9 Influential Black Celebrities That Have Impacted the Fashion Industry
It’s Black History Month and celebrating those who have made a difference in the industry is only appropriate. From fashion designers to mega-hit superstars and drop-dead gorgeous supermodels, we have selected nine of the most influential Black celebrities that have positively impacted the fashion industry.
Sources: Pinterest, Design BY ASHANTY RIVERA
Beyoncé
SOURCE: Harpers Bazaar & Glamour
Beyoncé is not only known for being “Queen B,” but she is also recognized for her unique sense of style. Some of her most iconic looks include her 2013 Super Bowl outfit and the iconic Versace dress she wore back in 2003 for the BET Awards.
She is a pivotal role model for the Black community, continuously advocating and supporting where help is needed. Beyoncé’s role in the music industry has made her an even bigger icon in the fashion industry. She has become an inspiration for other artists (most notably Zendaya’s) sense of style.
Rihanna
SOURCE: MARIE CLAIRE & Elle
There is no question as to why Rihanna is on this list. Her ensemble choices are that of a genius. We can all agree that she is one of the biggest icons in fashion. Her role in the Black community, as well as in the fashion world, has changed the fashion and beauty industry for the better. Both her Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty brands promote diversity and inclusivity, which is not the case for other brands.
Virgil Abloh
SOURCE: ABLOh’s Iconic outfits and Celebrity looks via Vogue & Insider
Virgil Abloh was one of the most influential designers of our generation. He changed the industry by becoming a mogul for streetwear and a pioneer in the Black community by creating a huge culture shift when it came to exploring many different trends. Virgil Abloh had a gift for conveying art through his clothing. His contribution to the Louis Vuitton brand, as well as to his own brand Off-White will keep his memory alive forever in the fashion industry, and of course, in history.
Naomi Campbell
SOURCe: I-d, Vogue, CR fashion book, & Twitter
Naomi Campbell is one of the most iconic and well-known Black supermodels of the 90s. She is an international style influencer/icon that has walked for almost every high-fashion brand from Versace to Yves Saint Laurent.
She is an advocate for cultural and racial diversity in the modeling and fashion industry among many other Black supermodels and personalities in the industry such as Iman. Her outfits off of the runway have proven she is just as much of a style icon as she is when modeling, so it is no surprise that she received the British Fashion Award for Fashion Icon of the year in 2019, being the first woman of color to win the award.
Kanye West
Source: GQ INDIA
As controversial as he is, Kanye West is definitely on the list of those who have made a huge footprint on the fashion industry and in the Black community. Along with his late friend Virgil Abloh, Kanye West created an empire with his Yeezy brand, making clothing and footwear that would pave the way for streetwear to be considered high fashion.
Lil’ Kim
SOURCE: CR Fashion book & IMDB
Before Nicki Minaj, there were many other iconic female rappers that were known for their scandalous lyrics—and outfits of course. Lil’ Kim was one of the most prominent ladies in hip-hop in the 90s and early 2000s, proving that improper and a bit risqué clothing can totally be considered fashionable, as well as sporting every hair color imaginable. Her all pink Met Gala look from 1999 is definitely one of her most iconic, as well as her many “Crush On You” music video looks.
Michael Jackson
SOURCE: Harpers Bazaar
It would not be an article about iconic Black celebrities in fashion if I did not mention the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson. He is obviously most famous for his legendary music, which continues to touch all of us even after his tragic death in 2009.
One other thing that made him stick out was his undoubted taste for style and dramatic fashion. He was a great entertainer above all, but his iconic outfits will also keep his memory alive, from his killer “Thriller” look to his famous Super Bowl performance look.
Kid Cudi
SOURCE: COMPLEX
Kid Cudi inspired a new generation in hip-hop and within the Black community, as well as continuing to break many boundaries when it comes to his fashion sense. The rapper has worn dresses as well as dramatic eye makeup that may not be the “normal” standard for rappers, let alone men in the industry. This did not negatively impact the artist, as many people praised him for honoring the late Kurt Cobain, and for not being afraid to wear a dress with pride, and absolute confidence.
Zendaya
source: Vogue & EllE
Last but most certainly not least, Zendaya is one iconic member of the Black community who continues to make strides in the industry at such a young age. With success from her recent movies and TV shows such as Euphoria, her presence on the red carpet continues to provide all of our Pinterest and Instagram feeds with nothing short of inspiration.
She already has many iconic moments, including her homage to Beyoncé when she wore a modernized version of the same Versace dress and her love for sporting archive designer pieces. Read more about some of her iconic looks in Lauren Smelker’s article.
Remember, Black History Month is about honoring all of those within the Black community, whether it be a neighbor, a friend, or a significant other. It is important to recognize and understand their place in history, not just for this month, but for every month, and every year after.
Who is your favorite Black style icon? Leave a comment below.