Black Modeling Agencies

Top Modeling Agencies Seek Aspiring Black Models 

Black models are an essential part of the modeling and fashion industries and have been making history in these industries for years. In the major fashion markets, there really isn’t such a thing as black modeling agencies. Black models and models of all ethnicities are represented by top model agencies worldwide and are superstars in their own right.

Black Models Who Made History

In 1966, Donyale Luna was the first black model to appear on the cover of any Vogue magazine when she was featured on the cover of Vogue U.K. Two years later, Naomi Sims became the first black model on the cover Ladies Home Journal. In a landmark moment, Beverley Johnson made history as both the first black model to appear on the cover of American Vogue in 1974, and in 1975 she was the first black model on the cover of French Elle. Johnson went on to continue making history and is rightfully credited with helping open many doors for other black models.

In 1989, supermodel Naomi Campbell made history as the first black model to be featured on the all-important September cover of American Vogue. Veronica Webb was the first black model to be signed to a major cosmetics contract in the mid-1980s, and in the 1990s, Tyra Banks was the first black model to cover both GQ and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. In 2008, Vogue Italia released an issue featuring only black models, and other magazines have begun to do the same.

Tyra Banks Sports Illustrated Cover

Today, diversity is more than just a passing phase in the modeling industry. Runways, fashion magazines, and billboards now show models ranging from all ages, sizes, and ethnicities, including models with disabilities. New models may think they need to find a modeling agency that works exclusively with models who fit particular characteristics, such as a black modeling agencies, plus size modeling agencies, petite modeling agencies, and so forth. But, most modeling agencies want to work with all kinds of models, with the common thread being they are talented and hard-working. The most successful modeling agencies are the ones that are more inclusive and work with and scout models of all backgrounds.

Fashion Industry Must Support & Encourage Models of All Ethnicities

There is still a long way to go in EVERY industry until equality is achieved, and even as some brands and magazines attempt to showcase diverse models, they sometimes miss the mark. This is all part of a meaningful conversation that has been long overdue, and this conversation needs to be an ongoing one to truly make progress.

In March 2017, Vogue published a diversity issue, and while many applauded its attempt at inclusivity, others felt it wasn’t diverse enough. The public discourse surrounding the Vogue diversity issue, as well as others like it, is critical to making sure past mistakes aren’t repeated and that the modeling industry continues to move forward. The New York Fashion Week Spring 2018 runways were regarded as the most diverse ever, as 36.9% of the models to walk the runways were models of color, which is up 5.4% from the year before. We are encouraged by the progress being made and hopeful to see it continued on and off the runway.

Naomi Campbell Vogue September Issue

It is essential that models of all races feel supported and encouraged throughout their careers. While more designers, agencies, and scouts are open to working with a diverse selection of models, make sure you work with reputable agencies to ensure your career is in the best possible hands. A good modeling agency will help set you up for success and by putting you in touch with the right opportunities to allow your career as a black model to flourish. At ModelScouts, we work to get you seen and scouted by all of the top modeling agencies and this broad exposure helps ensure you are working with agencies who are best equipped to make your modeling dreams come true.

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