Kouture by V: BLACK HISTORY MONTH - BLACK WOMEN OF FASHION

October, Black History Month. The best way that I could show my appreciation to BHM in a way that I can "relate" to or understand is through fashion. So here are some icons in the world of fashion, black women of fashion. Leave a comment on your favourite black history moments.

1. Beverly Johnson and Donyale Luna
These two beautiful women were the first to be on the front of super magazine, Vogue. Beverly's agent said that it would be hard for her to be on the cover as hairstylists were afraid to touch her hair. She stands 5'9.

Beverly Johnson

Beverly Johnson Cover

Donyale Luna

Donyale stood 6'2, became an actress and was very successful. She died 1979 in Rome, Italy.

2. Naomi Cambell
Naomi, in the 1990s, was on the cover of 500 magazines and known as "baby face" because of the young look #blackdontcrack. She also wore the famose Westwood shoes and fell over on the runway while wearing them, but to be honest, anyone would have fallen over in those. She starred on Empire, and I hope she returns in season 2. And as the modelling world goes, you know that models come in pairs, and Naomi's is Kate Moss. People call them the mothers of Jourdan Dunn and Cara Delevigne.

The Westwood fall over

Empire

Naomi Cambell

3. Rihanna
Everyone knows Rihanna. Singer, Actress, Model. However did you know that Rihanna is the Dior's first black campaign star. Rihanna has become a fashion icon and today front rowed the Dior SS16 at Paris fashion week. Go on Riri.

4. Jourdan Dunn

Jourdan Dunn is an iconic supermodel of today. However people do not know some of the historical things she has done. Jourdan was the first black model to walk for Prada in over a decade and is one of the world’s highest paid models. Jourdan has the GQ Model of the year award. She has a son, Riley, who unfortunately suffers of sickle cell disease and Jourdan has raised thousands of pounds for sickle cell charities. She has been a campaign model for Burberry along with her model mother Naomi and has walked the VS runway for a couple years now. She is currently a campaign model for Balmain *baerousteing In an interview Jourdan spoke about the time she faces racism within the industry as makeup artist refused to do her make up as she was not "comfortable" with her skin tone.

Burberry

Victoria's Secret

Balmain

5. Zendaya
At the age of 19 Zendaya has been a world recognised actress and now a fashion icon and make up queen. With her style ranging from street to high elegance. In an episode of Fashion Police, Giuliana Rancic made racist comments about the dreadlocs Zendaya wore for the oscars. Zendaya was 18 at the time and was the youngest on the carpet. Zendaya immediately took a very mature response responding to the situation with words of wisdom. She has an African-American father and white mother and has said to always receive looks in public and comments online due to her interracial family. Zendaya has recently had a barbie doll made in her honour for standing up for her culture . That is why Zendaya is so important for Fashion.