9. Agbani Darego
| Full name : | Agbani Darego |
| Date of birth: | December 22, 1982 |
| Place of birth: | Nigeria |
| Occupations: | Nigerian model and beauty queen |
Asenite Agbani Darego was born in 1982 in River State, Nigeria to a family of eight siblings. In November 2001, she was crowned Miss World, becoming the first black African to win the crown, and her one- year tenure included goodwill trips and scheduled appearances on behalf of the pageant, and an MFR. She went on to model for several top brands, including L’Oreal, Christian Dior, Avon, Sephora, and others. She has also appeared on the covers of leading fashion magazines such as Elle, Allure, Marie Claire, Essence, and Metropolitan.
10. Halima Aden
| Full name : | Halima Aden |
| Date of birth: | September 19, 1997 |
| Place of birth: | Kenya |
| Occupations: | Model |
Halima Aden was born on 22 September 1997 in the Kenya-based Kakuma refugee camp to Somali parents. She moved to the United States when she was six years old and attended Apollo High School, where her classmates voted her the queen of their school. Halima is the first supermodel to wear a headscarf on an international catwalk and appear on the covers of major magazines around the world. In 2021, she was honored by the BBC in the top 100 women in the world.
11. Nyakim Gatwech
| Full name : | Nyakim Gatwech |
| Date of birth: | January 27, 1993 |
| Place of birth: | Ethiopia |
| Occupations: | Model |
Nyakim Gatwech was born on 27th January 1993 in Gambella, Ethiopia, to South Sudanese parents and later relocated to the United States when she was 14. She is nicknamed the Queen of Darkness due to her dark skin pigmentation. She began her career after participating in a St. Cloud. She has appeared in promotional posters for the 2017 film Jigsaw and her instagram account has over 985k followers. Thanks to her popularity on Instagram, she has appeared on many catwalks of famous brands and designers around the world.
12. Duckie Thot
| Full name : | Nyadak Thot |
| Date of birth: | October 23, 1995 |
| Place of birth: | Australia |
| Occupations: | South Sudanese-Australian model |
Duckie Thot, real name Nyadak Thot, was born on 23 October 1995 in Melbourne, Australia, to a family of South Sudanese refugees and her mother became pregnant with her on the run. Since 2018 this Victoria’s Secret model has been a global ambassador for L’Oreal Paris and has participated in campaigns for Fenty, Oscar de la Renta and Moschino. Thot said that growing up she did not see people like her in the beauty industry, so she hopes her work will let others look at themselves and know that nothing is impossible when they try.
13. Adut Akech
| Full name : | Adut Akech Bior |
| Date of birth: | December 25, 1999 |
| Place of birth: | South Sudan |
| Occupations: | Model |
Adut Akech was born on 25 December 1999 in South Sudan into a family of six siblings. Her family moved to Kenya as refugees before moving to Adelaide, Australia. In 2016, she became a global exclusive for Saint Laurent. Since then, she has modeled for top fashion brands, including Alexander McQueen, Versace, Prada, Calvin Klein, and others. IShe has been voted “Model of the Year” by models.com for two consecutive years in 2018 and 2019. Experts rate Akech as a new “New Supers” in today’s fashion industry.
14. Anok Yai
| Full name : | Tyra Banks |
| Date of birth: | December 4, 1973 |
| Place of birth: | America |
| Occupations: | Television personality, model, producer, writer, and actress |
Anok Yai was born on 20 December 1997 in Cairo, Egypt to South Sudanese parents. Her family moved to Manchester, New Hampshire when she was three years old her mother was a nurse and her father worked for Easterseals; Her sister Alim is her manager and financial consultant. She is the first black model from South Sudan and the second in Africa after Naomi Campbell to present the fashion of the famous fashion house Prada.
15. Khoudia Diop
| Full name : | Khoudia Diop |
| Date of birth: | December 31, 1996 |
| Place of birth: | Senegal |
| Occupations: | Model, Actress |
Khoudia Diop was born on December 31, 1996 in Senegal and she was often teased as a child for her dark skin. She often calls herself the Goddess Melanin – a reference to her dark skin. Khoudia gained international fame after participating in the Colored Girl Project. She has also campaigned for the France-based cosmetics brand, Make Up For Ever. Thanks to her thriving career, her fortune is estimated at more than 30 million dollars.
16. Leomie Anderson
| Full name : | Leomie Anderson |
| Date of birth: | February 14, 1993 |
| Place of birth: | England |
| Occupations: | British model, fashion designer, and activist |
Leomie Anderson was born on 14 February 1993 in England and is of Jamaican descent. She has modeled in campaigns for major fashion houses such as Fenty and Pat McGrath. She also has her own blog and fashion brand called LAPP, for Leomie Anderson’s Purpose Project. She then launched her own podcast “Role Model with Leomie Anderson” (Somethin’ Else, Sony Music), to “talk to international superstars who are breaking boundaries and shaping culture.”
17. Paloma Elsesser
| Full name : | Paloma Elsesser |
| Date of birth: | April 12, 1992 |
| Place of birth: | England |
| Occupations: | Model |
Paloma Elsesser was born on 12 April 1992 in England, to a Black mother and Chilean and Swiss father. Although she’s multiracial, the model said she feels “more connected to Black culture and the Black experience,” in an interview with Allure. Her most notable event is being on the cover of Vogue Arabia with Ashley Graham and as a catwalk expert (fashion label Alexander McQueen). In addition to being a model, Elsesser also made her way into cinema when she made her screen debut in the Safdie brothers’ film Uncut Gems in 2019.
18. Joan Smalls
| Full name : | Joan Smalls Rodriguez |
| Date of birth: | July 11, 1988 |
| Place of birth: | Puerto Rico |
| Occupations: | Model, television personality |
Joan Smalls real name is Joan Smalls Rodriguez was born on 11 July 1988 in Puerto Rico in a family of 3 sisters. “I grew up in a family where my father was black and my mother was Puerto Rican,” she said in an interview. “That’s my roots.” She is an expert on the catwalks of famous brands in the world and recently she pledged to spend half of her salary in 2020 to support “Black Lives Matter” – a charity for black people . In addition to being a famous model, she is also a fashion designer when she launched a denim collection, Joan Smalls x True Religion and collaborated with the brand Smart and Sexy to create a line of lingerie and swimwear. sold at Walmart.
19. Maria Borges
| Full name : | Maria Borges |
| Date of birth: | October 28, 1992 |
| Place of birth: | Angola |
| Occupations: | Model |
Maria Borges was born on 28 October 1992 in Angola and was named a top model by Forbes Africa in 2013. She was the first Black model to wear her natural hair down the Victoria’s Secret runway in 2015. (Took them long enough!) The Angolan model also inked a deal with L’Oréal Paris to become its new face in 2017, and she continues to kill it on the catwalk, seen here walking at a Christian Siriano show.
20. Cindy Bruna
| Full name : | Cindy Bruna |
| Date of birth: | September 27, 1994 |
| Place of birth: | France |
| Occupations: | Model |
Cindy Bruna was born on 27 September 1994 in France to a French father and a black mother from Congo. Cindy was the first Black model to perform exclusively for the famous fashion house Calvin Klein, according to an interview with Into the Gloss, and she has performed other impressive shows by brands such as Elie Saab, Chanel, Givenchy, etc. Bruna currently ranks as a “Money Girl” on models.com and has also been included on the Forbes “30 under 30” list.
21. Beverly Johnson
| Full name : | Beverly Ann Johnson |
| Date of birth: | October 13, 1952 |
| Place of birth: | America |
| Occupations: | Model, actress, singer, and businesswoman |
Beverly Johnson was born on 13 October 1952 in the US and She is one of the most famous black models in the world. Besides being a model, Johnson has also written the books Beverly Johnson’s Guide to a Life of Health and Beauty and True Beauty: Secrets of Radiant Beauty for Women of Every Age and Color. She is a symbol of black people who know how to strive and rise to achieve success.
22. Elibeidy Dani
| Full name : | Elibeidy Dani Martinez |
| Date of birth: | May 6, 1997 |
| Place of birth: | Dominican Republic |
| Occupations: | Model |
Elibeidy Dani was born on May 6, 1997, in the US and is one of the world-famous black models. One of the hottest new faces in the fashion world, Elibeidy Dani Martinez is taking the international fashion runway by storm. She is only 26 years old but has performed for Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein, Brandon Maxwell, Saint Laurent, Prada, Valentino, etc. She is considered the new bright star of the world model industry.
23. Grace Jones
| Full name : | Grace Beverly Jones |
| Date of birth: | May 19, 1948 |
| Place of birth: | Jamaica |
| Occupations: | model, singer and actress |
Grace Jones was born on 19 May 1948 in Jamaica, she is one of the world famous black models. More than an iconic model, Grace Jones is also a singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer. She knows how to turn a runway show into a live performance. Her dances and movements bring so much energy and life to the crowd, which is evident in the Tommy Hilfiger x Zendaya 2019 performance.
24. Pat Cleveland
| Full name : | Patricia Cleveland |
| Date of birth: | June 23, 1950 |
| Place of birth: | America |
| Occupations: | model |
Pat Cleveland was a fashion pioneer in the 60s and 70s and continues to this day. At 68 years old! She was on the Hellesy show, pictured here in this amazing red outfit. Her modeling career began when she was noticed by the assistant of Carrie Donovan, the fashion editor of Vogue magazine. Throughout her career, she has also been involved in supporting movements and organizations that help black people around the world.
25. Naomi Sims
| Full name : | Naomi Ruth Sims |
| Date of birth: | March 30, 1948 |
| Place of birth: | America |
| Occupations: | model, businesswoman and author |
Naomi Sims was born on 19 May 1948 in the US and is one of the world famous black models. Naomi Sims was the first Black model to appear on the cover of Ladies’ Home Magazine in 1968 and in 1969 Life magazine, her modeling career was a huge success. She also started her own wig and hairpiece business, which then expanded into cosmetics and skincare before she passed away from cancer in August 2009.
26. Beverly Peele
| Full name : | Beverly Peele |
| Date of birth: | March 18, 1975 |
| Place of birth: | America |
| Occupations: | model and actress |
Beverly Peele was born on 18 March 1975 in the US and is one of the world famous black models. She started her modeling career at the age of 12 and was featured on the cover of her first magazine, Mademoiselle 2 years later. Beverly Peele has modeled for countless magazines, including Mademoiselle, Elle, Vogue, and yours truly, Cosmopolitan. Throughout her career, Beverly has appeared on more than 250 different magazine covers.
27. Gail O’Neill
| Full name : | Gail O’Neill |
| Date of birth: | 1963 |
| Place of birth: | America |
| Occupations: | fashion model, television journalist |
Gail O’Neill was born in 1963 in the US. Gail O’Neill was a popular model in the 1980s and 90s, during which time she modeled for sports and fashion magazines such as Sports Illustrated and Vogue as well as companies like Nordstrom and J. Crew. Throughout her career, Gail O’Neill has appeared in numerous articles about black models and issues of racism. In 2009, she was chosen as the model to introduce the 2009 Spring/Summer Calvin Klein ckOne fragrance campaign. In addition to her modeling career, she also tried herself as a journalist specializing in black lives and racism, while also working for CNN, HGTV and CBS.
28. Ajok Madel
| Full name : | Ajok Madel |
| Date of birth: | 1993 |
| Place of birth: | Australia, South Sudan |
| Occupations: | Model |
Ajok Madel was new to the modeling world when she started her career at the age of 22 but has already made a name for herself by booking runway shows for Alexander McQueen, Tom Ford, and Dries van Noten. She is South Sudanese but grew up in Australia. “I vividly remember the moment I saw Akiima on the cover of Vogue Australia. It was the first time I saw an African woman on the cover of an Australian magazine,” She shared her thoughts when viewing the Vogue issue.
29. Winnie Harlow
| Full name : | Chantelle Whitney |
| Date of birth: | July 27, 1994 |
| Place of birth: | Canada |
| Occupations: | Model, spokesperson |
Winnie Harlow’s real name is Chantelle Whitney Brown-Young. Ever since she was a teenager, she wanted to pursue a modeling career and chose the name Winnie Harlow. Winnie Harlow became known in 2014 when she participated in the reality show America’s Next Top Model. Appearing on the cover of Women’s Health magazine, Canadian model – Winnie Harlow (28 years old) naked to reveal vitiligo skin.
30. Tomiko Fraser
| Full name : | Tomiko Fraser Hines |
| Date of birth: | May 2, 1968 |
| Place of birth: | America |
| Occupations: | model and actress |
Tomiko Fraser Hines was born on May 2, 1968, in the Bronx, New York, and is one of the famous black fashion models. She began her modeling career on the catwalk, in print press, and advertising. Fraser is best known as the first African-American face of Maybelline cosmetics, from 2001 to 2007. Additionally, she starred in the 2001 film Head over Heels. Her real life is also very happy and fulfilled when in 2013 she gave birth to twins.
31. Emanuela De Paula
| Full name : | Emanuela de Paula |
| Date of birth: | April 25, 1989 |
| Place of birth: | Brazil |
| Occupations: | Model |
Emanuela De Paula was born on 25 April 1989 in Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco, Brazil, to a black African-Brazilian father and a white Brazilian mother. She has performed in many major international fashion shows in both Brazil and the United States. In 2009, she reached the top of the highest earning supermodels. In 2014, she joined the modeling agency The Society Management.
32. Selita Ebanks
| Full name : | Selita Ebanks |
| Date of birth: | February 17, 1983 |
| Place of birth: | Cayman Islands |
| Occupations: | model and actress |
Selita Ebanks was born on 17 February 1983 in George Town, Cayman Islands, to a Jamaican father and a Cayman mother. She started her modeling career in 2001 and since then she has shown fashion on many international catwalks. Selita Ebanks has also appeared on many covers of the world’s leading fashion magazines such as Vogue and Glamor and was a Victoria’s Secret Angel from 2005 to 2010.
33. Arlenis Sosa
| Full name : | Arlenis Sosa Peña |
| Date of birth: | May 7, 1989 |
| Place of birth: | Dominican Republic |
| Occupations: | model |
Arlenis Sosa Peña was born on May 7, 1989, in Monte Cristi, Dominican Republic, and is one of the world’s most famous black models. She has modeled for many famous global fashion designers, including Ralph Lauren, Hermes, Donna Karan, and others. Currently, Arlenis Sosa is a model for the high-end cosmetics brand Lancôme. Besides, she is also married to Donnie McGrath – A professional basketball player.
34. Danielle Herrington
| Full name : | Danielle Nicole Herrington |
| Date of birth: | May 26, 1993 |
| Place of birth: | America |
| Occupations: | Model |
Danielle Nicole Herrington was born on 26 May 1993 in Compton, California, and is one of the famous black models. Herrington started her modeling career at the age of 8 and three years later she attended a professional model training school. She became the third African- American woman to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue (2018 -an American sports magazine after Tyra Banks and Beyonce. She also has an instagram page with over 200,000 followers.
35. Malaika Firth
| Full name : | Malaika Firth |
| Date of birth: | March 23, 1994 |
| Place of birth: | Kenya |
| Occupations: | Model |
Malaika Firth was born on 23 March 1994 in Mombasa, Kenya, then moved to London with her family when she was 7 years old. She gained global fame in 2013 when she became the first black model in nearly two decades to participate in a Prada campaign – A famous fashion brand. She has performed over 40 shows for famous designers and fashion houses, including Jean Paul Gaultier, Bottega Veneta, Marc Jacobs, Kenzo, Dolce & Gabbana, and others.
36. Maty Fall Diba
| Full name : | Maty Fall Diba |
| Date of birth: | May 1, 2001 |
| Place of birth: | Senegal |
| Occupations: | model |
Maty Fall Diba was born on 1 May 2001 in Dakar, Senegal and she is one of the most successful black models in the industry. She moved to Italy at the age of 9 and later became an Italian citizen. She has participated in several major fashion shows such as Missoni’s Fall/Winter 2020 show, Philosophy’s Spring/Summer 2021, Max Mara’s Resort 2022 show, and others. Fall Diba has also appeared on many covers of the world’s top magazines, including British Vogue, i-D magazine, Dutch Vogue, and Vogue Italia.
37. Ugbad Abdi
| Full name : | Ugbad Abdi |
| Date of birth: | 1999/2000 |
| Place of birth: | Somalia |
| Occupations: | Model |
Ugbad Abdi was born in 1999/2000 in Kismayo, Somalia, then she grew up in a refugee camp in Kenya before moving to the United States. She was the opening model for Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs during New York Fashion Week. This Somali model has also been featured in many major fashion magazines, including Vogue Arabic, American, and British. She was the first black model to walk the runways of top fashion houses: Fendi and Lanvin wearing headscarves.
38. Malika Louback
| Full name : | Malika Louback-Mohamed |
| Date of birth: | 1994/1995 |
| Place of birth: | Djibouti |
| Occupations: | model and engineer |
Malika Louback was born in 1995 in Djibouti to a family of 3 sisters and is the only black model with an engineering degree and moved to France for further studies and to launch her modeling career. She has three college degrees in engineering-related courses. Malika is the first model from Djibouti to appear on the cover of Vogue. Louback became the “face” of the famous fashion house Loro Piana in 2021 and a year later she entered the top 50 models of Models.com.
39. Sara Nuru
| Full name : | Sara Nuru |
| Date of birth: | August 19, 1989 |
| Place of birth: | Germany |
| Occupations: | model and entrepreneur |
Sara Nuru was born on 19th August 1989 in Erding, Bavaria, Germany, and to Ethiopian emigrants of the Amhara ethnic group. At the age of 10, she moved with her family to Germany. She won the fourth cycle of Germany’s Top Model and has become one of the world’s most famous black models. Sara Nuru has performed on major global catwalks, including Berlin, Milan, New York, and London Fashion Weeks.
40. Janaye Furman
| Full name : | Janaye Furman |
| Date of birth: | April 23, 1995 |
| Place of birth: | America |
| Occupations: | model |
Janaye Furman was born on 23 April 1995 in California, and is one of the famous black models. “Hi! I like to Create, Inspire, sometimes I make history. It’s a good day to have a good day.” She shared on her personal Instagram page. She has performed for many major fashion houses around the world, including Vuitton, as well as Hermès and Loewe. Furman went on to become the first Black model to open for Louis Vuitton at the spring 2018 runway show during Paris Fashion Week. Before modeling, Janaye learned many musical instruments and wanted to become a famous artist.
41. Adesuwa Aighewi
| Full name : | Adesuwa Thongpond Pariyasapat Aighewi |
| Date of birth: | 1988 |
| Place of birth: | America |
| Occupations: | model and filmmaker |
Because of her dark skin, Adesuwa Aighewi has been rejected by many modeling agencies, but it is her perseverance and passion that has earned Vogue magazine the title “Supermodel in shape” and Models.com comment selected as the second breakout star of the Year, 2018. Aighewi wrote a 2017 essay addressing diversity issues in the industry, stating “I can be anything I want to be” and earned her status as one of the models that are changing the industry inside and out.
42. Sabah Koj
| Full name : | Sabah Koj |
| Date of birth: | 1998 |
| Place of birth: | South Sudan |
| Occupations: | model |
Sabah Koj was born in 1998 in South Sudan, and is one of the famous black models. At the age of three, Sabah Koj left Sudan because of the civil war to settle in Australia, a few years later she became the first African model in history to open the show at Mercedes Benz Australia Fashion Week. Since then, she has strived to develop her career with many international fashion houses, including Armani, Miu Miu, and Balmain.
43. Liya Kebede
| Full name : | Liya Kebede |
| Date of birth: | March 1, 1978 |
| Place of birth: | Ethiopia |
| Occupations: | Model |
Liya Kebede was born on March 1, 1978, in Ethiopia and is one of the famous black models. After finishing school, she moved to Paris to further pursue her modeling career. Her career started to take notice when Tom Ford offered her to walk as an exclusive deal for his Gucci Fall/Winter 2000 fashion show. She is also known for her philanthropic work, serving as the WHO Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health since 2005.
44. Jari Jones
| Full name : | Jari Jones |
| Date of birth: | 1991 |
| Place of birth: | America |
| Occupations: | activist, model, actress |
Jari Jones was born in 1991 in New York and is a famous transgender black model. In addition to being a model, Jari Jones is also an influential actor and activist who is making strides in all fields. She appeared in Calvin Klein’s Pride campaign and was the first black transgender woman to produce a film competing at the Cannes Film Festival. She became one of the most vocal advocates for the rights of black people around the world.
45. Indira Scott
| Full name : | Indira Lynn Scott |
| Date of birth: | May 27, 1997 |
| Place of birth: | America |
| Occupations: | model |
Indira Lynn Scott was born on 27 May 1997 in New York and is one of the famous black models. New York native Indira Scott made herself known by rocking waist-length beaded box braids at New York Fashion Week. Scott not only walks for brands like Dior, but also works as an artist and designer, black rights activist, and global creative consultant for famous fashion brands.
46. Naomi Chin Wing
| Full name : | Naomi Chin Wing |
| Date of birth: | January 2000 |
| Place of birth: | Trinidad and Tobago |
| Occupations: | Model |
Naomi Chin Wing was born in January 2000 in Trinidad and Tobago and is one of the most famous young black models. In 2016, after winning a local modeling contest, she signed a professional contract with IMG Models. She was voted the face of 2018 by Harper’s Bazaar magazine. Trinidad model Naomi Chin Wing has graced the catwalks of Dior, Givenchy, and Valentino since her first runway show Saint Laurent in 2017.
47. Precious Lee
| Full name : | Precious Lee |
| Date of birth: | 1991/1992 |
| Place of birth: | America |
| Occupations: | Model |
Precious Lee was born in 1991/1992 in America and is one of the famous black models. This Georgian-born model has rocked the fashion industry ever since she got into it. In 2015, she appeared in Lane Bryant’s #PlusIsEqual campaign, becoming one of the first Black curvy models to appear in the famous Vogue magazine. In 2016, she became the first Black curve model featured in a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue – An American sports magazine.
48. Jillian Mercado
| Full name : | Jillian Mercado |
| Date of birth: | April 30, 1987 |
| Place of birth: | America |
| Occupations: | Model, actress and activist |
Jillian Mercado has appeared in Nordstrom and Target campaigns, and featured in articles in Glamour and Cosmopolitan. She was also chosen by Beyoncé as the face of its Ivy Park clothing line. She suffers from Muscular Dystrophy (MD means progressive muscle atrophy) and uses a wheelchair. With her hard work and steel spirit, she has become a famous model, a professional actress, and a much-loved fashion reporter.
49. Licett Morillo Montero
| Full name : | Licett Morillo Montero |
| Date of birth: | 1996/1997 |
| Place of birth: | Dominican Republic |
| Occupations: | Model |
Licett Morillo Montero was born in 1996/1997 in the Dominican Republic and is one of the famous black models. In 2018, Licett Morillo Montero became the first black model to end a Prada fashion show. Montero’s masculine and powerful look is what has taken her from working in a plastic factory and studying in the Dominican Republic to the famous catwalks of Valentino and Saint Laurent.
50. Isis King
| Full name : | Isis King |
| Date of birth: | October 1, 1985 |
| Place of birth: | America |
| Occupations: | model, actress, and fashion design |
Isis King came out of America’s Next Top Model contest. She is the first transgender contestant allowed to participate in this playground. She has been praised for advocating for transgender rights and acceptance. Barney’s creative director, Simon Doonan, has said that she helped boost the push for a transgender person to end up on the cover of Vogue. Currently, Isis is working for AEFH Talent for Theatrical and A3 Artist Agency as a commercial ambassador in Los Angeles.