Paris fashion week ended with a bang, and for a very good reason! Louis Vuitton presented its Spring 2018 collection with an African American model leading the way, making it a first for the 163-year old luxury brand.
Janaye Furman, a drama student from Southern California began her modeling career when she was discovered at a class performance only a year ago. The model made her debut by walking for Proenza Schouler last season, and has since been cast by multiple reputable fashion brands. According to Vogue, Furman was tapped by casting director Ashley Brokaw to walk the runway for Louis Vuitton’s Fall 2017 collection. The SoCal native has since become a Vuitton favorite, nabbing many of the brand’s most coveted editorials and campaigns. And now she has made history as the first African American woman to have ever opened a runway show for the big-name luxury house. The model was, of course, elated by her accomplishment and took to Instagram to express her gratitude.
“What a blessing!! Wow! This is such an incredible and unbelievable moment! Not only for my first opening show to be Louis Vuitton but to make history as the first African American girl to open LV?!!” she wrote.
From Beverly Johnson to Maria Borges, Furman joins a legion of other models who have, and continue to pave the way for black women to make strides in the fashion industry.
While this accomplishment is commendable, it still goes to show that the fashion world has a long way to go.
