Fashion & Beauty: African American Trendsetters
Black History Month 2010: Celebrate Prominent African-American Trendsetters – In Fashion and Beauty
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Iman - Iman became an international supermodel in the ’70s and even acted in some well-known films; but one of her biggest accomplishments has been starting the first cosmetics and skincare collection designed for women of color.
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Annie T. Malone - In the early 1900s, Annie revolutionized hair care for African Americans when she came up with her own line of hair care products and the first patented hot comb. She also opened the first institution for Black cosmetology.
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Run DMC - Run DMC has been credited with changing the hip-hop dress code to reflect street style during a time when the shiny suits of Grand Master Flash were the norm. Their urban style was a part of the rap explosion that became a cultural revolution.
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André Leon Talley - André’s the editor-at-large for Vogue magazine and has been a staple in the high-end fashion world for over 25 years. His expertise has been sought by designers, models and celebrities.
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Tyra Banks - This media mogul was the first African-American model to be on the covers of GQ, Sports Illustrated and the Victoria Secret catalogue. She has since inspired women through “America’s Next Top Model” and “The Tyra Banks Show.”
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Russell Simmons - Aside from being a hip-hop pioneer, Russell Simmons has given us years of fashion contributions with his clothing lines Phat Farm, Baby Phat (managed by Kimora), Agryleculture and American Classics.
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Beverly Johnson - As the first Black model to appear on the cover of American Vogue in the ’70s Beverly paved the way for African-American women in fashion. She now owns a successful line of hair weaves and wigs and was named one of the 20th century’s most influential people in fashion by the New York Times.
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Sean "Diddy" Combs - Mr. Combs started Sean John, a signature collection of sportswear, in 1998 and it now earns over $100 million annually. Sean John has grown from an urban label to an international brand.
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Madame CJ Walker - In the early 1900s, Walker started her own hair care and cosmetics line. She had a manufacturing company, owned salons and a training school. These huge accomplishments made her the first self-made female millionaire.
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Kanye West - Music and fashion have kept him on the media’s radar, allowing him to influence fashion with his unique style. His collaboration with Nike to make “Air Yeezys” was impressive, but his shoe deal with Louis Vuitton in ’09 was unprecedented.
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