Black Models Who Are Dominating the Industry
Representation behind the scenes and on the runway is important in the fashion industry. Young people aspiring to work in the industry should see themselves represented in every capacity in the fashion industry. Diversity on the runway has been a huge topic of discussion over the past few years. Many Black and POC models have done interviews with publications talking about their experiences on the runway, mainly about dealing with racism, and stylists not knowing how to do Black hair.
While designers are making more of an effort to have POC models on the runway, having just one or even a few POC is not enough. We deserve to see ourselves represented on the runway in high-end clothing. With more and more people advocating for diversity in the fashion industry, many models of color have become popular on the runway and have been someone that aspiring models and industry professionals look up to. Here are a few of our favorite Black models at Fashion Fundamentals, who have been dominating the fashion industry.
Adut Akech first made her first fashion week debut walking for Saint Laurent’s SS17 show. She is signed with The Society Management New York amongst other model management companies outside the U.S. Akech has walked for high-end luxury designers such as Alexander McQueen, Valentino, Versace, and more!
Anok Yai was first discovered at Howard University’s homecoming after a picture a photographer shot of her went viral on social media. After that, she became the first black model to open for Prada after Naomi Campbell in 1997. Yai has walked for luxury designers such as Versace, Givenchy, and Alexander McQueen. She has also been the cover star of different Vogue publications such as Vogue Netherlands, Korea, Italia, Japan, Germany, and more!
Imaan Hammam is a 24-year-old model from Amsterdam, Netherlands. She has been featured on Vogue and British Vogue’s YouTube channel for fashion and beauty. She has also served as the cover star for i-D, Allure, Vogue Arabia, Vogue Paris, and more. Hammam has walked for designers such as Moschino, Versace, Jacquemus, Fendi, Anna Sui, and more. Hammam also attended the 2019 Met Gala where she wore a bold, bright pink beautiful dress by Peter Dundas.
Ajok Madel is another model who has been killing it lately! Fairly new to the industry, Madel has already made a name for herself, walking for huge designer brands like Fendi, Moschino, Alexander McQueen, Valentino, and Tom Ford. She has also done campaigns for Ulla Johnson, Nina Ricci, and Zara. She’s been the cover star for huge publications such as Vogue Thailand, Numero Magazine, and Vogue Italia.
Awng Choul is a model that is signed with management company, IMG Models. Chuol has walked for major designers such as Mason Margiela, GCDS, and Savage X Fenty. She has also been in Vogue Italia, i-D, Vogue Portugal, and Dazed and done campaigns for Burberry, ASOS Raw Beauty, and DKNY. Chuol has served as the cover star for Paper Magazine, ELLE Magazine, and Porter Magazine. Earlier this year, Choul posed on the cover of ELLE UK with her wife. The cover was a photo of the two kissing and it quickly went viral after its release. Chuol also starred in Beyonce’s Black is King film last year.
Aya Jones is a 26-year-old model signed with The Lions and Elite Model Management. She has walked for designers such as Brandon Maxwell, Prabal Gurung, and Jacquemus. Jones has also been featured in Vogue, Teen Vogue, and Harper’s Bazaar. She has also been on the cover of Vogue Spain, Porter Magazine, Numero Magazine, and Teen Vogue. She’s done campaigns for Calvin Klein, Massimo Dutti, Coach, Nars, and Coccinelle.
Lauryn Jiles
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