Beverly Johnson — Barrier Breaker

Beverly Johnson was born October 13, 1952 in Buffalo, New York. She was studying at Northeastern University when she decided to try modeling and quickly landed an editorial with Glamour. She has appeared on hundreds of magazine covers, but most notably she was the first African American fashion model to appear on the cover of American Vogue.

She appeared on the cover of fashion magazines such as: Glamour, Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Essence, Ebony, and Elle.

Beverly Johnson has worked on campaigns for: Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and Halston.

Beverly Johnson In Person:

Beverly Johnson Quotes:

“Everyone should have enough money to get plastic surgery.”

“There’s not a hair extension or a makeup artist that can make me feel the way I feel when i give back.”

“When I went to Fashion Week, I was very disappointed by how few women of color were in those shows. I do speak to the younger girls, and I hear them when they say they’re not getting the big contracts or into the big shows.”

Notable Work:

Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and Halston.

Originally published at Fashion models and designers — profiles and bios..