Do you know this lady?
Coming to the two iconic women who made history in fashion world and built ways for other young black models are the beautiful Donyale Luna and Breverly Johnson.
Donyale Luna
Called "the reincarnation of Nefertiti" by Dalí himself, Donyale was one of a kind… Bold and raunchy, she was the official first african-american woman to be on the cover page of any of the vogue magazines ever. Interesting enough, the cover page features her with beautiful Cleopatra-lined eye make-up but the majority of her face hidden under her hand. That was because back in 1966 there was a lot of racial tension and although british vogue was ready to take the "risk" they were still slightly reluctant and skeptical about the reception. But it turned out to be a big success! Time magazine even termed 1966 as "The Luna year" calling her "a heavenly body with singular beauty, the hottest model in Europe" with promises to stay on top for years.
Her most iconic picture:
This is China Machado…
Most believe it was either Donyale Luna or Breverly Johnson who made history by being the first coloured models to appear on covers of an international fashion magazine… Well they did become the first "African American" ladies to be on the covers of British Vogue and American Vogue magazines respectively but they certainly weren't the first non-white models to be on the cover of any major fashion magazine. It was China Machado, who appeared on the cover of Harper's Bazaar in 1959.
China was born in Shanghai to a Portuguese dad and a Chinese mum… You know an inter-racial offspring is always one of a kind ;) She was THE reason that opened doors to the likes of beautiful Somalian goddess Iman, sassy Naomi Campbell (who is still the best runway model in my opinion) and all the other renowned models of colour.
China to this date continues to dazzle as a fashion icon, she has been listed as one of the International best dressed back in 1989, she is also a fashion editor working with big names like Harper's Bazaar … Oh! How I wish I can live up to her standards…
Coming to the two iconic women who made history in fashion world and built ways for other young black models are the beautiful Donyale Luna and Breverly Johnson.
Called "the reincarnation of Nefertiti" by Dalí himself, Donyale was one of a kind… Bold and raunchy, she was the official first african-american woman to be on the cover page of any of the vogue magazines ever. Interesting enough, the cover page features her with beautiful Cleopatra-lined eye make-up but the majority of her face hidden under her hand. That was because back in 1966 there was a lot of racial tension and although british vogue was ready to take the "risk" they were still slightly reluctant and skeptical about the reception. But it turned out to be a big success! Time magazine even termed 1966 as "The Luna year" calling her "a heavenly body with singular beauty, the hottest model in Europe" with promises to stay on top for years.
Her most iconic picture:
Just love the zealous look in her eyes… And that luscious pout!!! She was such a diva. This picture by Charlotte March speaks for itself what it might have been like to be her… Strong, beautiful and free...
However, her story is isn't all bed of roses… It is rather tragic. She lived a very risqué lifestyle and was often termed as "difficult" and "eccentric" by fellow models and co-workers in the fashion industry. She was romantically involved with many a famous photographers and actors in 70s… And at a young age of 32, she finally succumbed to her own drug-abuse and died in Rome clinic.
No matter what she chose for herself, she will forever remain a unique personality with one of a kind beauty of all times. She is a lady never to be forgotten…
Breverly Johnson
The second african-american woman to feature in a vogue magazine and the first to be featured in american vogue magazine in August, 1974 is Breverly Johnson. Not just that, she was also the first black model to be featured in french edition of Elle magazine.
By God she is beautiful and deserves the accolades she's given. Hailing from Buffalo, she was an avid swimmer and even went to University. When she tried her hands on modelling, boom! She landed with an assignment with "Glamour" and till date has appeared in 500+ covers… She has also acted in many a movies and tv series such as "Crossroads", "Law and Order" and the most recent "Beverly's house full". She is also a successful business woman with her own booming line of hair care products and extensions, and is deemed as one of the most influential woman of all time. Now here is a reputation hard to come by and encompass…
Well folks, here are the three most iconic and (may be) influential woman of fashion world who engraved their name in the history and paved ways for many aspiring women of colour in modelling. I hope you were inspired too :)
Stay lovely, keep dreaming :)
Loads of love,
JB J
Comments
Post a Comment