Supreme Models: Iconic Black Women Who Revolutionized Fashion

by Marcellas Reynolds

The first-ever art book celebrating black models, filled with revealing essays, interviews, and stunning photographs 

To date, there has never been an art book devoted exclusively to black models. Supreme Models fills that void, paying tribute to black models past and from the first to be featured in catalogs and on magazine covers, like Iman, Beverly Johnson, and Donyale Luna, to the supermodels who reigned in the nineties--Tyra Banks and Naomi Campbell. The book also observes the newest generation of models--Adwoa Aboah, Jourdan Dunn, and Joan Smalls--who are shaking up the fashion industry by speaking out about racial prejudice and becoming social media sensations. 

Written by celebrity stylist and journalist Marcellas Reynolds, Supreme Models features more than 70 women from the last 75 years. The book is filled with gorgeous photographs of the women, and details their most memorable covers, campaigns, runway shows, and editorials. Black models have been influencing fashion and pop culture for decades, reshaping the standards and boundaries of beauty. Supreme Models is a celebration of their monumental impact.

Genres: Fashion, Photography, Nonfiction, Coffee Table Books, History

240 pages, Hardcover

Published October 8, 2019

Reviews

[Bianca Nabarrete-Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it.

Good coffee table book but also a great reminder that the standard of beauty is always in need of review.

I wish there was more info on each model, but nothing I can't do my own independent research on.

[Keishua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. Lots of interesting interview. I kinda wish that each model had a little interview but that would have made it forever long...so i get it.

[Abby Frye · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. Only downfall, I wish all of the models featured had stories or interviews.

[Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

The history is interesting and the photographs and sheer number of models covered are impressive. But the book is laid out alphabetically and there are some inscrutable decisions as to why some models get significantly more coverage. I wouldn't really say that this book was written so much as compiled or put together. There is one introductory essay and you piece together the history based on multiple timelines and common names and agencies that get mentioned over and over again. Overall, I think if the intersection of Blackness and fashion interests you, there will be some new names and fun facts. But there's not a lot of "meat" here and I would recommend getting it from the library before deciding if it's something you want to buy. Definitely more of a fun coffee table type book to flip through.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the book and representation of black women from around the world. It also included mixed, biracial, and Afro-Latina models. Photographs were beautiful and the forward by Veronica Webb was very nice. The book also included interviews for some models which was a surprise and they were very informational.

[Paris Tillery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great photos. Good interviews. Daphne Maxwell Reid looks like three different people on her covers. Did not know she use to be a model. Would make a good gift or coffee table book.

[ツツ]

I found photos from the 90s & 00s either exorcising or fetishising (or both 🙄). The 80s and 10s treated subjects more like human. Sadly, we’re about to enter the next regressive era.

[ruthlovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful