Fashion & Beauty: African American Trendsetters

Black History Month 2010: Celebrate Prominent African-American Trendsetters – In Fashion and Beauty

Iman - Supermodel Iman will receive the Service Award.

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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.

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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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.

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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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.

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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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.

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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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 (@UncleRush) - Russell Simmons suggests you don’t focus all your attention on financial gain.  TWEET: “Don't worry about Money.. Money is paper as long as there are trees u can get Money”

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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.

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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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.

Diddy Academy - Diddy is opening a business academy in his NYC hometown. Though details are still sketchy at the moment, the mogul said he wants the school to be located in Harlem.

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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.

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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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.

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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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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Michael Jackson - Michael Jackson not only set the standard with his music and dance moves, but he also set trends with his fashion. To this day many pop icons still refer to his futuristic style when choosing costumes.

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Michael Jackson - Michael Jackson not only set the standard with his music and dance moves, but he also set trends with his fashion. To this day many pop icons still refer to his futuristic style when choosing costumes.

Lisa Price - In the early ’90s, Lisa started Carol’s Daughter, a line of natural hair and skincare products. Since then her online business has blossomed. Carol’s Daughter now has retail stores, can be found in larger stores and is a favorite among celebrities and everyday people alike.

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Lisa Price - In the early ’90s, Lisa started Carol’s Daughter, a line of natural hair and skincare products. Since then her online business has blossomed. Carol’s Daughter now has retail stores, can be found in larger stores and is a favorite among celebrities and everyday people alike.

Tracy Reese - Tracy has really made her mark internationally as a top female designer with super-feminine interpretations of women’s fashion.  She now has three luxury brands that are sold in department stores and specialty boutiques.

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Tracy Reese - Tracy has really made her mark internationally as a top female designer with super-feminine interpretations of women’s fashion. She now has three luxury brands that are sold in department stores and specialty boutiques.

Patrick Kelly - Patrick Kelly had a huge influence on ’80s fashion. This southern, self-taught designer had colorful, exotic style that was apparent in his whimsical garments.  He was known for his buttons, bows and his graphic embroidery. He died before he really became a household name.

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Patrick Kelly - Patrick Kelly had a huge influence on ’80s fashion. This southern, self-taught designer had colorful, exotic style that was apparent in his whimsical garments. He was known for his buttons, bows and his graphic embroidery. He died before he really became a household name.

Alek Wek - This Sudanese model gave the fashion industry and the world a vision of African beauty to admire. As a refugee, her success story is also one of hope and triumph that has resonated in our community.

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Alek Wek - This Sudanese model gave the fashion industry and the world a vision of African beauty to admire. As a refugee, her success story is also one of hope and triumph that has resonated in our community.

Rihanna - I went to this wax salon, and she recognized me before I took my clothes off. And I think she just couldn’t wait until we were alone so she could just ask for an autograph or something.

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Rihanna - This Barbadian rock star’s music platform has also been her runway. The fans and media follow her every fashion move. Her stage costumes, her red carpet glamour and her everyday sexy gear have made her a style icon.