Despite recent controversies with Black models, there are still burgeoning African-American models like Chanel Iman, Joan Smalls, Jourdan Dunn and Lais Ribeiro paving the way for women of color. Their journeys have served as inspirations for others who strive to walk in their stilettos. Check out our list of a few faces we hope to continue to see on fashion billboards and magazines in the near future.
Nyasha Matonhodze
The Zimbabwe-born model made a name for herself when at the age of 16 she became the spokesmodel Louis Vuitton‘s Fall/Winter campaign. Whether it’s runways or the cover of top fashion magazines, Nyasha continues to kill the catwalk for leading designers.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Leomie Anderson
This chocolate beauty was one of the models for Rihanna for River Island’s debut fashion show. This runway killer manages to let her presence be known, but also shines light on the lack of Black models in the industry. The 22-year-old wrote a letter to the Sunday Times in the UK about thee lack of color in the runway.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Ubah Hassan
This 25-year-old has been familiar with the fashion world since the age of 17. In 2007 she inked a contract with Click Management and two years later became the face of Ralph Lauren’s pre-fall line. She was also featured in the Black Issue of Italian Vogue’s 2008 issue. A versatile type of model, Ubah has adorned the catwalk for Betsey Johnson, Rachel Roy, and Oscar de la Renta.
Photo Credit: Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Julia Sarr-Jamois
Julia Sarr-Jamois not only models, but also balances being a stylist and fashion editor at Wonderland magazine. Recently, she adorned her puffy-afro for Tibi’s spring/summer 2012 campaign.
Photo Credit: Getty Images for Prada
Lyndsey Scott
From Calvin Klein to Vera Wang, Lyndsey Scott works with the best of the best. As part of the Calvin Klein fall collection, the then 19-year-old broke onto the fashion scene, adding to her achievements in ad campaigns for DKNY and editorial spreads in Italian Elle and W.
Photo Credit: Getty Images for Bvlgari
Melodie Monrose
The Martinique beauty took her island roots from the relaxing beaches to the hustle and bustle of the runways. In September 2010, she walked for designers such as Jason Wu, Marc Jacobs, and Max Azria. But her stride didn’t stop there—she also strutted for Gucci, Missoni and Prada the same month. The 21-year-old has appeared in Italian Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.
Photo Credit: Vogue IT