sending...From billboards and catwalks to the glossy pages of magazines, black models are having a moment. African girls are everywhere in fashion right now. Since Vogue Italia’s Black issue in 2008, ebony-skinned beauties have assumed a higher profile on the world’s fashion stage. About time, too. And, this year, every show worth its front row had black African models on its runway and so here is our Who’s Who guide to the African models dominating the scene in 2011.
The Power House
Name: Liya Kebede
Age:33
From:Ethiopia
Why you should know her name:
Forbes put Liya in the top 15 highest paid models list for 2007 and 2008, thanks to high-earning campaigns from brands like Estée Lauder, rumoured to be worth $3million alone. She is one of the industry’s most established black models, having appeared three times on the cover of American Vogue, as well as the Italian, Spanish, French and Japanese editions of the fashion tome, and in campaigns for Dolce & Gabbana, Victoria’s Secret and Lacoste (remember the polo shirts and evening dresses?). She has also appeared in three films and is the founder of the Liya Kebede Foundation, which aims to reduce maternal, newborn and child mortality in Ethopia and around the world. This model-turned-entrepreneur has her own clothing line called Lemlem, which is stocked at Barney’s, J.Crew, and Net-a-Porter, and which she hopes will preserve the traditional Ethiopian art of weaving.
The Breakthrough Star
Name:Grace Bol
Age: 21
From: Sudan
Why you should know her name:
This statuesque 5’10” model made her first big splash walking for Givenchy in Paris last season. Now she’s gaining more exposure she often gets confused for that other big name Sudanese model – Alek Wek – and even has people chasing after her to ask Alek’s autograph. Despite the uncanny resemblance, Grace is definitely carving her own path in the fashion world, walking for DVF and Suno last month in New York, and she has aspirations of starting a clothing line in her home country to provide local people jobs and showcase their talent.
The One to Watch
Name:Herieth Paul
Age:16
From:Tanzania
Why you should know her name:
Since Elle Canada put her on its July cover with the headline ‘Naomi, Move Over’, this fresh-faced model has gained a lot of attention. But the comparisons don’t end there, she is often referred to as a ‘black Kate Moss’, or compared to model Grace Jones. At 16, she is already being considered an icon by industry insiders like photographer Steven Meisel, who shot her for the cover of Italian Vogue with Freja Beha Erichsen and Arizona Muse. Having also appeared in an instalment of short fashion films entitled This One for CK One, this self-proclaimed shy girl is getting over her insecurities and plans to make an appearance on the cover of every fashion title in the world within two years.
Submitted by:
Beach Tomato | www.beachtomato.com
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