The world of fashion is constantly evolving, and with it, the standards of beauty. Black male models have played a pivotal role in challenging and redefining these standards, paving the way for future generations. This article celebrates the impact and importance of Black male models, showcasing iconic figures and rising stars who are making waves in the industry.
Models have the power to change the way the world sees people of color while defying European standards of beauty. There’s no shortage of beautiful Black people who would make wonderful models because of how the camera adores them.
However, the tireless pressure of the industry is just one of many reasons why modeling doesn’t feel like a long-term career choice for many. Besides the constant push to stay in perfect shape with flawless skin, people of color face additional barriers when trying to emerge in the fashion industry that make giving up feel that much easier at times.
Here's an overview of some individuals paving the way for the rest of us with more than just their confidence.
Pioneers and Icons
Sterling St. Jacques
The story of the late Sterling St. Jacques isn’t all roses and rainbows. Nevertheless, he is credited with being the first Black male supermodel, so it’s important to reflect on his ups and downs from 1957 until his death. After a career in Western film and television, he spent the 1970s as a high fashion model while engaged to Pat Cleveland. He also was taking work as a dancer when he wasn’t tearing up New York City nightclubs.
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Though he never came out during his life, his ex-fiancée said in 2016 that their engagement ended because he was gay.
Renauld White
Before the best-known Black male models of today got their chance to shine, Renauld White did plenty to pave the way in the industry. In 1979, he became the first African-American model to land on the cover of GQ, after Switzerland’s Urs Althaus graced the publication’s front as the first Black man. As Black Living Knowledge notes, White was deeply passionate about creating change in the world of modeling.
“At first I thought I was going to get thrown in jail and beaten up because of my approach. But then they realized that they were wrong and that they were behind society and behind the times, and that they had to listen to me,” he recalled. “They offered me a contract because they thought that I would fail."
Tyson Beckford
Even decades after first pushing racial boundaries in the modeling industry throughout the 1990s, Tyson Beckford looks as handsome as ever. Last fall he joined the cast of Dancing with the Stars with Jenna Johnson as his partner, proving that he’s more than just a pretty face who can work a camera. He’s had several film and television roles over the past decade, including Singleholic and Chocolate City.
Contemporary Faces Making Waves
Alton Mason
Alton Mason’s come-up was quick, but unlike some stars who fizzle out fast, the 26-year-old has been able to hold onto the public’s favor for several years now. In 2018 he made headlines as the first Black male model to walk in a Chanel runway show. The accolades continued to pour in as GQ Australia named him male model of the year in 2019. From there, he somehow only managed to move up in the world, getting his flowers from Forbes in 2021 on the 30 Under 30 list in the Art & Style category.
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Shaun Ross
Shaun Ross’ distinct appearance, a result of his albinism, is just one of the many reasons he stands out on a runway. Besides his fair skin, the 32-year-old also has a radiant spirit driven toward creating and always giving his best performance possible, be it in modeling, music or the movies. The Bronx native fell victim to bullying throughout his childhood, but rather than letting others hold him back, he worked to hone his talents and was discovered via YouTube in 2008 when he was only 16.
Broderick Hunter
Growing up, Broderick Hunter’s love for sports earned him a scholarship to the University of Central Florida to play basketball. The young man likely didn’t predict that a modeling contract was in the cards for him, but when he was 20 he came across an opportunity allowing him to realize his natural talent on set. Since then, we’ve seen him in editorials for Maxim, Essence, Cosmopolitan, and countless other publications. This year, Broderick Hunter made ESSENCE’s list of Black male models to know.
Babacar N’doye
London-based Babacar N’doye has already had a booked and busy 2024, and we haven’t even made it past winter yet. You might’ve caught him on the cover of the March edition of GQ France, or in campaigns for luxury brands like Burberry, Flâneur, and Givenchy. Though he’s getting recognition right now, that’s nothing new as he’s been a runway staple in recent years - particularly during the Spring/Summer 2020 season, when N’doye walked in 19 shows, as Vogue France reports. He was 16 when modeling agents scouted him on the street, resulting in a long-running relationship with Elite Model Management. His debut was the final show of Burberry designer Christopher Bailey in 2018.
De’Laney Ortiz
De’Laney Ortiz originally hails from Detroit, Michigan and mostly resides in New York since signing to Next Models and leaving his mark on the industry. His chisled arms and boy-next-door smirk make him the perfect choice for several brands to work with, such as Luar, who had Ortiz model in their F/W ’23 presentation and post for some social media campaign shots. Besides that, you also might’ve seen the Golden Boy actor in GQ South Aftica’s June/July issue last year, confidently sporting a skirt and other bold looks alongside Christopher George.
Abdulaye Niang
Not much is known about New York’s Abdulaye Niang, and that’s undeniably part of what makes him so intriguing. Online registries list him as a signee of Next London, MINT Artist Management in Berlin, and VISION Los Angeles. With his last credited appearance being for the Zara Origins Spring 2024 look book.
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Ronald Epps
The last Black male model we think you should be aware of is America’s Next Top Model alum Ronald Epps, who still works in the industry to this day. A Reddit thread claims Epps was involved in an altercation during casting, resulting in his disqualification.
Luka Sabbat
Like many creatives these days, Luka Sabbat has a large roster of talents and he’s not afraid to show them off. He looks good on camera, as you might’ve seen on Kenya Barris’ Grown-ish or in movies like The Dead Don’t Die and Sharp Stick. As for his work as a model, the 26-year-old’s first runway was Kanye West’s Yeezy Season One in 2015, which allowed him to network with Virgil Abloh and others. The next year, he and then-girlfriend Adriana Mora walked in a show for Dolce & Gabbana together before landing front and center in a Hugo Boss campaign.
Beyond Modeling: Actors and Influencers
Micheal Ward
The fact that Micheal Ward was awarded the BAFTA Rising Star Award at the 2020 ceremony isn’t surprising, as the Jamaican-English actor has been putting in heavy duty work the past few years. His roles on The Old Guard and The A List pale in comparison to his star-turn as the methodically cool “Jamie” on Netflix’s Top Boy. Season 3 of the Drake-backed crime-drama series was given almost universal acclaim by critics with Ward’s performance equally lauded.
Table: Notable Black Male Models and Their Achievements
| Model | Key Achievements |
|---|---|
| Sterling St. Jacques | First Black male supermodel |
| Renauld White | First African-American model on the cover of GQ |
| Tyson Beckford | Pushed racial boundaries in the 1990s |
| Alton Mason | First Black male model to walk in a Chanel runway show |
| Shaun Ross | Model with albinism, known for music and movie roles |
| Broderick Hunter | Featured in Maxim, Essence, Cosmopolitan |
| Babacar N’doye | Featured on the cover of GQ France, campaigns for Burberry, Flâneur, and Givenchy |
