Black Women Who Quietly Revolutionized Fashion Trends

17. Bethann Hardison: Diversity Advocate

Bethann Hardison, a former model and agent, has been a tireless advocate for diversity in the fashion industry. In 1988, she founded the Black Girls Coalition to support models of color and address underrepresentation. In 2013, Hardison launched the Diversity Coalition, urging major fashion councils to improve racial diversity on runways. Her efforts have led to increased inclusivity in fashion media and runway shows. (bethannhardison.com)

18. Tabria Majors: Pushing Plus-Size Representation

Tabria Majors, a Nashville-born model and body-positive advocate, has been instrumental in promoting authentic plus-size representation in the fashion industry. In 2017, she gained attention by recreating iconic Victoria’s Secret ads, challenging the brand’s lack of inclusivity and demonstrating that curvy women can confidently model lingerie. (essence.com) Her efforts have sparked broader conversations about body diversity in fashion media. Majors has also collaborated with brands like Fashion to Figure and Cupshe to create stylish and inclusive swimwear collections, further reshaping how bodies are marketed in the fashion industry. (prnewswire.com)

19. Kheris Rogers: The Face of Youthful Self-Love

Kheris Rogers, a young entrepreneur from Los Angeles, founded the clothing line “Flexin’ in My Complexion” at age 10 to combat colorism and promote self-love among youth. Inspired by her grandmother’s mantra, the brand gained celebrity support from Alicia Keys and Lupita Nyong’o. Rogers made history as the youngest designer to showcase at New York Fashion Week, empowering children to embrace their unique beauty. (CNN)

20. LaQuan Smith: Celebrity Power and Body Positivity

LaQuan Smith, a Queens-born designer, launched his eponymous brand in 2013, quickly gaining acclaim for his bold, sultry designs that redefine contemporary femininity. His creations, characterized by figure-hugging silhouettes and daring cutouts, have been embraced by celebrities like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Vice President Kamala Harris. Smith’s work celebrates curves and confidence, challenging traditional beauty standards and promoting body positivity in the fashion industry. (fastcompany.com)

Conclusion

Throughout history, Black women have been pivotal in shaping the fashion industry, often overcoming systemic barriers to introduce innovative designs and styles. From Ann Lowe’s elegant creations to Bethann Hardison’s advocacy for diversity, their contributions have redefined cultural aesthetics and continue to inspire the industry at every level. Their resilience and creativity have transformed fashion, making it more inclusive and reflective of diverse experiences. (time.com, apnews.com)