Models On Top

Since the now landmark, all black issue of Italian Vogue, the prominence of Black models can be seen all over the place. Three models stand above the fray.

Chanel Iman, Jourdan Dunn and Sessilee Lopez are three young ladies not old enough to buy liquor (at least not here in the states) but are commanding alot of attention in a very adult business.

In the 70's & 80's black models were all over the runways. Yves Saint Laurent was known for his preference of using Black models in his shows. It was a trend popular among other European and American designers. At the time Calvin Klein, Donna Karan & Anna Sui all showed their collections with a multi-cultural mix of models often including asians and latinas.

In the 90's the supermodel was born. Out of this original group only one was black and that was Naomi Campbell. I believe this is when we started to see fewer Blacks on the runways. As the worlds attention focused on a small group of priviledged pretty faces, most of those being white, advertisers tastes began to reflect thoses of the masses. It soon came to pass the only Black faces being seen belonged to Campbell, Tyra Banks, Beverly Peele & Kiara Kabukuru.

Chanel Iman is probably the highest paid of this new guard of Black models. At least according to models.com . Ms Iman is building herself an impressive career. She's a favorite at Dior and Chanel runway and is an editorial darling. She can also be seen in ads for Gap, Lord & Taylor and Beneton.

Sessilee has become a recent favorite of mine. Maybe because we share the same chocolatey brown complexion! Something else I love about her is the spunky attitude she possesses. And when she's on the runway she has this quiet confidence that adds a sense of grace and opulence to anything she's wearing. Ms. Lopez can currently be seen in Barney's, Calvin Klein and Gap ads.

Jourdan Dunn is a separate beast altogether. Born in London, this brit exudes intelligence, confidence and elegance. I truly believe in the next few years Jourdan Dunn will become a worldwide household name. Jourdan was the first Black model to walk Prada in 10 years since Naomi Campbell. That is no small feat! Jourdan is all over the place. She can be seen in ads for Top Shop, Beneton & Gap.