Three Stories: Interviews With Marcellas Reynolds & Veronica Webb, & An Article About The Most Successful Black Models In The Fashion Industry
Veronica Webb & Marcellas Reynolds
Last month was Black History Month, let’s remember the most influential models of the 20th and 21st centuries and their contribution to fashion, society, and Black culture.
Marcellas Reynolds, a model, fashion stylist, and journalist, has taken the industry by storm with his ideas and contributions. Reynolds, who is part of several popular editorials for magazines such as British Vogue, Grazia, and InStyle, will have his second book, “Supreme Actress: Iconic Black Women Who Revolutionized Hollywood,” released in the fall, 2021. This art book provides a comprehensive collection of photographs, interviews, and profiles of iconic Black actresses who have worked in film, television, and theater.
Turning to Veronica Webb, she is an iconic model, actress, writer, designer, entrepreneur, and mother, who is a powerful influence in the fashion and beauty industry. In the 1990s, she was the first African American to land an exclusive cosmetics contract with Revlon. She has modeled on the runway for designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Yeezy, and Victoria Secret. Webb currently runs her own pro-aging lifestyle blog called Webb On the Fly.
Marcellas Reynolds
MARCELLAS REYNOLDS
What was the first magazine you styled for? How was that experience? How did it inspire you to keep working in that realm of the industry?
The first magazine was British Vogue. In the summer of 2000, Assistant Editor Lainey Sheridan-Young had a collection of clothes coming to New York and urgently needed a stylist. I started working as a model in 1995 and hadn’t styled before but I had lots of experience in being around stylists. I decided to take on the shoot: a Cover + 8 pages with model Norbert Michalke and Warwick Saint as the photographer. I enjoyed the experience. Because I wanted to learn the craft, I assisted some established stylists I knew about when I was working as a model.
A good habit of stylists is to be extremely organized. For example, before going to the shoot, the stylist labels each outfit from clothes to shoes to accessories before arriving. A bad habit that is a common practice for a stylist is to buy and to return the outfits. I believe you have to develop resources to avoid making returns at stores.
What inspired you to write your first book “Supreme Models: Iconic Black Women Who Revolutionized Fashion?” How does it differ from your upcoming book?
British Vogue produced a book, “Vogue Model: The Faces of Fashion,” a decade ago. I was disappointed to see only two Black models, Naomi Campbell and Iman, in it. I curated a book exclusively of Black models and some iconic moments they created. Being a model myself, I was excited to work on Supreme Models, which lists top models who were photographed by top photographers. Supreme Actresses will cover iconic, historic black actresses in the film industry who made a major impact.
What was It like to work as a model alongside so many influential photographers and designers? What was a take-away during this period in your life that you still think of today?
While growing up I loved clothes and modeling was the ultimate job for me. I got discovered while waiting tables in Chicago. I instantly loved the modeling life, going to castings, living in Milan, working with Bruce Weber, and for big clients like Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and Nautica. I bonded with male models, and we supported each other. It was a brotherly bond, that was special to me. And it was exciting to see my mother collected the ads.
A sentimental moment was about a dad I never knew. This drove me to be successful in Ad campaigns in the hope that my dad might see me.
How do you relax at the end of the day? Do you have a daily routine?
I relax by shopping for a living, cultivating beautiful things. I don’t really rest, or sleep but just love what I do. I love watching Schitt’s Creek and old movies, which I find, relaxing. I also love Alfred Hitchcock and film noir movies, and new wave cinema.
This past June 2020, we experienced one of the most important movements of our century that was associated with the Black Lives Matter Movement. What are your thoughts regarding this time in society? What can younger generations do to keep this momentum up and continue to encourage inclusivity and diversity?
I believe there is always hope. For my whole life I have experienced and seen racism. Last summer BLM shined a light on how racism exists in the United States. During that time in one day, my book sold 1,000 copies.
I often reflect on the fact that I never met my father. If he were to meet me, he would see I am an honorable person.
There were different ethnic backgrounds represented in the book, which was illustrated to show that we are trying to understand and love one another. I believe everyone should learn about the past and help each other. Furthermore, speak out if you see something wrong.
If you were to name one person who has had a major influence on your life, who would it be? And why?
Iman. Growing up I thought Iman was the ideal of elegance, beauty, and dignity. I remember her on a magazine cover with her then husband, Spencer Haywood, and their daughter. I thought they seemed like a nice happy family.
Iman and I are pitching a documentary, we hope it will get bought and made. I loved working with her on this project. She's amazing. I was so excited to work with her.
Where do you see yourself in the future? Are there any projects you want to start once you’re finished promoting your new book, “Supreme Actress: Iconic Black Women Who Revolutionized Hollywood?”
I have a lot of projects in the works, including a third book ….. I would love to own my clothing line with inspiration from Havana in the 1940s, America in the 1920s, and the Black Renaissance. Also, I would like a partner, [to] adopt a kid, and [to] have a family.
What is your life motto?
”Life keeps going! Life will knock you down, get up, dust yourself, kiss the scar and keep moving forward.”
Can you link us with your social media’s?
Instagram: @marqueemarc, @suprememodelsbook
Facebook: @marcellasreynolds
Veronica Webb, photography by Danny Cardozo
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon
VERONICA WEBB
How does it feel being one of the first African American supermodels to break barriers in the beauty and fashion industries?
It was a major breakthrough, blessing, and above all a responsibility. There are many firsts in my family from my mother who was in the first generation of African American female commissioned U.S. Army officers. One of my sisters is the first Black female oncologist in the state of Michigan and yet another was among the first educators to design math curriculums for underprivileged kids. The work that the women in my family have done showed me how to create an opportunity for others within my industry. It was so much bigger than just me. I used my position to bring in African American talent, from hair and makeup artists to vendors, along every step of the supply chain. The initial campaign was a success and it still exists today.
You have been featured in Vogue’s Best Dressed List three times. How would you describe your personal style? How has it changed since you first started in the industry?
Modest and Daring. Sounds like a crazy juxtaposition, but I think it’s more sensual to wear clothes that flow and cress the body when you move that give a sense of mystery about what’s underneath. Color is my focal point when I get dressed. I learned how to play with color when I was an art student at Parsons. Fashion was a master class with designers like Versace, Todd Oldham, Alaia, Isaac Mizrahi and Oscar De La Renta showing how to mix pattern and color.
How did growing up in Detroit in the 70s impact your success and contribute to the person you are today?
My mother and sisters made all of our clothes and we had a ball! Our weekends were spent buying fabrics and dying our shoes and pouring over Ebony Fashion Fair.
Motown was in full swing, so all the glamour of that era was in the air in Detroit and Soul Train TV show on Saturday’s was just as much a major fashion moment as going to church was on Sundays.
With over 30 years of experience in the industry, how has the industry changed since you first entered?
Technology, iPhones, and social media have given us all the power to capture and publish our own ideas on fashion and beauty. The development of brands and imagery in the magazines, combined with our sense of style and success, is here to stay and paving the way for minorities of every race. The ascendency of Black women, who are the among the most highly educated demographic in the U.S., have made their buying power felt in fashion.
How do you stay organized and motivated balancing various jobs and passions while being a mother?
If I can figure that one out I’ll let you know! Family comes first though. I tell the kids health and wealth go together. Make sure you take care of your health, so you get that wealth. My youngest daughter who’s 16 has taken up that mantle, and we watch a lot of anime together. It’s so stylish.
You are known as a 90s fashion icon, but what is your favorite era of fashion and why?
NOW! There’s nothing like getting up and getting dressed. Dressing for me is mixing together the symbols of your past, the tropes of your tribe, and aspirations of your future. That said the freedom of 60s, the disco glamor of the 70s, punk in the 80s and Regency England in the Bridgeton era of London in the late 1800s.
Tell us about some of your favorite things to collect, and why.
Alaia, who was and always will be my heart. Pucci because color turns me on. Gucci because it’s sexy. Diamonds because they’re bad ass.
You are confident and inspiring when it comes to sharing your skin conditions and opinions on unrealistic standards in the beauty industry. What gave you the confidence to speak out on this subject? What are some of tips you can give other people struggling with their own beauty?
Beauty comes and goes. Deal with today and be grateful for what’s good and what you have to work with. This is easier said than done. The only way to make it though is by believing there’s a solution to everything. It just takes time.
For most of time 90% of the battle is not being so hard on myself. People who really love you, don’t judge you for your looks: beauty comes and goes, like I said, but who you are inside remains the same.
You have written your own book entitled, “Veronica Webb Sight,” as well as written numerous articles for well acclaimed publications such as Interview magazine, Paper Magazine, Elle, The New York Times Syndicate and Esquire. What got you into writing? Is writing your favorite creative outlet?
I’ve been traveling for work for decades and now, I’m a busy mom. Writing is a very portable art form.
What are your thoughts on diversity in the fashion and beauty industry? Where do you believe improvements need to be made?
AGEISM. I am pro-aging. I would love to see our culture evolve to revere age and wisdom.
What defines your career at this point in time?
Mastering technology, creating content for my feed, collaborations with brands that share my passion for communicating to successful, mature women about the most innovative and effective products from fashion to food to finance; this is my focus at this point.
What is your life motto?
Own your age.
Own your beauty.
Own your power.
It’s never too late to try to learn something.
Can you link us with your social media’s?
Instagram: @veronicawebb
Blog: WebbOnTheFly.com
BLACK MODELS
Aya Jones is from Paris. Her father is Ivorian, and her mother is French. She was scouted on the streets of Paris and recruited and hired to walk for Prada in 2015. She has since walked for Isabel Marant, Alexander McQueen, Oscar De La Renta, and Valentino. She is signed under The Lions and Elite Model Management.
She currently lives in New York and her biggest inspirations are Grace Coddington and Naomi Campbell. Aya was placed on the top 10 new faces in 2014 by i-D magazine and is one of 15 faces for 2015 in Interview magazine. Jones was a part of Teen Vogue's “Meet The New Faces of Fashion,” which turned heads due to its exclusive use of models. In 2017, she was in a jet skiing accident and absent from the scene for a year while she recovered.
Aya Jones, photographed by Nico Bustos, Vogue España, March 2016 Nico Bustos / Artlist / Courtesy of Vogue España
Beverly Ann Johnson born in 1952, is a famous model and actress, who changed the perception of African American models by being the first Black model to appear on the cover of American Vogue in August 1974 and the French edition of Elle in 1975. She has been featured on more than 500 magazine covers. Her success has resulted in American fashion designers hiring African American models.
Beverly starred in films such as Ashanti and The Meteor Man (1993) and TV series such as Law & Order and The Parent 'Hood. She prefers to share her struggles with the fans in order to support them and encourage them not to repeat her mistakes. Just like other models, she suffered from anorexia and bulimia. And, in 2014, she accused Bill Cosby of drugging her. She wrote an article on it for Vanity Fair and later published a memoir, “The Face That Changed It All.” She hoped to receive justice and spread awareness over the fact that many sexual-assault victims remain silent about their incidents.
Beverly Johnson, photographed by Francesco Scavullo, Vogue US, August 1974 Photograph by Francesco Scavullo © The Francesco Scavullo Foundation and © The Francesco Scavullo Trust
Beverly Peele born in 1975 is an African American model and actress, who is popular for her incredibly slim figure, beautiful red lips, and jet-black hair. She rose to fame in the late 1980s and 1990s, appearing mostly in Mademoiselle and Elle magazines. She has appeared on more than 250 fashion magazine covers. In 1991, her career took off, as she appeared in Vogue Editorial with LL Cool J and Aretha Franklin, and she walked the spring Comme des Garcons and Chanel shows in Paris. Next year, she walked the Versace show in Milan and appeared, alongside two other top models, on the cover of British Vogue.
Beverly Peele, photographed by Tiziano Magni, Elle France, March 1992 © Tiziano Magni
Daphne Maxwell Reid born in July 13, 1948. Reid became the first African American woman to grace the cover of Glamour.
Daphne Maxwell Reid, photographed by Jack Ward, Glamour, October 1969 Jack Ward / Glamour © CondéNast
Dorothea Towles Church born in 1922 was the first Black fashion model in the fashion history. Christian Dior noticed and admired her so much that he replaced one of the models in order to hire her. She stayed in Paris and worked for Elsa Schiaparelli, Robert Piguet, Pierre Balmain, and others. Dorothea opened a door for people of color in the modeling industry. (At that time, only white women were considered beautiful enough to represent the fashion houses.) She faced a lot of discrimination and racism. However, that never stopped her from pursuing her career, and in 1950s she reached to the point where she was widely accepted. She organized charity fashion shows in order to support other African American people in need. She also trained models.
DOROTHEA TOWLES CHURCH | JET MAGAZINE APRIL,16,1953 COVER.
Grace Bol age 31 originates from South Sudan. She moved to Kansas City, Missouri, as a young girl. After being discovered in the local Kansas City mall, she moved to New York City at the age 19 to pursue a modeling career. She currently lives in Manhattan. In 2011, she walked for Givenchy and Vivienne Westwood, ultimately launching her career. By 2015, she was walking runways for Proenza Schouler, Balenciaga and Hermes. She is best known for her featured editorials for Flaunt, Marie Claire, Harper's Bazaar, i-D Magazine, and others.
Grace Bol, photographed by Kuba Ryniewicz, Vogue Poland, April 2018 Kuba Ryniewicz for Vogue Polska
Georgie Badiel age 33, was born in the Ivory Coast. She is a model and activist, who lives in New York City. In 2003, she won Miss Burkina Faso and, in 2004, she was Miss Africa. After securing these titles, she began her modeling career in Paris, France. She has modeled for top designers such as Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, and Lanvin. She has also been featured in Harper's Bazaar, GQ, Italian Vogue, and so on.
Badiel is also an author of a children's book, “The Water Princess,” and the founder of the Georgie Badiel Foundation. She provides people in Africa with clean water and helps them to deal with a water scarcity. In 2018, Badiel received her nation's highest civilian honor, Chevalier de Merit Burkinabè, for her work.
Georgie Badiel, photographed by Laurie Bartley, Elle US, September 2010 Laurie Bartley / Brydges Mackinney
Ilonka Toppenberg is an Aruban model from 1987-1997, was discovered in Amsterdam. She noted racism in the industry. “Being a mixed model, I sometimes experienced that clients thought I was either too white or too black for a job.” Toppenberg rose to fame from her runway shows for Chanel, Dior, and Karl Lagerfeld during the 90s and was featured on covers of Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and L'Officiel.
Ilonka Toppenberg, photographed by Serge Barbeau, L’Officiel France, December 1991 Serge Barbeau / Courtesy of the Michele Filomeno Agency
Iman born in 1955, is a Somali fashion model, entrepreneur, and widow of singer David Bowie. Iman was a muse for designers like Gianni Versace, Halston, Calvin Klein, Yves Saint Laurent (who described her as an ideal woman), Calvin Klein, Issey Miyake, and Donna Karan. She has been noted for her “heavenly looks,” highly feminine appearance, and kind heart. She worked with the best photographers: Helmut Newton, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, and Annie Leibovitz. Iman is also well known for her charity activities and has helped many foundations like 21st Century Leaders, Action Against Hunger, American Foundation for AIDS Research to overcome poverty and other issues worldwide. She is an Ambassador for Save the Children, which spreads the awareness of the services that support East Africa region.
Iman on the cover of Vogue Italia, photography by Horst P. Horst.
Jasmine Danielle Tookes born in 1991 is one of the world's highest paid models and, as a Victoria's Secret Angel, was the third Black model to be chosen to wear a Fantasy Bra (worth $3 million) for the 2016 show. This highlights her importance as a model. She was featured in the campaigns for Jimmy Choo, Calvin Klein, Lancôme, DKNY for Vogue Italia, Ralph Lauren, Gap, Ugg, as well as modelled for many high fashion brands like Burberry, Salvatore Ferragamo, Carolina Herrera, Moschino, Louis Vuitton, Miu, and Versace. Jasmine was also invited for photoshoots of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Numéro, W, V, and Elle.
Jasmine Danielle Tookes on the cover of Marie Claire, photographed by Brett Erickson.
Jeneil Williams age 30 is from Jamaica. She was discovered in 2005 and signed with New York Models. She is now under management with IMG and Secret Model Agency, most recently modelling for Nike's first maternal line. She is best known for her United Colors of Benetton campaign in 2009, where she was selected to be a part of a Vogue editorial, photographed by Mario Testino. Williams has a long history of walking runways for top designers such as Yeezy, KENZO, Fendi, Vivienne Westwood, and Acne Studios. She recently gave birth to her first child, a daughter, this past fall.
Jeneil Williams, photographed by Txema Yeste, Numéro France, February 2014 Photograph by Txema Yeste / Trunk Archive. COVER of Supreme Models Book.
Leomie Anderson, age 28, is a British model and designer, who signed with Creative Artists Agency. She began walking for the Victoria Secret Fashion Show in 2015 and was then granted the role of becoming a Victoria Secret Angel in 2019. She has walked for brands such as Oscar De La Renta, Ralph Lauren, and Marc Jacobs. Anderson is now a face for Rihanna’s beauty line, Fenty Beauty.
In 2016, She founded Anderson LAPP (Leomie Anderson the Project the Purpose), with the goal of supporting women and the many issues and struggles they face daily. Producing clothes that represent women, LAPP is a place to come together and feel seen and heard, allowing women to form a community, while also looking stylish.
Leomie Anderson, photographed by Jenny Brough, Hello Magazine, October 2016 © Jenny Brough.
Lois Samuels is a Jamaican fashion model known for her dark, sculpted face. She is featured everywhere—from Calvin Klein CK One ads to the cover of Vogue. She was also spotted on runways, walking for Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs, Christian Dior, and an abundance of big-name designers. She earned the distinction of being the Caribbean's first Vogue cover girl.
A fashion scout discovered her when she was in high school and introduced her to the international world of fashion. She has worked in the major fashion capitals of the world: Paris, London, and New York. She has been on the covers of many fashion magazines and was photographed for high-profile campaigns by photographers such as Steven Meisel and Ellen von Unworth.
Her success paved the way for other models to emerge from Jamaica, particularly when the world's fashion capitals cooled their predominantly Euro-centric focus and began embracing dark-skinned models.
Lois Samuels, photographed by James Hicks, unpublished, 1998 © James Hicks
Naomi Campbell born in 1970, is an English supermodel, actress, and businesswoman of Afro-Jamaican and Sino-Jamaican descent. She is one of the most in-demand and well-known models in the world, especially in the era of the late 1980s and the 1990s. Working for luxury brands like Marc Jacobs, Prada, Chanel, Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, she still faced inequality and prejudice; she was less preferable over her white colleagues. She was not afraid to speak out for her rights and for justice. She became the first Black woman to appear on the cover of Vogue magazine in December 1987 thanks to designer Yves Saint Laurent. Nowadays, Naomi appears in few campaigns, but her main priority remains charity work.
Naomi Campbell on the cover of Vogue, photography by Ethan James Green.
Naomi Sims born in March 30, 1948. She was the first African-American model to appear on the cover of Ladies' Home Journal, which occurred in November 1968.
Naomi Sims, photographed by Yale Joel, Life, October 1969 Yale Joel / The LIFE Premium Collection / Getty Images
Nykhor Paul born in 1989, is originally from South Sudan but grew up in the U.S. She escaped from South Sudan during civil conflict, when her family moved to Ethiopia, then to Nebraska when she was 14. She started modeling full time at age 17. She has modeled for Vivienne Westwood, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, and Rick Owens.
On multiple occasions, she has expressed how difficult it is to be a Black model in the industry. Regarding makeup, the artists never have the correct shades for her skin and refuse to update their materials. It became so bad that she brought her own makeup and redid it in the bathroom during shoots. She is tired of apologizing for her blackness, according to an Instagram post from 2015.
Nykhor Paul, photographed by Kope Figgins, Elle South Africa, May 2015 Kope Figgins / Hearst Archive
Pat Cleveland, age 70, is an American fashion model, who is part African American, Cherokee, Swedish and Irish. Having lived in Paris, Italy and the New York area, Cleveland was born in New York City and discovered at an early age by Carrie Donovan's assistant. By age of 18 she was signed to Wilhelmina Models.
Working with photographers such as Richard Avedon, Steven Meisel and Irving Penn, she made her first appearance in American Vogue in 1970. She then moved to Paris, where she became an in-house model for Karl Lagerfeld. She is well known for her modelling in the Battle of Versailles Fashion Show in 1973, with participating houses such as Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Oscar De La Renta, and Anne Klein.
Featured on covers for magazines such as Vanity Fair, Interview, Cosmopolitan, Vogue Paris, In 2016, Cleveland published a book, Walking with the Muses: A Memoir, in which she discusses her experience in the fashion industry through the 60s and 70s, and important designer moments, and her personal experiences.
Pat Cleveland, photographed by Ron Galella, unpublished, August 1977 Ron Galella / Getty Images
Peggy Dillard was the second African American to appear on the cover of Vogue magazine. She was born in Greenville County, South Carolina, where she grew up the youngest of ten siblings.
Expressing an interest in Architecture and Fashion, Dillard was awarded a scholarship by J.E. Sirrine Architectural Firm. She moved to Brooklyn and attended Pratt Institute, where she began her journey in fashion design working as a fashion illustrator, sewing instructor and display designing. By the time she graduated with her BFA, Peggy had appeared twice on the cover of vogue magazine along with 50 plus covers in known magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Ebony, and Essence.
She works heavily within the Black Hair Care industry, being featured in various fashion publications. The original owner of Turning Heads Salon, she also became a spokeswoman and advocate for natural beauty, health, & wellness. She currently resides in South Carolina where she lives a holistic lifestyle teaching yoga.
Peggy Dillard, photographed by Albert Watson, Vogue US, August 1978 Albert Watson / Courtesy Condé Nast
Quiana Grant, age 38, is from Newport News, Virginia. She was discovered at age 13, chosen from among thousands of others during a model search. She signed with the Wilhelmina Models agency, and, by the age of 16, she was working on a campaign for GAP, then later an editorial for Harper's Bazaar. She currently resides in Harlem, NY.
She appeared in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue in 2008 and Maybelline. Having worked with many well-known photographers, she has walked runway for various top designers, some of whom include Micheal Kors, Karl Lagerfeld, and Oscar De La Renta. She was also in Italian Vogue, and she is now represented by IMG in New York.
Quiana Grant, photographed by Chris Nicholls, Flare, September 2008 © Chris Nicholls
Rose Cordero, age 29, is a Dominican Republic model. In 2008, she walked the Dominican Republic Fashion show, where she was then signed with Wilhelmina Model Agency in New York. After a year, she left and signed with Supreme Management and Women Management. She then became well known for her appearances in various Fall shows with Burberry, Max Mara, Louis Vuitton, and others.
In 2010, she signed with Ford Models and was featured in editorials in magazines such as Italian Vogue. She also walked for fall shows Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Jean Paul Gaultier, and many more. Until 2015, she has walked for a large handful of top designers.
Rose Cordero, photographed by John-Paul Pietrus, Arise, Spring 2011 © John-Paul Pietrus
Roshumba Williams born in 1968, is an American model, actress, and reality TV show judge. She first became known for her appearance in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition in the early 1990s. As a teenager in 1987, she was discovered in Paris by fashion designer, Yves St. Laurent, and quickly became a regular fixture on international runways. She has appeared on magazine covers worldwide, including Elle, Marie Claire, and Cosmopolitan.
Roshumba Williams, photographed by Nathaniel Kramer, Elle US, April 1990 © Nathaniel Kramer
Sessilee Lopez, age 32, was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is from Dominican descent and was signed to IMG models in 2004. She has appeared in editorials for Vogue, V Magazine, Allure, Dazed & Confused, i-D, Marie Claire, and others. She had also been a muse for Steven Meisel for a long time. She was part of the Victoria Secret Fashion Show in 2009 and walked runways for Givenchy, Hermes, Oscar De La Renta, Karl Lagerfeld, Vivienne Westwood, and others.
Sessilee has been a part of advertising campaigns for brands such as Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Zac Posen, Alexander Wang, and Benetton. She appeared in the 2015 film Supermodel with Tyson Beckford. She is now signed to Major Model Management New York.
Sessilee Lopez, photographed by Laurent Elie Badessi, Dress To Kill Magazine, January 2013 © Laurent Elie Badessi
Shudu Gram is a 3D generated social media personality and first digital supermodel. Fashion photographer Cameron-James Wilson created the model in April 2017. It was controversial to have a Black model invented by a white man, who was inspired by a Barbie doll, "Princess of South Africa.” However, by interpreting new technologies, it becomes a whole game changer for the fashion industry as it brings more possibilities for fittings and more diversity in beauty and appearance. For example, Shudu has the most proportional face and is the darkest model for Fenty Beauty. Many people see it as the future and progress of modelling, while others find it spooky and unnecessary to use digital models.
Cover of Vogue Arabia.
Slick Woods born in 1996, is an emerging American fashion model known for her unusual look and style. She is different from a typical over idealized model look that goes with her fire energy. Brand such as like Rihanna’s Fenty and font Beauty, Urban Outfitters, Yeezy, Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Miu, and Jeremy Scott enjoy featuring her in their runway shows and campaigns. She has also been shot for magazine editorials in Vogue, Glamour, i-D, Dazed, V Magazine and Love. In addition, Slick starred in Love and Hip Hop: Hollywood and Goldie, where she was noted as a great performer. She is also a melanoma cancer fighter, who encourages her fans to enjoy life no matter what. Even in the wheelchair after a chemotherapy she tries to have fun and stay positive. “At least I’m already bald,” laughs Slick.
Slick Woods on the cover of Elle, photography by Paola Kudacki.
Tyra Banks born in 1973, is highly famous for her modeling career and for being an executive producer and a host of America’s Next Top Model, the colossal modeling TV show that was also adapted in other countries. Tyra became the first African American woman to appear on the covers of GQ and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She also holds the honorable title of a Victoria's Secret Angel. She has walked in fashion shows for Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, Yves Saint Laurent, Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, Escada, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, and many others. According to Time magazine, she is one of the “world's most influential people.” In 2010, Banks released a novel depicting her modeling life and career titled Modelland, and it was included in The New York Times Best Seller list in 2011.
Tyra Banks, photographed by Russell James, Sports Illustrated, Winter 1997 Russell James / Sports Illustrated / Contour by Getty Images
Veronica Webb born in 1965, is an American model, actress, and writer. In order to become a model, she quit school, and began a huge career. At first, she appeared in a few music videos for"Round and Round" by New Order, Perfect Way and Wood Beez (Pray Like Aretha Franklin) by Scritti Politti. In 1990, she was chosen as a spokesmodel for Revlon and became the first Black supermodel to work with a cosmetics brand. Webb has appeared on covers of Vogue, Essence and Elle magazines served as muse and model for Azzedine Alaia, Isaac Mizrahi, Karl Lagerfeld, Todd Oldham, Victoria's Secret and Chanel. In addition to a successful modeling career, Webb starred in movies and TV shows such as Someone Like You..., The Big Tease, and Malcolm X, Damon, and Dirty Laundry. Last but not least, she is also a talented writer and has written essays and columns for Interview magazine, Details, Elle, Paper Magazine, Panorama, The Sunday Times, The New York Times Syndicate, Cookie Magazine, and Esquire.
Veronica Webb, photographed by Albert Watson, Vogue Italia, May 1989 Albert Watson / Courtesy of Vogue Italia
Winnie Harlow born in 1994, has a distinguished modeling career and her beautiful appearance and confidence inspire many fans. She suffers from vitiligo and has a skin pigmentation disorder. She started her modeling career by taking part in previously mentioned TV show America's Next Top Model.
She has appeared in the advertisements and magazines such as i-D, Glamour, Complex, Vogue, Cosmopolitan and Dazed, and has modeled for many worldwide, famous brands, such as Diesel and Victoria’s Secret. Now she is one of the main representatives of a Spanish clothing brand named Desigual, together with ex Victoria’s Secret Angel Adriana Lima. In her video on YouTube "Vitiligo: A Skin Condition, not a Life Changer" Winnie kindly answered the questions on her vitiligo experience and expanded on how she lives with the disorder at the TEDx presentation.
Winnie Harlow on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Singapore, photography by Yu Tsai.
Article by Alison Hernon, Editor-In-Chief, PhotoBook Magazine
Maya Wilson, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Viktoriia Stanieva, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Vi Phan, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
