Top Black Female Models Who Redefined Beauty Standards

Black female models have long influenced the way we define beauty, despite the industry’s slow recognition of their impact.

From magazine covers to runways and brand campaigns, these women have not only changed the face of fashion—they’ve also changed the conversation around diversity, self-worth, and inclusion.

This article answers the most important questions about the pioneers and present-day icons who challenged fashion norms and helped build a more inclusive industry.

How Beauty Standards in Fashion Changed Over Time?

For much of the 20th century, fashion held onto a narrow view of beauty, one that largely excluded Black models. Magazine covers, runway shows, and advertising campaigns featured mostly white, tall, thin models, making it hard for women of color to break into the industry.

That began to shift in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when the first generation of Black female models gained visibility.

The rise of social movements, changes in media, and growing public pressure pushed fashion to begin recognizing a broader spectrum of beauty. Still, meaningful diversity remained limited for decades.

Even today, Black female models often speak out about being underpaid, underbooked, or tokenized—issues that show how far the industry still has to go.

1. Donyale Luna

In 1966, Donyale Luna became the first Black model to appear on the cover of British Vogue. Her appearance was groundbreaking. Born in Detroit, Luna had a unique look that challenged industry norms at the time.

However, Luna’s career was also marked by challenges. Racism in the industry forced her to move to Europe, where she found more acceptance. She often kept an air of mystery around her, believing that her white peers were allowed to do the same.

Although her time in the spotlight was brief, Luna’s role as a trailblazer is now being remembered as a key moment in fashion history.

2. Naomi Sims

When Naomi Sims started modeling in the late 1960s, she was told her skin was “too dark” for mainstream fashion. Instead of giving up, she went directly to editors and advertisers—and it worked.

She landed a national campaign and later appeared on the cover of Ladies’ Home Journal, one of the most popular magazines of the time.

Sims didn’t stop there. She started her own beauty company focused on products for Black women and wrote books about career development.

Her success showed that Black women could lead both in front of the camera and behind the scenes.

3. Naomi Campbell

Naomi Campbell is one of the most recognisable Black female models in history. She began modeling as a teenager in London and quickly became a household name. She made history in 1988 as the first Black model to appear on the cover of French Vogue.

Beyond her modeling career, Campbell has been outspoken about racism in fashion. She has used her influence to call for fair treatment of Black models and continues to support young talent through mentoring and charitable work.

Campbell also helped raise money for global causes through her Fashion for Relief events, showing that her impact goes far beyond fashion.

4. Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks began as a high-fashion model but quickly moved into television and entrepreneurship. She made history by being the first Black woman to appear on the covers of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and GQ.

She later created America’s Next Top Model, a show that gave many aspiring models their first break. Banks also studied at Harvard Business School and built a brand focused on self-confidence and personal growth.

Few people know that Banks once created a cosmetics line and opened a modeling-themed attraction called ModelLand. Her work has helped make the fashion world more accessible to the public.

5. Alek Wek

Alek Wek was born in South Sudan and fled to the UK as a refugee. In the 1990s, she entered the fashion world with a look that went against the industry standard: very dark skin, a shaved head, and strong features.

Her appearance on the cover of Elle in 1997 was a turning point. Oprah Winfrey even said that Wek’s success helped change what people thought of as beautiful.

Wek has also worked with the United Nations and uses her platform to bring attention to refugee issues. Her story shows how fashion can be a path to advocacy.

6. Jourdan Dunn

Jourdan Dunn was discovered as a teenager in London. In 2008, she made headlines for being the first Black British model to walk in a Prada show in over ten years.

Dunn is known not just for her fashion work but also for speaking out about unfair treatment in the industry. She has advocated for more diversity in casting and equal pay for models of color.

Outside of modeling, Dunn is a mother and an entrepreneur. She’s launched clothing lines and appeared in TV shows and music videos, proving that she’s more than a runway star.

7. Duckie Thot

Duckie Thot, originally from South Sudan and raised in Australia, rose to fame after competing on Australia’s Next Top Model. Her striking look and confidence helped her stand out in an industry still adjusting to more inclusive standards.

She gained global recognition as the face of Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty, a brand known for celebrating all skin tones. Thot often speaks about the lack of makeup options for darker skin and the need for better support for models with textured hair.

Her story highlights how social media can be a powerful tool for new models to shape their image and career.

How Have Black Female Models Promoted Natural Hair and Skin Tone?

Black female models have played a key role in normalizing natural hair textures and darker skin tones in both fashion and advertising.

Models like Maria Borges made headlines when she walked the 2015 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show with her natural afro—something that hadn’t been seen before in the brand’s history.

As a result, more brands have hired models who proudly wear afros, braids, twists, and other protective styles.

This has not only made beauty marketing more authentic but also led to more inclusive hair and skincare products being developed.

What Role Do Black Female Models Play in Broader Inclusion Movements?

Diversity in fashion now goes beyond race to include body size, gender identity, and disability. Black plus-size models like Precious Lee and Paloma Elsesser are regularly featured in major campaigns, proving that beauty comes in all shapes.

Transgender models like Jari Jones are also changing how fashion sees gender. Jones, a Black trans woman, has worked with brands like Calvin Klein and used her platform to speak about body acceptance and gender inclusion.

Black female models are at the center of this shift, helping to make fashion more reflective of the real world.

Why Does Representation in Modeling Matter?

When people see someone who looks like them in fashion or advertising, it sends a strong message: you belong here too. According to a study by Dove, 70% of women feel more confident when they see themselves represented in media.

For young Black girls, especially, seeing Black female models in high-profile spaces helps shape self-image and confidence. These role models show that beauty is not limited to one skin tone, hair type, or body shape.

Conclusion

The impact of Black female models goes beyond fashion. These women have helped reshape the way the world sees beauty, identity, and representation. Through perseverance and purpose, they’ve challenged old norms, spoken up for equity, and opened new doors in an industry that once excluded them.

Their stories are a reminder that real progress takes time, but it’s happening, one runway, one campaign, and one voice at a time.

If you’re inspired to begin your own journey in modeling, now is the time to take that first step. Contact John Casablancas International to learn how our modeling agency in Missouri can help you build the skills, confidence, and connections needed to thrive in today’s fashion industry.