BBR Women’s History Month Spotlight

In honor of Women’s History Month, Black Beauty Roster would like to shed light on some women who have shaped and paved the way for us within fashion, beauty and media.

Come to The Forefront

Madam C.J. Walker 

Developed a customized hair care formula, "Madam Walker's Wonderful Hair Grower," around 1905. Utilizing ingredients like sulfur, beeswax, and coconut oil, she created a formula designed for Black women’s scalp health. This innovation led to a thriving business empire, making her the first Black female self-made millionaire.

Anita Patti Brown

Founded in 1920, Anita transcended the boundaries of music to become a pioneer in the beauty industry. Leveraging her fame, Brown founded Patti’s Beauty Emporium. It offered a mail-order business of cosmetics and perfumes tailored to Black consumers known as “Patti’s Brazilian Toilette Luxuries.”

Ann Lowe

Jackie Kennedy’s 1953 wedding dress was designed by Ann. She was a pioneering African American fashion designer. Although her credit was never publicized and she faced racial discrimination, her work was celebrated amongst those in high society. Mostly known for her silk taffeta designs.

Donyale Luna

In fact, Donyale became the first Black model to cover a major fashion publication in British Vogue for the 1966 March issue.

Eunice Johnson

Businesswoman, publisher, and philanthropist, Eunice Johnson developed the leading makeup line Fashion Fair Cosmetics in 1973. Once known as the largest Black-owned beauty company in the world. They launched, selling makeup for Black women in department stores.

Bethann Hardison

Created the Bethann Management modeling agency, in 1984, advocated for diversity and representation in Black, Latin, and Asian models. Furthermore, notable models that came from there were Veronica Webb and Tyson Beckford.

Naomi Campbell

The first Black model on French Vogue in August 1988. In addition, opened 1997 Prada show when they booked her to open up the show. She became an iconic and legend within the industry.

Danessa Myricks

Initially, she started as a makeup artist and photographer. After that, she built Danessa Myricks Beauty which expanded globally as a pro-artist brand. Her dedication to fill inclusivity gaps and having versatile products for all skin tones became very present within her business.

Pat McGrath

Recognized for her influential work in the 1990s, the British makeup artist started her own makeup company in 2015. Specifically, known for her pigmented products and unique colors of foundation, eyeshadows, and lipsticks.

Robyn “Rihanna” Fenty

Swinging out the gate and shattering beauty norms, Rihanna started her own company in September of 2017 called Fenty Beauty. Launched with 40 foundation shades. Therefore, the game changed with this product and challenged others to do the same.

Winnie Harlow

The year of 2018 is when supermodel Winnie Harlow was the first model with vitiligo to walk in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.

Halima Aden

Widely recognized as the first major hijabi model to gain global recognition. Halima broke barriers on international runways, in high-fashion magazines, and in a Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. She made history in 2017 as the first to walk for major brands while wearing a hijab. In 2019, he first to wear a hijab and burkini in Sports Illustrated.

Ruth Carter

Two-time Academy Award Costume Designer won for both Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, in 2019 and 2023, respectively. Ruth has been nominated five times for both films and her other work in Malcolm X, Amistad, and Sinners. Her talent cannot be denied.

As we spread the love, please check out our Instagram for Black women who reshaped media.

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On a Final Note

First, Black History Month in February. Now women’s Month in March. Next, International Black Women’s History Month in April honoring achievements across the diaspora. African, African American, Afro-Latin, and Afro-European women. As a collective we should be proud to see how each of us all over the globe has made an impact.

Meanwhile, it’s only the beginning. We must continue to inspire the generations after us to have pride and make their mark in this world. It feels good to see us recognize and acknowledge each other. Celebrating Black Women's Excellence all year long!

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