Ep. 1 - How Black Models Broke Through The Glass Ceiling | Supreme Models

The world of fashion was forever changed when Black models burst onto America’s runways in the 60’s. We’re looking at the trailblazers who smashed ceilings and opened doors for a world of beautiful Black models to thrive in. Watch the heartfelt tribute to the first Black supermodel Donyale Luna and 60’s icon Pat Cleveland discusses how she fought racism to break into the industry via Ebony. Also on hand to discuss colorism and the business of modeling are Joan Smalls, Aweng Chuol, Mayowa Nicholas, Beija Velez, Damaris Lewis, Indya Moore, Poppy Ajudha, Shalom Blac, Lois Samuels, Duckie Thot, Jeneil Williams, Jazzelle Zanaughtti, Ebonee Davis, and Precious Lee.
Supreme Models is a 6-part documentary. New episodes premiere Mondays.
Music Featured:
“Silent Shout”
Written by Karin Elisabeth Dreijer and Olof Bjorn Dreijer
Performed by The Knife
Courtesy of Rabid Records Ltd
“Clap Clap”
Written by Paige Stevenson and Finn George
Performed by NCognita
Courtesy of Raedio
“On Like The Radio”
Written by Vanessa Renee Jackson
Performed by Ms Vame
Courtesy of Beatclub
0:00 Intro
1:38 She’s Killing It
3:23 The 1960’s: Where It Began
7:25 Zendaya on Donyale Luna
10:04 Pat Cleveland’s Story
12:29 Ebony Fashion Fair
14:46 Colorism
17:50 Black Is Beautiful

[@Vogue]

It was an honor to work with the #KZbinBlack Voices initiative on this incredible project.

[@rockstarauthority7354]

Censor my comments liberals!

[@karinbaptiste7799]

What took Vogue so long especially with having Leon Talley in-house?

[@Mg-yn2px]

Thank you for making this documentary it means a lot. I have what it takes to be a model, but was not able to find the right agency. I am looking for a modeling agency that helps me excised my potential. Many thanks to all of you incredible awesome and gorgeous black and brown queens. Much love and respect. Thank you.

[@petermob4491]

@@timothymcglynn1935 it clearly states black model s broke through glass ceiling ,,, I hope. None got cut

[@jessicaran148]

You all did an amazing job ❤️

[@Julia-sw1tv]

Why did it take vogue until very recently to hire and use the work of a black photographer? And it was only because Beyoncé wouldn't shoot without them. This isn't just about the models. This is about the people that make them models too.

[@MarcellasReynolds]

Watch episode six.

[@carolynemusolo6188]

Beyonce too is another hypocrite who use dark black men on her videos but only picks light skinned or biracial women for her videos.

[@CampyIntuition]

Because they are performative and often don’t realize the white supremacy and privilege they perpetuate . Some don’t even know what they’re doing… I guarantee a bunch of white people will comment here or other BIPOC who don’t understand what I’m saying

[@proudinfidel2194]

Nigeria has officially banned white models in adverts The ban on foreign actors and voiceover artists is part of a push to foster home-grown talent

[@jamesmajorburns6820]

👏🏾👏🏾

[@chi2om]

I’m a simple person. I see Duckie, I click

[@nevervisithereakasurprisin5657]

Goshh their skin are radiating 😍✨ What a glow!!

[@GETOSUPASTAR]

How am I just learning who Donyale Luna was? I never even heard her name before. I always thought Naomi Sims was the first Black supermodel. I need to now go and learn everything I can find about her! ❤ Thank you @vogue and all the producers of this doc. I’m only one episode in and I’m obsessed! Can’t wait to watch the full series… 🤗

[@aaric1703]

Donyale Luna allowed herself to be marketed as "exotic," and she never acknowledged being a black woman. I wish documentaries would put a little more truth in the documentary.

[@Fluuuv]

You haven't heard of her because she didn't identify as black so calling her the first black supermodel is a bit ironic and hilarious.

[@shelbyburdette9040]

Black is not just beautiful but “ Gorgeous “ 👄

[@slimtrain]

Don’t forget to give credit to Ebony, Jet magazines and also Ebony Fashion fair fashion shows that gave room for Black Models to flourish.

[@ethelpresley4354]

I'm a 77years old black woman who truely believed in my Africa roots. Women of color have much to be proud of. You are beautiful. The whole world see you now. Not what others long ago saw our mothers,grandmothers. as cooks, maids, or someone push aside in order to let other though. Stand firm my beautiful b!back sisters. Young or old.😁👗👗👗👗👗👠👠

[@daivageeveerapen7337]

JUST AS BEAUTIFUL, STYLISH ,INTELLIGENT AND ENVELOPED IN WISDOM. WELL THIS IS 2022,HOPE AND PRAY IT WILL GET BETTER FOR ANYONE FROM ANY BACKGROUND. WHY NOT?ALL HUMAN BEINGS WITH TALENTS.

[@hellobecky84]

Absolutely savored every second of this gorgeous doc. Im a student of fashion history but never knew the obstacles Naomi Sims, Karen Alexander and probably many more stunning Black models had to overcome. Well done, Vogue.

[@acapannn]

I love Pat Cleveland. She ia a magical story teller. It always feel whimsical everytime listening to her stories. ICON ❤️

[@witchingbrew3]

I'm going back at old 70s Betsey Johnson, especially her country wear. She highlighted black and dark skin black models so beautifully throughout her campaigns. Especially for her western and country wear.

[@munirayussuf8558]

She's iconic 🔥

[@pusheenlove4645]

Yes I love betsey johnson 😭

[@kellym.6777]

Someone on Twitter once said : when the documentary starts with an empty chair and someone arrives to sit down and face the camera? You know it's gonna be good! Let me get my salad, pineapple juice and popcorn. Let's go!!👊🏾👊🏾👊🏾

[@MarcellasReynolds]

That's so funny! The empty chair is like, "Truth bout to be told!"

[@Mar-kc6cv]

this inspired me so much

[@ThePriam3]

…all of these ladies are literally breathtaking 😮

[@yaraviera4444]

they are so beautiful. they can wear any kind of clothes an so beautiful an their culture of songs an how they pull up one color with another. as mentioned the afro the curly hair..it's just beautiful..

[@Reformed_Borzoi]

STUNNING AND BRAVE!! AS USUAL!!

[@QualquerCoisa387]

Those are the best episodes ever about our black issues. I just cry of happiness and gratitude. That's us, presenting clearly what and who we are. Thank God!

[@itsahtavia]

Thank you so much for this. I just got signed to a Modeling Agency so this is so encouraging. ❤❤🥰

[@aishadia3467]

congrats 👏👏👏👏👏

[@secretlifeofa1926]

Make sure you know your worth, beautiful lady. 🙏🏼

[@crencottrell7849]

As you should because you're beautiful 😊

[@dianakaycadle7856]

@@secretlifeofa1926 Secret Life of A❓🤔😏???Just Curious???

[@rantingwithbigfifty4333]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@dr.braxygilkeycruises1460]

I saw the author of *Supreme Models* on the Tamron Hall Show last year and immediately purchased his book. I had no idea a show was made out of the book so I'm grateful to find out. We have such a beautiful history of breaking through and those Black Women who did the paving of the roads, breaking of the ceilings and crashing down of the doors deserve the utmost respect and honor!!! #BlackGirlMagic

[@girlanonymous]

Pat Cleveland yaaasss!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@notyouraveragejoe7003]

Okay, there’s an open call for a modeling agency this Friday. I was opting to not go as I may not fit the mold, but this..... this made me change my mind! Going to go do my ballet beautiful and John Benton workouts! And do my wash n go for the open call.

[@thetravelingmaid]

Such a wonderful production. I found it accidentally and I love it!

[@movement4221]

Iman was my hero growing up and I became a model and loved it. Bev Johnson, Iman, Naomi, Now Tara. Baby. I just lost half my body weight and will someday model again. Thanks for this.

[@nadiahaniff4141]

🦋The stories about black woman you hear are long over due.🦋

[@gtab1268]

"This is the moment of our legacy, as the supreme models, the supreme woman" what a great ideology most definitely.

[@dbsti3006]

Your name consists of drones, then you mentioned ideology. Lol. Ideology is the very definition of being a drone. Real world is far more important than ideas that just sound good.

[@adrianops7]

To show appreciation and gratitude for those that came before us and paved the way is so important. That does exactly that! Really lovely...

[@natieralickfeldt5160]

This is beautiful✨🌹 After coming home from deployment in Japan; my husband brought home a vintage magazine with Naomi Sims on the cover. I felt so empowered and confident looking at it, because here is this black supermodel during a time where it was even less diverse and accepted. That didn't stop her from trying/achieving and I won't let it stop me either🤍

[@ms_tee1]

Loved this sm! It was nice to see light being shed on the names of other iconic black women who have been in the game too. We often only hear Naomi and Tyra and so I was actually enlightened through this beautifully put together doccie 💗🇿🇦

[@munirayussuf8558]

Me too

[@RobinRichieProductions]

I wept throughout this video. I was flooded with admiration and appreciation for the journey of the beautiful Black women featured. I also wept because of the difficulty we still experience finding genuine support and acknowledgement in a global fashion diaspora. Bravo to the producers!❤👏🏽🌹

[@SANDYMILLER23]

I'm been a recipient of the evil negative mentality of colorism from my family. l am a beautiful shade of dark-dark skinned Black at 50 years old. l am made in God's image. Absolutely flawless.

[@ortem000]

This is special. Thank you for the history lesson V.

[@HattieAnn1]

Beautiful thank you for sharing🎉

[@dr.debbiewilliams]

I was also invited to Essence for a go see. I was not chosen,but it was an honor. I also felt honored to be invited by Ford Models.

[@olliecolporteur8268]

"there's no one way to be black" is the same logic that justifies colorism. That's why these lighter complected models get chosen to be the face of black women vs dark skin women. What a confusing message.

[@sharonwilkins3583]

Rip to Eunice Johnson founder of Ebony Fashion Fair and Fashion Fair Cosmetics Salute to Pat Cleveland

[@bluepeter128]

Oh!!!! Pat Cleveland yes!!!!!!!

[@CarmenBelcher]

Let's see Black women designers do the same thing...

[@MarcellasReynolds]

Yassss! It's time.

[@babyvanderwoodsen]

thank you vogue for highlighting black voices, especially black women. legendary, all of them ❤

[@Zenobiadream]

Pat Cleveland! Icon!!

[@MarcellasReynolds]

Icon!

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

Glad Alek Wek was included.

[@M00NL9GHT]

The fact that seeing a black woman on a MAGAZINE COVER made them unsubscribed. The minds of these people are just... disgusting. Also, there are still little online groups in social media platforms such as Reddit, Facebook, etc. that target black women on the industry in general. Not just modeling, but literally every occupation there is on the industry, those racist groups want them out. The fight is still not over unfortunately

[@c.j.williams3948]

I’ve never ever heard of Miss Luna she’s exquisite ❤

[@carolanestanley4030]

One of the first "" supermodels".

[@Fluuuv]

She didn't even identify as black lol

[@dimithryyy]

OH MY GOD DUCKIE!!!! I CLICKED SO FAST!

[@teriagins5695]

WELL DONE!!!! I am so proud and ecstatic to see SUPREME MODELS on YOU TUBE!!! Iman, the OG Bethann,, Peggy DIllard,,, Pat Cleveland, Alva Chinn, my BFF Veronica, Naomi, Karen Alexander, Roshumba, Tyra, and so on and so FORTH!!! They paved the way for the fabulous Alek Wek Joan Smalls, Adut, Liya Kibede and more

[@HairbyNedjetti]

❤️🖤💚 us👸🏿💐👸🏾💐👸🏽

[@Ofa337]

This series os EVERYTHING!!!#

[@bubeudeh]

19:43 if pat cleveland told me this i would CRY forever

[@gustavovillanueva5600]

04:33 - 12:36 "Once upon a time, there was a little black girl in the Brewster projects of Detroit, Michigan. At 15, she was spotted by an Ebony Fashion Fair talent scout and her modeling career took off..."

[@cherizeaustin0816]

I am glad there’s a beautiful agency for all of our gorgeous beautiful people yeahhh!

[@ItsJustJayla]

I saw duckie and I had to click 🎉

[@tonicoffee9170]

I use to dislike being the tallest in my classes large lips deep eyes high cheekbones l never saw my self as a model always asked but couldn't see clearly! Not being a model when l dress and walk l walk every bit of it and get those looks still! Thank you ladies!

[@girlanonymous]

Donyale Luna yall.

[@HeavyontheChai]

YES! REPRESENTATION

[@MiniM69]

Gorgeous, stunning, beautiful! Thank you for highlighting these queens.

[@jasonking6374]

Yes these ladies are sooo beautiful.

[@hollygolightly7475]

Stunning beautiful girls

[@calimesmerizer1]

🙄 the glass ceiling vogue helped sustain

[@JennaJennaFoFenna]

Janet Jumbo is one of the best young Supreme Models!

[@modelstance]

Proud and thankful to be a working professional model. Thankful for all the black models that I learned from.

[@user-wb7nv9ht1g]

I thank you from there bottom of my heart. I'm a big fan of models of all shades and being around the lighter almost all my life have only recently appreciated the darker more. So much beauty in the world and it should all be represented.

[@cancervisionary1509]

Love this. I wish they would include black male models… there aren’t that many doing high fashion.

[@MarcellasReynolds]

Maybe that's my next doc... 😁

[@jsmith5509]

Not just Black models , but DARK SKINNED FULL LIPPED models!!!

[@kholsk8857]

Love this!!! Enjoyed every second

[@bubeudeh]

i love all these women so so very much. vogue really brought together every woman that's ever inspired me.

[@TzarinaChampagneBeauty]

DUCKIE! I love her so much, she is such a modern inspiration of beauty ❤️ 💖 💗 but these women are STUNNING AND BEAUTIFUL. Black women are overall different, but just like artwork..there's a beauty in being different. Every culture, race and color has something unique that makes them beautiful 😍

[@dr.debbiewilliams]

At one time, I was the top Black petite model in Philadelphia. I was the token Black girl, but I have a lot of respect for Anna Wintour. I loved Fashion TV, and really loved modeling for Reinhardt and Denise Askins.

[@janethope]

This editing with the soundtrack is 🔥

[@Angels-3xist]

Art incorporating aesthetics limits itself by not valuing every variation. All life has some form of beauty in it. Think of animals you see in nature documentaries that capture so many facets of something your mind instinctively tells you is beautiful. Would you want to have lived without experiencing that beauty? If you don’t represent all it’s forms and nuance it can’t exist and people will never experience it. What these people give is a gift of that experience and an ability to appreciate life in a way that broadens the world. The people that talk about tone or specific features are fixated on in ways which have nothing to do with either celebrating the beauty in those features or noticing beauty elsewhere. They limit themselves and others from being able to see and experience and be beautiful in a full spectrum. It is about celebrating all parts and valuing everything but it’s also about being able to see and value the whole picture.

[@donna6887]

BRAVO and thank you! 👏🏽

[@cameronchappell2305]

I thought that was Marcellas from BB! This was such a great watch and I can’t wait to see the rest!!

[@MarcellasReynolds]

It's me. This is my doc based on my book.

[@xogulxo2]

Love this!! Can’t wait for the next episode

[@Tengeelovestangarines]

This is amazing. I feel proud to be a black woman.❤

[@Spanglishdee]

LOVE THIS!!! 👑👑👑

[@hornsofplenty]

I LOVE MY PEOPLE

[@ChiTownChei]

I use to model almost 40 years ago. This is awesome content.

[@theresahenderson3534]

I couldn't stand being a model due to be judged by what I had nothing to do with but by my parents DNA.

[@MsA-fg8iz]

has that changed? do you have a strained relationship with them?

[@stephaniestanley8041]

They are equal on the runway, in editorial and advertising. Beauty prevails.

[@bluepeter128]

I'm loving this series.... Wow!!!!!!!

[@amethyst4990]

Black is beautiful 🖤

[@kamalkholiya1001]

Awesome ❤️❤️❤️

[@georgiarose2594]

Very interesting. Are there more parts to this documentary or is that it?

[@MarcellasReynolds]

There are 6 episodes. New episodes air every Monday!

[@ambercherise2391]

It’s about damn time. 😌

[@robertmoir5695]

This one is just beautiful !

[@bubeudeh]

15:55 like. !!!!!!!!!! how can you NOT love it ?

[@yorukkizigeziyor]

Very beautiful

[@Jay41]

I see Duckie I click lol

[@virtuouslady5679]

Love this. I will be watching all of these episodes. This is long overdue..Thank you Iman. I am 56 and we blacks have been thru the fire!! Beauty and talent are in every race. Thank You Vogue and KZbin and whomever else showing these episodes.

[@dakotac180]

Yes vogue put us at the forefront. This was lovely, thank you for a little culture education. Precious, Jazzell, Adut, Aweng, Marquita, Paloma, Joan, Naomi all fire. Law Roach deserves his flowers. Ugh to have the life of Pat Cleveland, love her story telling.

[@user-is3xu5ch2m]

Naomi???

[@Kc-qe5dv]

Don’t forget Katoucha Niane she was incredible

[@rashidapittman8513]

You should read Pat Cleveland’s book walking with the muse it’s great 😊.

[@jbaugh2851]

This is the best!! I love looking at the models I grew up with.. they're all still awesome 😎

[@mayamott]

Love you guys so much 💗 💓 ❤

[@phoebebaker1575]

Love

[@mermaidlilyrose]

3:12 OMG!!! How cool!!! I used to be Beija Velez's babysitter when I was a teenager. I had no idea she would be in this show. GO Beija!!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@KL-ts7cs]

Hope the next episode is about the battle of versailles! The legendary moment that changed fashion forever!!

[@kali18]

That is a true fact- colorism is much hurtful then racism.

[@dmsdmullins]

Colorism is just racism that sounds good.

[@glamdawling]

To me, colorism is an internal prejudice. It's touted by those within one's own circle, hence why it hurts more.

[@kali18]

@@dmsdmullins yes agreed!

[@kali18]

@@glamdawling you are right!

[@BillytheHumyn1]

Bethann Hardison is who all should appreciated .

[@johnathans9432]

Black people and people of color did the bare minimum. BLACK WOMEN, AND WOMEN OF DEEPER COMPLEXION DID THE WORK . Paved the way for every model after that .

[@simplynellstinystudio]

YASSSSSSS! LETS GOOOOOO!!! Thank You Vogue!

[@brvndxxxn]

❤❤❤❤beautiful

[@ItsWendie]

How did I not know of the fabulous Miss Luna?

[@MarcellasReynolds]

That's why I wrote Supreme Models the book and made this documentary! I didn't want certain models to be lost to history.

[@munirayussuf8558]

@@MarcellasReynolds ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@emmanuelaumejiaku6469]

@@MarcellasReynolds thank you ❤❤

[@Kilala.6029]

This is the content we want to see Vogue !!!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@linneakarlsson7362]

This is truly amazing

[@OHSOMTV]

Absolutely amazing 👍

[@hollygolightly7475]

Pat Cleavland was and is Everything🧡🧡🧡 nobody twirled that chiffon like she did!!