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| Pictured: South African model, Thando Hopa |
Whether they are simply smiling for the camera, striking a pose or gracing the camera during a photo shoot, these black models are striking, fierce and confident in their skin, while motivating women of color to embrace their own beauty. Don’t believe me; take a look at 10 models worth following today.
This stunning Tanzanian born (Canadian decent), print and runway fashion model has appeared in editorials worldwide such as Elle Canada, Vogue Japan and Italy, and Harper’s Bazaar UK. She has walked for top designers including Cavalli and Diane von Fürstenber and become known as the face of Maybelline as their New York brand ambassador. Follow here Instagram here.
This Albanian South African beauty is a model, actress, lawyer, writer and activist. She was scouted by a South African designer, Gert-Johan Coetzee at the age of 23 and “uses modeling as a means of challenging normative representations of beauty. Thando hopes to broaden human perception and increase social awareness when it comes to diversity.”
This Melanin Goddness, from Senegal, with deep ebony blue skin is redefining beauty standards. She’s a Paris/NYC fashion model and a social media sensation whose Instagram page encourages girls to have confidence in their dark skin – “Different is Beautiful”. Follow her Instagram here.
This South Sudanese, dubbed the Queen of Darkness, also encourages black women to love the skin. Her Instagram account showcases motivating captions, pose versatility, and advocacy for diversity. Follow her Instagram here.
This first-generation Ghanaian beauty was born and raised in California. Her main goal as a model is to remind young girls they are beautiful and to help boost confidence. Dora has worked with brands like Hexorn Jewelry, Beats by Dre, and Anastasia Beverly Hills. Follow her Instagram here.
This gorgeous model, singer, actor from Dallas, TX, has recently signed with Ross Models NYC. She is currently building her portfolio with high fashion editorials. Follow her Instagram here.
This exquisite model was discovered by Kimora Lee Simmons in 2008. She has appeared in pages of Cosmopolitan, GQ, Essence, ELLE, Dark & Lovely and Black Opal. Follow here Instagram here.
This 18-year-old Australian high school student supernova, originally from South Sudan, was the breakout face of Paris Fashion week. She is signed to several agencies including Elite Milan & Paris and is a Saint Laurent exclusive for runway. Follow her Instagram here.
This beauty, from Henderson, NV, has appeared in several magazines including, Ebony, ELLE and Marie Claire South Africa magazines and has modeled for Maybelline New York. You can follow here Instagram here.
This Angolan beauty is a Global Brand Ambassador for L’Oréal Paris. Maria was the first model to ever rock an Afro on Victoria Secrets catwalk in 2015. Her future goals include charity work in Africa and grace the cover of Vogue magazine. You can follow her Instagram here
