African-American Actresses Who Are Fashion Models

African American women have long influenced the worlds of both cinema and high fashion. Many notable actresses began their professional journeys on the runway or in front of a camera for commercial advertisements. These individuals continue to bridge the gap between Hollywood and the international fashion industry. Their work often challenges beauty standards while showcasing versatility across different artistic mediums.

Zendaya

Zendaya began her career as a fashion model for retailers such as Macy’s and Old Navy before transitioning to television. She eventually rose to fame on the Disney Channel series ‘Shake It Up’ and later earned critical acclaim for ‘Euphoria’. Throughout her acting career she has maintained a presence in the fashion industry through partnerships with brands like Lancôme and Louis Vuitton. Her dual success has made her a prominent figure on both the screen and the runway.

Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks first gained international fame as a high fashion model on the runways of Paris and Milan. She was the first African American woman to appear on the covers of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and GQ. Her transition into acting included a recurring role on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ and a lead in ‘Life-Size’. She also created and hosted the long running reality competition ‘America’s Next Top Model’. Her career demonstrates a seamless blend of modeling expertise and commercial acting success.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry competed in several beauty pageants and worked as a model before pursuing a professional acting career. She gained widespread recognition in the film ‘Jungle Fever’ and later made history as the first African American woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. Even after achieving Hollywood stardom she continued to work as a global brand ambassador for Revlon for many years. Her career trajectory established a blueprint for models looking to transition into serious dramatic acting.

Garcelle Beauvais

Garcelle Beauvais moved to Miami at a young age to pursue a career in fashion modeling. she signed with Ford Models and appeared in numerous catalogs and magazine layouts during the peak of her modeling years. Her transition to acting brought her success on the sitcom ‘The Jamie Foxx Show’ and the crime drama ‘NYPD Blue’. She remains active in the entertainment industry as both a television personality and an actress.

Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Williams rose to prominence as a model and beauty queen before becoming a successful actress and singer. She was the first African American woman to be crowned Miss America which served as a massive platform for her future career. In the acting world she is well known for her roles in ‘Ugly Betty’ and ‘Desperate Housewives’. She has maintained a sophisticated public image that often bridges the gap between high fashion and television.

Beverly Johnson

Beverly Johnson made history in the fashion world as the first African American model to appear on the cover of American Vogue. This milestone changed the landscape of the industry and opened doors for many women of color. She expanded her career into acting with appearances in films like ‘Ashanti’ and various television programs. Her legacy is defined by her pioneering work on the runway and her consistent presence in popular media.

Joy Bryant

Joy Bryant was discovered by a modeling scout while she was a student at Yale University. She went on to walk for major designers and appeared in advertisements for brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Victoria’s Secret. Her acting career took off with a role in ‘Antwone Fisher’ and she later starred in the series ‘Parenthood’. She successfully shifted from a high profile modeling career to becoming a respected dramatic actress.

Eva Marcille

Eva Marcille first entered the public eye as the winner of the third cycle of ‘America’s Next Top Model’. Following her win she appeared on the covers of various magazines and walked in numerous fashion shows. She eventually transitioned into acting with a regular role on the daytime soap opera ‘The Young and the Restless’. Her career has since expanded to include reality television and several independent film projects.

Yaya DaCosta

Yaya DaCosta began her professional journey as a runner up on ‘America’s Next Top Model’. Her success in the competition led to various modeling contracts and appearances in high fashion magazines. She quickly moved into acting and earned praise for her roles in ‘The Kids Are All Right’ and the series ‘Chicago Med’. She also portrayed Whitney Houston in a biographical film showcasing her range as a performer.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross worked as a fashion model and editor before she became a household name in acting. She walked the runway for designers like Thierry Mugler during the nineteen nineties. She later achieved fame starring in the comedy series ‘Girlfriends’ and the acclaimed sitcom ‘Black-ish’. Her personal style and history in the fashion industry continue to make her a frequent collaborator with major luxury brands.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi began her career as a child model appearing in various print and television advertisements. She gained massive popularity for her role as Zoey Johnson on the series ‘Black-ish’ and its spinoff ‘Grown-ish’. Her fashion influence has led to major partnerships with brands such as Dior and Adidas. She is frequently recognized for her ability to combine academic interests with a high profile career in acting and modeling.

Zoë Kravitz

Zoë Kravitz has successfully navigated careers in acting and fashion modeling for over a decade. She has been the face of campaigns for Saint Laurent and Tiffany and Company while starring in major films like ‘The Batman’. Her unique aesthetic has made her a favorite among high fashion photographers and designers. She continues to balance lead acting roles with significant editorial and runway presence.

Laura Harrier

Laura Harrier started her career as a fashion model working with major brands before moving into professional acting. She received international recognition for her role in ‘Spider-Man Homecoming’ and later starred in ‘BlacKkKlansman’. Her fashion background has helped her secure campaigns for luxury houses like Louis Vuitton and Bulgari. She is often cited as a modern style icon who seamlessly moves between cinema and fashion.

Teyana Taylor

Teyana Taylor is a multi talented artist who has worked as a model and an actress alongside her music career. She has walked the runway for several high profile designers during New York Fashion Week and starred in iconic music videos. Her acting work includes roles in ‘Coming 2 America’ and ‘A Thousand and One’. She is known for her powerful physical presence and her influence on contemporary urban fashion.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore began modeling at the age of fifteen and worked for brands like Dior and Gucci before finding fame as an actress. They are best known for their role as Angel Evangelista on the television series ‘Pose’. Moore has made history as one of the first openly non binary and transgender models to achieve mainstream success. They continue to advocate for diversity while maintaining a high profile in both the fashion and film industries.

Ryan Destiny

Ryan Destiny started her career in the entertainment industry as both a singer and a model. She gained widespread attention for her lead role in the musical drama series ‘Star’. Her striking looks have led to numerous modeling opportunities with brands like Calvin Klein and Hood By Air. She is frequently highlighted for her fashion choices and her ability to represent the next generation of Hollywood talent.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is an actress and singer known for her distinct and artistic approach to fashion. She has appeared in major fashion campaigns for brands like CoverGirl and Gap while maintaining a successful film career. Her acting credits include the Academy Award winning film ‘Moonlight’ and the thriller ‘Hidden Figures’. She uses her platform to push the boundaries of style and storytelling through various visual mediums.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union worked as a model during her college years to help pay for her education. She transitioned into acting with roles in classic teen films like ‘Bring It On’ and later starred in the drama ‘Being Mary Jane’. Throughout her career she has maintained strong ties to the fashion world through various clothing lines and beauty partnerships. Her enduring popularity has made her a staple in both the film industry and the fashion commercial space.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington is a celebrated actress who has consistently engaged with the fashion industry throughout her career. She became a household name for her role as Olivia Pope on the hit series ‘Scandal’. Her influence led to long term partnerships with brands like Neutrogena and Movado. She is frequently praised for her red carpet appearances and her ability to merge political activism with high fashion.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer began her career as a child actress and model and has grown into a versatile entertainer. She has worked on numerous fashion campaigns and recently became a brand ambassador for Zenni Optical. Her acting work spans from ‘Akeelah and the Bee’ to the thriller film ‘Nope’. She is known for her dynamic personality and her ability to stay relevant across multiple artistic platforms.

Storm Reid

Storm Reid entered the acting world at a young age and quickly became a fashion favorite. She starred in the film ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ and the popular drama series ‘Euphoria’. Her sophisticated style has earned her a place as a brand ambassador for Miu Miu and Maybelline. She is considered a rising star who balances a heavy acting schedule with frequent appearances in high fashion editorials.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin is an actress and producer who began her career appearing in commercials and print ads. She is best known for her role on the sitcom ‘Black-ish’ and for becoming the youngest executive producer in Hollywood history. Her fashion sense has led to collaborations with various retail brands and frequent features in style magazines. She represents a new era of young entertainers who are building business empires across multiple industries.

Willow Smith

Willow Smith has been a fashion icon and actress since her early childhood years. She made her acting debut in ‘I Am Legend’ and has since focused on music and high fashion modeling. She has been a face for Chanel and has appeared in numerous global campaigns for major designers. Her eclectic style and artistic vision have made her a permanent fixture in the world of high fashion.

Precious Lee

Precious Lee is a groundbreaking fashion model who has successfully expanded into acting. She was the first Black plus size model to appear on the cover of American Vogue. Her acting work includes appearances in television series like ‘Run the World’. She continues to challenge industry standards and advocate for body positivity while maintaining a high profile career on the runway and the screen.

Dominique Jackson

Dominique Jackson is an actress and model who rose to international fame on the series ‘Pose’. Before her breakthrough acting role she worked extensively as a fashion model and was a prominent figure in the ballroom scene. She has walked for numerous high fashion brands and appeared in major magazines. Her career highlights the intersection of transgender visibility and the glamour of the fashion industry.

Leyna Bloom

Leyna Bloom is a model and actress who made history as the first transgender woman of color to appear in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She starred in the film ‘Port Authority’ which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Her background in the fashion world includes walking the runway for several international designers. She is a vocal advocate for inclusion and continues to break barriers in both modeling and acting.

Kat Graham

Kat Graham is an actress and model who began her career appearing in music videos and commercial advertisements. She is best known for her role as Bonnie Bennett on the long running series ‘The Vampire Diaries’. Her fashion career includes walking for various designers and appearing in major international editorials. She often incorporates her love for high fashion into her various creative projects.

Logan Browning

Logan Browning started her career as a child model and actress appearing in various commercials. She gained significant recognition for her role in the film ‘Bratz’ and later starred in the series ‘Dear White People’. Her consistent presence in the fashion world includes partnerships with various beauty and clothing brands. She is known for her advocacy work and her polished personal style.

China Anne McClain

China Anne McClain grew up in the entertainment industry as both an actress and a model for youth brands. She achieved fame through the Disney Channel series ‘A.N.T.T. Farm’ and later starred in the ‘Descendants’ film franchise. Her fashion choices often reflect her musical background and her evolution into adult roles. She continues to be a prominent figure for young audiences in both film and social media fashion spaces.

Kiersey Clemons

Kiersey Clemons is an actress who has been featured in several high profile fashion campaigns throughout her career. She gained attention for her role in the film ‘Dope’ and has since appeared in major projects like ‘The Flash’. Her relationship with the fashion world includes attending major runway shows and collaborating with various designers. She is recognized for her unique and expressive approach to red carpet style.

Sasha Lane

Sasha Lane was discovered by a filmmaker while she was on spring break and quickly became an acting and fashion sensation. She made her debut in the film ‘American Honey’ and has since worked on several independent and mainstream projects. Her fashion career includes being a face for Louis Vuitton and appearing in numerous high end editorials. She is known for her authentic and unconventional approach to both acting and style.

KiKi Layne

KiKi Layne rose to stardom with her performance in the film ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. Following her breakout role she became a frequent collaborator with fashion brands like Kate Spade and Gucci. Her striking looks and elegant style have made her a staple at major fashion events around the world. She continues to choose diverse acting roles while maintaining a strong presence in the fashion industry.

Cynthia Bailey

Cynthia Bailey is a renowned fashion model who successfully transitioned into reality television and acting. She worked for Wilhelmina Models for many years and appeared in magazines like Essence and Vogue. Her television career blossomed when she joined the cast of ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’. She has since appeared in various films and television shows while running her own modeling school.

Kenya Moore

Kenya Moore first gained national attention as a model and beauty queen when she was crowned Miss USA. She used her platform to launch an acting career appearing in films like ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and various sitcoms. She later became a prominent television personality on ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’. Her career has always been a blend of beauty modeling and commercial acting.

Lauren London

Lauren London began her career appearing in music videos and modeling for various urban fashion brands. She achieved mainstream success with her breakout role in the film ‘ATL’ and later starred in the series ‘The Game’. Throughout her career she has maintained a strong influence on fashion and beauty trends within the industry. She remains a beloved figure in Hollywood known for her consistent style and relatable screen presence.

Meagan Good

Meagan Good started her career as a child actress and worked as a model for various commercial brands. She gained critical praise for her role in ‘Eve’s Bayou’ and has since starred in numerous films and television series. Her career has often been associated with her status as a beauty icon in the entertainment world. She continues to balance acting in major productions with various fashion and beauty ventures.

Tika Sumpter

Tika Sumpter began her professional life as a model appearing in commercials for various national brands. She transitioned into acting with a regular role on the daytime soap opera ‘One Life to Live’. Her career expanded significantly with roles in the ‘Ride Along’ films and the television drama ‘The Haves and the Have Nots’. She is frequently celebrated for her classic style and her work as a producer and actress.

Paula Patton

Paula Patton worked behind the scenes in film production before she started her career in front of the camera as a model and actress. She appeared in various advertisements before landing her breakout role in the film ‘Idlewild’. She is well known for her performances in ‘Precious’ and the action film ‘Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol’. Her elegant looks have made her a favorite for fashion editorials and red carpet features.

Lisa Bonet

Lisa Bonet is an actress whose eclectic style has influenced the fashion world for decades. She rose to fame as Denise Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show’ and later starred in ‘A Different World’. Her unique aesthetic often blends bohemian elements with high fashion which has made her a muse for many designers. She remains a symbol of individualistic style while continuing to work selectively in film and television.

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson began her career as a fashion model after being discovered by a photographer for Ebony magazine. She eventually became one of the most respected actresses in American history with legendary roles in ‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman’ and ‘Sounder’. Even in her later years she remained a fashion icon frequently appearing on the best dressed lists of major publications. Her legacy is one of grace and excellence in both the modeling and acting professions.

Diahann Carroll

Diahann Carroll was a pioneering actress and model who broke numerous racial barriers in the entertainment industry. She worked as a model for Ebony and other publications before finding success on Broadway and in film. She was the first African American woman to star in her own television series ‘Julia’ where she did not play a domestic worker. Her sophisticated style and talent made her a legendary figure in both Hollywood and the fashion world.

Tamara Dobson

Tamara Dobson was a fashion model who became a cult film icon during the nineteen seventies. She was exceptionally tall and possessed a striking look that led to her success on the runways of New York and Paris. She is best known for her role as the title character in the film ‘Cleopatra Jones’. Her career showcased how a high fashion aesthetic could be translated into a powerful action movie persona.

Pam Grier

Pam Grier is often celebrated for her roles in action and crime films but she also had a significant background in modeling. She competed in beauty pageants and worked as a commercial model before her breakthrough in ‘Foxy Brown’. Her image became synonymous with the empowerment of Black women in cinema during the nineteen seventies. She has maintained a long and successful career that continues to influence modern fashion and film.

Damaris Lewis

Damaris Lewis is a successful fashion model who has made a notable transition into professional acting. She appeared in multiple Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issues and worked as a muse for the musician Prince. Her acting career includes a prominent role as Blackfire on the superhero series ‘Titans’. She continues to balance her work on the runway with recurring roles on major television programs.

Liris Crosse

Liris Crosse is a model and actress who has been referred to as the Naomi Campbell of plus size modeling. She won the model competition on the sixteenth season of ‘Project Runway’ which significantly boosted her profile. Her acting work includes roles in various independent films and television series. She is a prominent advocate for diversity and inclusion within the fashion and entertainment industries.

Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley is a celebrated actress who has frequently participated in high profile fashion campaigns. She gained fame for her role as Poussey Washington on the series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. Her fashion work includes collaborating with designers like Christian Siriano and appearing in major style publications. She is a prominent figure in the LGBTQ community and uses her platform to promote inclusive fashion.

Nicole Ari Parker

Nicole Ari Parker began her career as a model before becoming a well known actress in film and television. She appeared in various fashion layouts during her early years and has maintained a stylish public image. She is best known for her roles in the film ‘Boogie Nights’ and the drama series ‘Soul Food’. She continues to be a staple in the industry balancing acting roles with various business ventures.

Rochelle Aytes

Rochelle Aytes worked as a model and appeared in commercials before her acting career took off. She is recognized for her roles in the comedy film ‘White Chicks’ and the television series ‘Mistresses’. Her consistent work in the industry has often highlighted her background in beauty and fashion. She continues to star in popular television dramas while occasionally appearing in fashion related media.

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