Black Women in Fashion: Trendsetters & Trailblazers
Alright, let’s talk about Black women in fashion.
If we’re being real, Black women ARE fashion. The blueprint. The moment. The trendsetters. The ones who push the industry forward, even when it refuses to give them their credit. We see it everywhere—from the runways to the streets to the red carpets. And yet, Black women still have to fight for a seat at the table in an industry that wouldn’t even be half as innovative without them.
So, let’s ramble a little about the impact, the influence, and the undeniable legacy of Black women in fashion.
The Pioneers Who Set the Stage
Before there was a Rihanna or a Zendaya effortlessly shutting down red carpets, there were the trailblazers, the OGs who fought to be seen.
Donyale Luna – The First Black Supermodel
Let’s start with Donyale Luna—one of the most overlooked yet influential Black models of all time. In 1966, she became the first Black woman to grace the cover of Vogue. This was a big deal because, at the time, magazines were almost exclusively white. But Luna? She broke the mold with her statuesque beauty, her otherworldly presence, and her refusal to conform to industry standards.
Luna’s career was cut short, but her legacy? Undeniable. Without her, there’s no Naomi, no Tyra, no Adut Akech.
Naomi Sims – The First Black Model Mogul
Another OG? Naomi Sims. She was the first Black model to break into mainstream fashion in the 1960s, at a time when agencies straight-up refused to sign Black girls. She didn’t just let the industry’s racism stop her—she built her own legacy, starting a multimillion-dollar beauty brand that paved the way for Black-owned beauty companies today.
The Supermodels Who Took Over
Now, you can’t talk about fashion’s golden era without mentioning Naomi Campbell.
Naomi Campbell – The Blueprint
Naomi Campbell IS fashion. She wasn’t just walking the runway—she was owning it. The attitude, the confidence, the walk—nobody does it like Naomi.
But let’s not forget—she had to fight for those spots. Despite being one of the most talented and in-demand models of her era, she was often paid less and booked less than her white counterparts. It took Gianni Versace, who made sure she earned the same paycheck as her peers, to truly highlight the industry’s racism.
Tyra Banks – Breaking Barriers
Tyra wasn’t just a model—she was a game-changer. In 1997, she became the first Black woman to land the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, an issue that was historically all about white women with blonde hair and blue eyes.
But Tyra wasn’t just breaking barriers in front of the camera. She went on to create America’s Next Top Model, giving Black girls a platform in an industry that constantly tried to shut them out.
The Designers Who Changed the Game
Black women haven’t just been wearing the clothes. They’ve been making them.
Ann Lowe – The Designer Behind Jackie Kennedy’s Wedding Dress
Ever heard of Ann Lowe? Maybe not, but you definitely know her work. She designed Jackie Kennedy’s wedding dress in 1953, but guess what? She never got credit for it. That’s right—one of the most famous wedding dresses of all time was made by a Black woman, and history tried to erase her.
Ann was a couture-level designer who dressed America’s wealthiest families, yet she was often underpaid and uncredited because of her race.
Tracy Reese – The Queen of Chic
If you don’t know Tracy Reese, let me put you on. She’s been in the game since the ‘90s, creating colorful, feminine, and elegant designs worn by women like Michelle Obama, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Beyoncé.
Her influence? Immeasurable. She made high fashion wearable, elegant, and fun—proving that Black women don’t just follow trends, they create them.
The Celebrities Who Make Every Moment a Fashion Moment
It’s one thing to wear the clothes. It’s another thing to make the clothes legendary.
Rihanna – The Fashion Mogul
Rihanna doesn’t just wear fashion—she defines it. From her early days as a pop princess to becoming the first Black woman to lead a luxury brand under LVMH, Rihanna’s impact is unmatched.
Fenty isn’t just a brand—it’s a movement. She made sure every shade was included in beauty. She made luxury streetwear a thing. And don’t even get me started on her red carpet moments.
Beyoncé – The Standard
Beyoncé doesn’t just show up to fashion—she commands it. She’s the moment every time she steps out. Whether she’s in custom Balmain at Coachella, dripping in jewels for the MET Gala, or turning airport paparazzi shots into style inspo, Beyoncé is the standard.
Her influence is global. Designers race to dress her, and when she wears something, it’s instantly iconic. But it’s not just about the looks—it’s the intention. From her “Black Is King” visuals to her Renaissance tour wardrobe, Beyoncé uses fashion as a form of storytelling, honoring Black history, culture, and futurism all at once.
Let’s not forget: she launched House of Deréon before celebrity fashion lines were a thing. Now, with IVY PARK, she’s merging athleisure with high fashion, creating inclusive pieces that celebrate all body types and all shades of Blackness.
Beyoncé doesn’t just walk into a room—she redefines the room. And fashion? It moves when she says move.
The Legacy Lives On
So. Fashion has always tried to gatekeep Black women from getting the credit they deserve. But the truth is, Black women are fashion’s biggest inspiration. From streetwear to haute couture, from vintage to futuristic—Black women set the trends that everyone else follows.
So, the next time you see a viral fashion moment, just know: A Black woman probably did it first.
This was a post by the PCR.
