The world of fashion has always been glorified for its glamour and exclusivity, but the industry is not without its flaws. Fashion pioneer Bethann Hardison, a Black model, modeling agent, and entrepreneur, has pushed the boundaries of fashion culture and has been at the forefront of progress throughout her career. Her impact on the fashion industry has earned her a spot as one of the most influential icons of our time. While the industry has come a long way in terms of diversity, it still has a long way to go. In her memoir, Invisible Beauty, Hardison shares her journey of pushing for change in the industry. This blog post will explore her story and the racial evolution of fashion.
Bethann Hardison was a pioneering Black model who left a lasting impact on the fashion industry. She was the first Black model to land a contract with the legendary agency Wilhelmina Models. She later went on to become a modeling agent, helping to launch the careers of many Black models who would otherwise have been excluded from the industry. Hardison’s push for diversity was not just limited to Black models, but also extended to all models of color. She spoke up whenever she saw discrimination in the industry and used her influence to make sure that progress was made.
Hardison’s work in diversifying the fashion industry was not done alone. She had many allies, including some of the biggest names in fashion. Hardison was a close friend of legendary fashion designer Stephen Burrows, who was also one of the few Black designers in the industry at the time. Burrows’ designs were often seen on Hardison, and the two worked together to push for diversity in fashion.
In her memoir, Hardison reflects on the lack of diversity in the industry and the challenges she faced as a Black model. She also addresses the recent wave of discrimination in the industry, which has come to the forefront in recent years. The book features intimate interviews with other industry luminaries who share their own stories of their experiences with discrimination and their thoughts on the progress that has been made so far.
One of the most powerful moments in Hardison’s career was her participation in the “Black Fashion Museum” show in New York in the 1970s. Hardison and other Black models, such as Beverly Johnson and Naomi Sims, were part of an all-Black fashion show that celebrated Black culture and beauty. The show was a statement against the lack of diversity in the fashion industry at the time and helped to pave the way for change.
The fashion industry has made progress in terms of diversity, but it has a long way to go. Bethann Hardison’s memoir, Invisible Beauty, is a powerful account of her journey to push for change in the industry. Hardison’s impact on fashion has been immense, and her legacy will continue to inspire those who are fighting for diversity and inclusion in the industry. As we look towards the future of fashion, it’s essential to remember the struggles of those who fought for diversity and to continue to push for progress.
