Black Fashion Icons

legends of style

Black Fashion Icons

The list of Black style icons in the arts and culture world is infinite. To celebrate Black History Month, we’re highlighting some of the most stylish trendsetters and trailblazers then and now in every sense of the word. From on stage, to the everyday, here is a glimpse of absolute stars who continue to pave the way of style.

1. Josephine Baker 1906-1975 - Josephine was an American-French singer, dancer and actor who was known for her luxurious style on stage (whilst secretly being a WWII spy). Her go-to look? Totally rocking the red lip and feathery gowns.
 
2. The Supremes 1959-1977 - The Supremes were the epitome of glamour during the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. Their coordinating outfits captivating audiences every time they performed.
   
3. Tina Turner b.1939 -  aka "The Queen of Rock N Roll" for nearly five decades. Turner had such an edgy, cool style that she was never shy about expressing on stage and off even as her stardom grew.

4. Naomi Campbell b. 1970 - The supermodel shattered the fashion industry’s glass ceilings and went on to cover over 500 magazines, most notably becoming the first black model to appear on the cover of TIME magazine, French Vogue, Russian Vogue, and the first British black model to appear on the cover of British Vogue.

5. Billy Porter b.1969 - Billy Porter defied fashion norms every time he steps foot on the red carpet. If there is a venue to host a party, Porter guarantees the most iconic looks every single time. The beloved Broadway turned Emmy-nominated actor recently told his story about being HIV-positive and working through that with the amazing characters he's gotten to play over the past few years

6. Virgil Abloh 1980-2021 - The legendary mind of Off-White, and then the first black creative director at Louis Vuitton, Virgil Abloh brought streetwear into luxury. An absolute force and driver of fashion today; a legend who lives on.

“Everything I do is for the 17-year-old version of myself, believing deeply in the power of art to inspire future generations."
Sources: Josephine Baker 1, The Supremes 1, 2, Tina Turner 1, 2, Naomi Campbell 1, 2, Billy Porter 1, 2, 3, Virgil Abloh 1, 2, 3, 4, Foxy Brown movie 1 Inspiration

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