Black Icons that Have Influenced Fashion and Style

Black History Month is almost moving into Women’s History Month. And although Fashion Reverie celebrate both months, these celebratory months a great occasion to involve fashion, especially celebrity fashion!

With the major fashion weeks around the world currently happening, Fashion Reverie thought this would be a great time to honor black celebrities we find that are stylish. Stars of color that are not only involved in fashion but are also the biggest trailblazers in their professions.  

Beverly Johnson

Let’s start with the first African American model that graced the cover of American Vogue. Beverly Johnson later followed this first with the cover of French Elle. That was in the 1970s, so Beverly did not stop there. A model, actress, and businesswoman Beverly kept going and just recently Fashion Reverie witnessed her walking and closing the Bibhu Mohapatra fall 2022 show during New York Fashion Week, in a one-shoulder white gown with a black cape. Beverly dominated the runway.  

Bevy Smith

This Fashion Queen from the Bravo’s “Fashion Queens” show and host of many different shows, Bevy now has a one-hour radio show on SiriusXM’s RadioAndy called “Bevelations” and is about to publish a book. Her background and road to success has been interesting and unusual, and full of ups and downs. But what is certain, is that Bevy Smith never stopped believing in herself. 

Nick Cannon

The “Hey Nick, Hey Nick” tune from the “Nick Cannon Show” is undeniably very charming. Nick Cannon is also charming and has explored different styles, including wearing a turban style for a while. However, the result is absolutely the right fit, especially when it comes to the array of his suits. Now, his shoe collection deserves a whole separate article and Fashion Reverie includes that Nick Cannon once wore possibly the most expensive shoes in the world worth 2.2 million. The shoes were customized Tom Ford’s shoes diamond-encrusted by celebrity jeweler Jason Arasheben! 

Grace Jones

This model, singer, actress, and icon’s style and allure was ahead of so many trends, some of which she even inspired. The androgynous movement in the 80s was influenced by her style and shall we say, attitude. Long earrings, cut-out dresses, capes, and headpieces adorn this star who never arrives quietly and will always be known for her avant-garde style. 

Rihanna 

Interestingly, Rihanna mentioned she draws fashion inspiration from Grace Jones. That said, Bad Girl Riri seems very in control of her image so it’s hard to imagine that anybody could inspire her. Rihanna effortlessly puts together unexpected pieces that simply melt onto her figure. Rihanna is a trend setter, a mogul, someone who knows “what works.”

Now that she is expecting with A$AP Rocky, Rihanna is completely reinventing her style and her pregnancy looks are super exciting!

Lil Nas X

Who would’ve thought that a hip-hop artist would embrace gender-fluid style? The times they are a’ changing. From his bold-colored suits, to pearl necklaces and painted nails, Lil Nas X demonstrates that the new masculinity is whatever you want it to be. Free your mind. Have we heard that before?

—Tijana Ibrahimovic

Image credits

• sheknows-com-black-icons-that-have-influenced-fashion-and.jpeg — Credit/source: sheknows.com.
• bevy-amazon.jpg — Credit/source: amazon.com.
• abcnews-com-black-icons-that-have-influenced-fashion-and.jpeg — Credit/source: abcnews.com.
• timeout-com-black-icons-that-have-influenced-fashion-and.jpeg — Credit/source: timeout.com.
• mike-coppola-getty-images-black-icons-that-have-influenced-fashion-and.jpeg — Credit/source: Mike Coppola/Getty Images).
• lil-nas-x-usweekly.jpg — Credit/source: usweekly.com.
• black-icons.jpg — Editorial image.