Favourite Top African and Black Models

[Gypsy_Doll]

^
Yes ma'am!

 

[Deleted member 1957]

I don't think she's pretty.

The trend appears to be, for the few black models appearing in high fashion, is that they be 1) African or 2) multiracial. I don't like to think about tools that divide, but I can't help but notice the shortage of black American models who aren't mutliethnic. There used to be: Beverly Johnson, Karen Alexander, Veronica Webb, etc. I guess they aren't "exotic" enough. Which is crap.

Unfortunately I have to disagree with you, how many African American models are there as compared to African models? The past few years have seen wuite a number of African American and Jamaican models hit the scne as compared to their African counterparts even if you look at this thread, majority of the models are Afro-American

 

[sepia]

Perhaps in this thread, but most of the models here are unknown. The overwhelming number of black models with even a miniscule of success in high fashion are African. Liya Kebede, Kiara Kabakuru, Yasmin Warsame, Oluchi, Kinee Diouf, Honorine Uwera, Alek, etc.

And the popular non-African models, as I said, tend to be viewed as "exotic" because they are mutliracial- for example, Chanel Iman and Noemie Lenoir.

I consider all of these models beautiful black women, but I do notice non-African, non-multiracial models aren't seen as "exotic" or "elegant".

 

[Deleted member 1957]

well I see the angle you are coming from,

 

[gia0202]

but all non-african women are multiracial. most all afro-americans---statiscally are almosta third caucasian, most west-idians are mixed. the fair statement would be any who look like nothing other than an african american have difficulty getting famous. maybe that is because those who aoppear to be afro-american are shoved into rap videos, essence magazine, and vibe?
but honestly---to me noemie looks like a girl from west philadelphia. as do many others... not ALL white models are considered ideal. fashion favors those with strong, almost ethnic bone structure. (just like sasha in my avatar) fashion is not all-inclusive

 

[sepia]

I see what you mean, but for all practical intents and purposes, African-Americans whose Native American and white ancestors do not share a lineage any closer than several generations do not really consider themselves, nor are the generally viewed, as "multiracial". Yes, "African American" does imply different ethnicities, to some extent, but not like someone who is biracial.

I don't think it's an issue with them being in Essence or Vibe. Essence is a credible publication and they've supported black models since their beginning. That doesn't really prevent the same models from working in high fashion- they've had Iman, Gail O'Neill, Tyra, Naomi, Veronica Webb, Liya Kebede, etc within their pages. Vibe, I respect a little less, but still- Chanel Iman is in the current issue and she's multiethnic. So was Adriana Lima, Alek Wek, and other models.

Back in the day, there was more of mix of models from different ethnicities: Katoucha, Khadija, Iman, Anna, etc represented the Africans; Kara, Brandi, Claudia, were the popular biracial girls; and Veronica, Karen, the two Beverlys, etc were the American black girls. All facets of black beauty were represented.

How can a person look like they are from a particular city? Either way, a lot of Noemie's appeal- and what makes many people consider her "exotic"- are her green eyes, and different ethnic features.

This also calls to mind Chrystele Saint Louis Augustin, the beautifully striking top model of the mid-late nineties. She looked white, except for her large afro, and many people tried to "exoticize" her ethncity because of how she looked, even though she persistently maintained she was Afro-Caribbean with two black parents.

 

[xmodel citizen]

It fits the trend with ALL models. No one wants "plain" or "boring" looking girls. It's all about uniqueness, strong bone structure, etc. I mean, someone tried to tell me that Naomi and Iman were too plain! Same with Cindy and Linda. This whole "unique" thing has gone too far IMO and it's not just with models of any particular ethnicity.

 

[sepia]

But who says black American girls are "plain" or without nice bone structure? It may be a trend in all of modeling, but I think it effects black models more since there are far less of them anyway.

And there's no one on earth that could convince me either of those models are plain.

 

[Gypsy_Doll]

They should...go play in the traffic . Naomi is a Panther, Iman is a swan...

 

[xmodel citizen]

^ Well, I wouldn't want one of my dear friends (who happens to be black btw) to die! I just don't think that people find African American girls "unique" unless they're multiracial. And btw, it's reflected in all American models. The only real top American model is Hilary Rhoda. It's all about the trends, and right now, no one wants American models.

 

[gia0202]

soo true. but as a sidepoint, many africans think afro-americans look mixed. look at tyra banks, veronica webb-- and sooo many others. most used as models have bone structure that sets them apart from the typical girl---another example being jessica white( i assumed she was an islander the WHOLE time). tomiko --who is nigerian could be afro-american---i think it all blends.

 

[xmodel citizen]

Yeah, Tyra is very light skinned, even though her parents are both darker than she is. I just think right now fashion modelling is stale as hell. I'm sick of seeing sickly, pale 12 year olds (or, 16 year olds who LOOK 12). It's disturbing!

 

[Gypsy_Doll]

^ Well, I wouldn't want one of my dear friends (who happens to be black btw) to die! I just don't think that people find African American girls "unique" unless they're multiracial. And btw, it's reflected in all American models. The only real top American model is Hilary Rhoda. It's all about the trends, and right now, no one wants American models.

No worries, sarcasm at it's best.

 

[Gypsy_Doll]

Gorgeous Imany Mladjao. And is it me, or does the only work black models seem get is commercial and editorials? Nothing bigger?

FMD1

 

[gia0202]

she is sooo pretty. looks like tha girl
on boston public

 

[xmodel citizen]

^ Yeah, she does look like that teacher! She also reminds me of another actress whose name I can't remember.

 

[sepia]

^ Well, I wouldn't want one of my dear friends (who happens to be black btw) to die! I just don't think that people find African American girls "unique" unless they're multiracial. And btw, it's reflected in all American models. The only real top American model is Hilary Rhoda. It's all about the trends, and right now, no one wants American models.

That must come from a stereotypical view of black beauty because all black American girls don't look alike.

 

[xmodel citizen]

^ Um, neither do all white American girls but people still think they're too plain and not unique enough for high fashion.

 

[gia0202]

--great point.

 

[sepia]

^ Um, neither do all white American girls but people still think they're too plain and not unique enough for high fashion.

That's my point. People keep categorizing people as having one look when no people, even from the same race, have the exact same features. And that's certainly the case for America, whose citizens span all types of heritages and backgrounds.