Black Beautiful & Blessed

CHRISTINA ANDERSON-MCDONALD

2009-04-16T01:39:00.002-05:00

Christina was born in Philadelphia and grew up in Meadowbrook, Pennsylvania. She first started modeling in Miami and soon after moved to New York. A graduate of Tufts University with a dual major in Psychology and Art History, Christina sees the foundations of art throughout each area of fashion. Christina enjoys being outdoors, music, movies, traveling, and soccer.

ATONG ARJOK

2009-04-16T01:21:00.004-05:00

Atong Arjok is a American-Sudanese model.
She was discovered in Los Angeles.
Five foot nine Sudanese model Atong Arjok is one of the top Nubian models to have hit the runway since Alek Wek.[citation needed] She has walked the runway for renowned Designers such as Luca Luca, Phillip Lim, Catherine Malandrino, Diane von Furstenberg, Sass & Bide, Custo Barcelona, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Lacoste, Heatherette just to name a few.
She appeared in Vogue Italia, photographed by Steven Klein, Michael Thompson for Allure, Glamour, Trace, Teen Vogue, and Russian Vogue. She has appeared in national ad campaigns for Patricia Fields for Destination Style New York, Kenneth Cole Reaction, John Varvatos for Converse, Diesel, Catherine Malandrino, Behnaz Sarafpour for Target, I.N.C. photographed by Greg Kadel, as well as cosmetics ad campaigns for Estée Lauder Prescriptives and Sephora.

NAOMI CAMPBELL

2007-04-03T10:01:00.001-05:00

Naomi Campbell is the "Queen of the Catwalk" that has paved the way for many. Her beauty and grace has dominated the catwalk, television, numerous magazines, movies, music videos, and the net. There is no one out there like her and that is a fact. She has a long history of modeling and still maintains her beautiful "goddess-like" frame. For those who cannot understand her, that is not a problem...she knows EXACTLY what she is doing and she does it very well. She is not going to be retiring anytime soon, so many have got to either love her or hate her...and we love her!

PHINA CRUCHE

2007-04-03T09:48:00.000-05:00

Phina was born in England and is both a model and an actress. You may have sen her wqork in Footballers' Wives, The Bill, Nip/Tuck, Charmed and many many more. She is a constant presence on both the television and the runway, utilizing her many talents. Nothing seems to slow down Phina, she ran the 2006 London marathon to and rasie 20,000 for the Anthony Nolan Trust. Whether modeling, writing, acting, running...she does it all. We cannot wait to see what she is going to do next.

KAMLA MILLWOOD

2007-04-03T09:39:00.003-05:00

Kamla Millwood is the name of this high-fashion model and actress. Her name KAMLA is Indian for lotus flower, and what a beauty she is as she hails from the beautiful island of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. She is not "just" a fashion model, who is six feet tall- but also an owner and CEO of a travel company, an author, actress and motivational speaker. She has graced many catwalks, fashion magazines and television with both her talent and beauty. She has established a name for herself in the fashion and media industry, all without ever having to compromise her morals and standards.

DANI EVANS

2007-03-20T12:44:00.000-05:00

Dani fantasized about becoming a model since she was 12 years old. Many told her that she would never make it because of a wide gap in her teeth. But although she loved her gap-after a little convincing from her mentor Tyra Banks to close it slightly, she sucessfully won the title of America's Next Top Model, getting a contract with Ford and a $100,000 Covergirl contract. Dani said "If I didn't decide to close the gap, I possibly would have been going home."

JOY BRYANT

2007-03-20T12:31:00.000-05:00

Joy was born in the Bronx and was dicovered by a modeling scout when she was studying at Yale University. She then went on to work with big name contracts for names like Tommy Hilfiger and Victoria's Secret. In addition to her modeling, she is also an excellent actress. "The slender, classically beautiful Joy Bryant made a stunning feature debut in Denzel Washington's first directorial effort "Antwone Fisher," and while her stunning looks certainly got her noticed, the model-turned-actress has also built her career on both brains and talent." Nothing is going to stop this yong lady, as she expresses her many talents in the fashion and entertainment scene.

AGBENI DAREGO

2007-03-20T12:15:00.000-05:00

Agbeni was born as Ibiagbanidokibubo Asenite Darego, and she was the first ever Nigerian and Black African win the Miss World crown. When she won, she said to the reporters “Black is beautiful", she beamed to the reporters after the victory. Pride was brought to West Africa when she won the title. Today she is a very successful model, taking Europe by storm as she represents Next Model Management with style and pride.

EVA PIGFORD

2007-03-20T11:58:00.000-05:00

Eva was born in LA. She came from a childhood of tough surroundings, but she still managed to excel in school. Known to many as "Eva the Diva" she managed to get signed to Ford and got a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl cosmetics. She also is in numerous magazine spreads, has her own show and is also pursing acting. When many told her she was too short to model at 5 ft 7 inches, she surely has proved many wrong.

DAMARIS LEWIS

2007-03-20T10:39:00.000-05:00

Damaris, the fashion model born in New York is a face that commands the camera. She is a beautful personality and very easy on the eyes, and she is focus determined and confidemt. She snagged a major contract with top agency Elite and is at the top of her game. We look forward to seeing much more of her as the makes her mark in the industry.

CHANEL IMAN

2007-03-19T09:42:00.000-05:00

Chanel was born in Atlanta but raised in LA. She has walked many catwalks for top named designers and appeared in many magazines. For Halloween, she used to dress up like a model and study all the magazines and practice the poses and her walk. She was born to model and she is going to keep it up and expects a long and prosperous career. She is doing a great job!

BEVERLY JOHNSON

2007-03-17T22:02:00.000-05:00

Beverly is a supermodel, actress, writer, dedicated volunteer. She is also one of the most celebrated African American women in the world. She has modeled on over 500 magazine covers, thousands of editorial pages, and hundreds of advertising campaigns. When she started her career, she did freelance work for Glamour, afterwards she decided she needed a modeling agent. She then went to see Eileen Ford at Ford Models, who told her that she was too big to model. Later Eileen Ford changed her mind and called her back. Not only is Beverly a fashion model, she is also a successful business woman, with her own Wig, Eyewear, and Hair Care Companies.

BEVERLY PEELE

2007-03-17T21:49:00.000-05:00

Beverly is an African American supermodel who has graced hundreds of magazine covers worldwide and has walked for all top fashion designers, and has been featured in numerous ads. Beverly is not just a pretty face, but she is in great physical shape. She also speaks openly about the dangers in the fashion industry and the pressure placed upon young girls to remain thin. She herself has had her battles to deal with, starting out so young in the fashion industry, but she is a true survivor and a living testimony for those aspiring to enter the fashion industry.

LANA OLGILVIE

2007-03-17T21:40:00.000-05:00

Lana is a Canadian born fashion model who has modeled for many top known designers, catalogs and cosmetics. She was the first black model to sign an exclusive contract with Cover Girl. And when it comes to beauty secrets, she says "I maintain my trademark pearly-white smile by brushing my teeth with sea salt to help remove tartar. She does extensive charity work and is quoted for saying "I think work with children is so important because they are the future. So if one can enable a child, to read, write or to overcome illness or poverty, even educate them about the differences between people and expand their horizons and help them to achieve, then you have changed the future for that child."

GAIL O'NEILL

2007-03-17T21:16:00.000-05:00

Gail is a successful model that has travelled all over the world gracing many catwalks and fashion magazines with both her talent and beauty. She is also a freelance writer and journalist as well. She is a great tv personality and has a radiant smile that lights up any room. We commend her for her longevity in the fashion and entertainment industry and will continue to support her in all of her endeavors.

ANNA GETANEH

2007-03-17T20:56:00.000-05:00

Anna was born in Sweden, but that country had very little to do with the model we know today. Even though she was born in Sweden her roots stem in Ethiopia. She is known for adorning the catwalks of New York, Paris and other vibrant cities of fashion around the world, modeling or a host of renowned designers. Modeling, Anna says, has enabled her to be self-employed and financially independent at a younger age. She is quite passionate about children and development, and has done global advocacy work for UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, on African themes.

WARIS DIRIE

2007-03-17T20:36:00.000-05:00

Waris is a beautiful and courageous supermodel that survived the traditional form of female genital mutilation that kills hundreds of women in Africa every year, she is also actively involved in working with the United nations as their appointed Special Ambassador to help to end this act from continuing. She is a beautiful and powerul woman who is using her fame to speak out or those who cannot speak out for themselves. She is not only a role model but she is a hero. Waris is determined, through campaigns and charities, to make her voice heard to help try and save these children. We support her 100% because she is doing her best to make the world better for future generations of African communities that practice this ritual.

KAREN ALEXANDER

2007-03-17T20:18:00.000-05:00

Karen, the New Jersey-reared model, has appeared on the covers of major fashion publications, and in hundreds of ads and fashion spreads. She created a video called Karen Alexander's Motown Workout, admits that her supermodel status helped her get her foot in Motown's door. She is very active in her community and is an AIDS activist. She also credits supermodels before her for paving the way for her and many other models. "Otherwise, people would still believe we should be put out to pasture somewhere!"

ROSHUMBA WILLIAMS

2007-03-17T19:50:00.000-05:00

Roshumba is famous for her appearance in the prestigious Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. She was discovered in Paris by the legendary fashion designer Yves St. Laurent and rapidly became a regular fixture on the World's runways. She has modeled in all of the top magazines and has appeared in countless advertisements and is the co-author of the book The Complete Guide to Being A Model. She makes many appearances and usually sells about 200 books an appearance. She is a celebrity speaker at many conventions. She is an inspiration to many and plans to model for the rest of her life. We salute you Roshumba!

VERONICA WEBB

2007-03-17T17:51:00.000-05:00

Veronica is an America supermodel, writer, actress and journalist known as a smart and outspoken advocate for models of color. She was a spokesmodel for Revlon and became one of the first black models to land a cosmetics campaign. She gives generously to charities and organizations such as the National Breast Cancer Coalition and the LIFEbeat team.

JAUNEL MCKENZIE

2007-03-17T16:20:00.000-05:00

Jaunel is a Jamaican born beauty who aspired to be a phychiatrist or an account. Today is is one of the top models in the world-discovered almost by accident when she auditioned for a model search. Not knowing that the model search would propel her to supermodel status where she would be known for modeling for a host of top designers and photographers in the industry. She thanks God for the vision and inspiration that enabled her to become a phenomenal success in the industry.

NADINE WILLIS

2007-03-17T15:11:00.000-05:00

Nadine is a specimen of power and beauty. She was born in beautiful Jamaica and has an aura of power and intelligence. She was rejected by 11 modeling agencies and it never broke her spirit or allowed her to become discouraged. She continued on in faith and never gave up and today she is enjoying a lucative lifestyle in the fashion industry. She is living her dream and is quoted for saying "I'm in a very privileged position now. I've gained the respect of the people in Jamaica, and besides all the fun things like travelling first class and staying in amazing hotels, the great thing about my life right now is that I can provide a good life and an education I never had for my daughter. That's the most important thing to me." We believe that she is fabulous and a great role model of what hard work and dedication can do. She is awesome!

IMAN ABDULMAJID

2007-03-17T14:45:00.000-05:00

Iman is a high-fashion model from Somalia known for her lithe frame and serene good looks. She was born the daughter of a Somali diplomat. She was studying political science in Nairobi, Kenya, when a fashion photographer named Peter Beard encouraged her to move to New York to purse modeling. She is known for being one of the first Black women to appear in Vogue and Revlon. She is an actress, an entrepeneur (who owns her own cosmetic company), a model and a wonderful role model to many. We love the doors that she has opened to many other models and claim her as a living legend.

LIYA KEBEDE

2007-03-17T14:27:00.000-05:00

Liya was born in beautiful Ethiopia. She is famous for her refined beauty and also known for being the first black woman to get a contract with Estee Lauder in the company's 59 year history. She is abeauty who is quite content with what she has accomplished thus far and when asked what else she would like to accomplish, she proudly states for breaking barriers. "I don't think I can ask for anything more," she said. Ane we all agree that she is a great example of one who has broken down many barriers and she has done it with class, sophistication and elegance.

OLUCHI ONWAEGBA

2007-03-17T14:04:00.000-05:00

Oluchi, whose name means “Work of God”, was born in Nieria. She is more than just a pretty face. She has graced the covers of many magazines as well as worked for top notch photographers. She won the first M-Net Face of Africa model search. She credits her family forhelping her to succeed in modeling. And although she has quite a hectic schedule she makes time to share her expertise and help other African models.

AJUMA NASANYANA

2007-03-17T13:24:00.000-05:00

Ajuma-the Kenyan born model- won a $50,000 modeling contract with Ford. She is draped in silky dark brown skin and you frequently see her on television and runway. This model continues to rise rapidly to the top in an industry that decades ago would not have allowed her to model, but thank goodness for change! She is a true example of Black Beautiful & Blessed. Way to go Ajuma!

ALEK WEK

2007-03-17T13:14:00.000-05:00

Alek was born in the Sudan. She has a unique beauty that many sincerely appreciate and she is a role model to many. Tall, lean and an award-winning smile are just a few of her amazing attributes. Alek then landed a prestigious campaign for a line of beauty products by Francois Nars, make-up artist to top models. And of course, runway shows in Paris, Milan and New York.

SHAKARA LEDARD

2007-03-17T13:11:00.000-05:00

Shakara was born in the beautiful island of the Bahamas. She is a constant feature in Metrostyle as well as many other magazines and a regular of Sports Illustrated. The 2005 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue marks the fourth time the Nassau native Shakara Ledard has appeared in the annual issue. The shoot dominates eleven pages of the magazine. She is a kind-hearted personality and a princess of the fashion pages.

TYRA BANKS

2007-03-17T12:59:00.000-05:00

Tyra is a storm that cannot be stopped. "Black women have always been these vixens, these animalistic erotic women. Why can't we just be the sexy American girl next door type?" Tyra Banks on being a sex symbol. She has been awarded the title of People Magazine's 50 of the most beautiful women...not once, but twice. She has her own series of ANTM, she models, she has her own talk show, she acts, she sings and she is here to stay. Tyra is on the top of the industry and she follows her own rules. We all look forward to seeing what else she can do, because we know that she can do it all.