In honor of Black History Month, fashion observers and Black culture advocates are highlighting the groundbreaking impact of Black models in the traditionally exclusive world of Italian high fashion.
While detailed historical documentation on the very first Black model to walk a high fashion runway in Italy remains sparse online, fashion history shows that Black representation on European runways has been both hard-won and transformative. Historically, the fashion industry in Italy and across Europe was slow to embrace models of color.
For decades, editorial coverage and runway casting largely excluded non-white faces, even as influential designers like Yves Saint Laurent helped open doors by featuring Black models in editorials and at haute couture shows as early as the 1970s and 1980s.
One of the most visible milestones in runway diversity came in the late 2000s, when British model Jourdan Dunn became the first Black model of her generation to walk for major European fashion houses and paved the way for greater inclusion on global stages—particularly in fashion capitals like Milan.
Additionally, Sudanese-American model Anok Yai made history in 2018 as one of the first Black models in recent memory to open a major Prada show in Milan, a city at the epicenter of Italian high fashion, at just 19 years old.
The significance of these moments resonates beyond the runway. For decades, fashion has been one of the most visible global cultural platforms. Seeing Black models lead or headline key fashion moments sends a powerful message about beauty, representation and equity—especially during Black History Month, when achievements that have reshaped industries and cultural narratives are honored.
Fashion industry advocates point out that while runway diversity has increased in recent years, efforts must continue to ensure that representation isn’t limited to isolated moments or token casting.
Milan Fashion Week and other Italian fashion events have in recent seasons showcased more models of African descent and broader global representation, reflecting a growing shift in the fashion world toward diversity and inclusion.
Today, the legacy of Black models on Italian runways isn’t just a story of fashion—it’s a symbol of resilience, visibility and progress within a global industry that for too long overlooked talent of color.
