Source: WWD / Getty
Fashion is not just about putting a top and bottom together that looks good. It’s an expression of one’s inner world and a reflection of the outer world. Bow down to these eight Black fashion icons who defined “serve.”
Josephine Baker
1906 to 1975
Josephine Baker started in the vaudeville scene but was quickly swept into the silver screen, becoming the first Black woman to star in a motion picture. She eventually took her career to France, where she lived as an expatriate. She traveled the world, performing for the troops and worked for some time for the French resistance, allegedly smuggling messages in her sheet music.
Baker’s style sense was international, sophisticated and fierce, like her character. She donned the Eton crop haircut, popular at the time – short, slicked down, with little curly cues plastered to her forehead. She was all glitz and glamour with fur shawls and a bejeweled headband. Baker exuded movie star energy.
Diana Ross
Born 1944
The lead singer of The Supremes has boldly charged through each phase of her life, always in style. After leaving the top-charting female group, she went on to have an incredible solo career in music, film, and television.
Ross was active in her career during some of the most iconic fashion eras, like the disco era with its wide-legged pants and swirly patterns and the 1970s, with its jumpsuits as far as the eye could see. She always embodied the current style and then made it her own.
Iman
Born 1955
Iman has been modeling since 1975 and isn’t slowing down any time soon. The Somalian-born beauty was one of the first Black supermodels. She’s had an incredible life, having fled from Somalia to Kenya as a child following the assassination of the Somalian president and ultimately being discovered by an American photographer while studying in Nairobi.
Within one year of beginning her modeling work, Iman appeared in Vogue. She was also married to David Bowie, which undoubtedly influenced some of her more rock star looks. Iman is known for popularizing the bias-cut dress, where the grain lines run diagonally across the body instead of from top to bottom. But she doesn’t shy away from neon colors and crystal-covered garments either.
Grace Jones
Born 1948
Grace Jones was the face of the ’80s nightclub scene back in the day. She was a regular at Studio 54 and known for her androgynous look. She rocked a broad-shouldered power pantsuit and an ultra-masculine buzz cut. However, she could be undeniably sexy when she wanted to be – like during her role as a Bond girl in 1985’s May Day. Jones also loved a good over-the-top head accessory, whether a slinky, beaded wrap or a hat with a three-foot circumference.
Beverly Johnson
Born 1952
Beverly Johnson has been modeling since 1970 and recently walked the runway in New York Fashion Week at 69. She was the first Black model to appear on the cover of Vogue and French Elle and has advocated inclusivity in the fashion world throughout her career. She’s also an author and has a lifestyle brand, The Beverly Johnson Luxurious Lifestyle Brand.
Johnson drips with sophistication and elegance. Her look is chic and timeless. Her former competitive swimmer’s physique lends itself beautifully to some extra-long pleated pants or a simple spaghetti-strap dress.
Tina Turner
Born 1939
Tina Turner has been wowing audiences with her vocals, dance moves and fashion sense for over 50 years. She’s been an undeniable icon for female empowerment, having left an abusive marriage with Ike Turner only to strike out on her own to have an even more incredible solo career. Her style has always been as bold and brave as she is.
Turner’s lively hairstyle is the epitome of rock ‘n’ roll. She slays in a mini skirt and super high heels. And she’s always ready to add fringe and glitz to a leather jacket. But she also stuns in a cascading gown when the time is right.
Tyra Banks
Born 1973
Tyra Banks was associated with America’s Next Top Model and the over-the-top high fashion found on the show. But before being a glamour goddess, Banks was a ’90s fashion icon. She was about that grunge look, with a backward cap, flannel tied around the waist and ripped jeans. And when early 2000s pop stars popularized the ultra-low jeans and crop top, Banks quickly dominated that look, too.
Lizzo
Born 1988
Detroit-born Lizzo has a style that is as undeniable as her voice. She’s a little bit high fashion, a little bit ravey and whatever she wants to be. You’ll find her in neons and fishnets one day and a tiered chiffon dress on the red carpet the next. She loves a good leotard and some animal prints. And bright colors are her go-to. Lizzo defies the idea that haute couture is only for the size zero woman, and we love her for it.
