Black male models have shaped menswear for more than half a century, from the first Black men on the covers of Vogue and GQ to the faces opening Chanel and Givenchy shows today. Many also became actors, artists and entrepreneurs.
Here are 11 Black male models who changed fashion, from 1970s pioneers to today’s runway stars.
1. Tyson Beckford
Bronx-born, Jamaican-American Tyson Beckford became one of the first male supermodels of the 1990s.
SaveHe was the face of Polo Ralph Lauren menswear from 1993, appeared in Toni Braxton’s “Un-Break My Heart” and Britney Spears’ “Toxic” videos and hosted Bravo’s Make Me a Supermodel. In 2023 he competed on Dancing with the Stars.
2. Sterling St. Jacques
Sterling St. Jacques is often called the first Black male supermodel.
SaveHe appeared in Vogue in 1970, walked for Givenchy and was a fixture of 1970s Studio 54, where he was the dance partner of model Pat Cleveland. He died young, but his influence on men’s modeling lasted.
3. Renauld White
Renauld White broke one of menswear’s biggest barriers.
SaveIn November 1979 he became the first African-American male model on the cover of GQ. He modeled for Bill Blass, Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren and later acted on Guiding Light. He died in 2024, aged 80.
4. Richard Roundtree
Before he was Shaft, Richard Roundtree was a model.
SaveHe was scouted for the Ebony Fashion Fair in the 1960s and modeled in ads before starring as John Shaft in Shaft (1971), often called the first Black action hero. He died in October 2023, aged 81.
5. Alvin Clayton
Alvin Clayton was a Ford model for about 25 years.
SaveHe was featured in a landmark GQ spread shot by Arthur Elgort and Oliviero Toscani. Beyond modeling, he opened the restaurant Alvin & Friends in New Rochelle, New York, and is a self-taught painter.
6. Djimon Hounsou
Benin-born Djimon Hounsou moved from modeling to an acclaimed acting career.
SaveHe modeled for Calvin Klein and went on to earn two Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor, for In America and Blood Diamond. Recent films include A Quiet Place: Day One (2024).
7. Jason Olive
Jason Olive is a model turned actor.
SaveHe’s best known for playing Joseph in Tyler Perry’s For Better or Worse, and has also appeared in The Game and All My Children.
8. Fernando Cabral
Lisbon-based Fernando Cabral, who is Bissau-Guinean and Portuguese, is one of Europe’s most successful male models.
SaveHe has fronted campaigns for Tom Ford, Louis Vuitton, Fendi and Bottega Veneta, covered Arena Homme+, GQ France and Vogue Portugal, and still walks major shows.
9. Bakay Diaby
Guinean model Bakay Diaby is a regular on the Paris and Milan runways.
SaveRepresented by Bananas in Paris, Why Not in Milan and Milk in London, he has appeared in campaigns for Gucci, Balmain and Hermès and walked for Fendi, Kenzo and Marni.
10. Alton Mason
American model Alton Mason is one of the biggest male models of his generation.
SaveIn 2018 he became the first Black male model to walk for Chanel, chosen by Karl Lagerfeld. He played Little Richard in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis (2022).
11. Malick Bodian
Senegalese-Italian model Malick Bodian is a favorite of luxury houses.
SaveIn 2020 he became the first Black male model in a Givenchy Couture show, and he has starred in campaigns for Dior Homme, Givenchy and Valentino.
FAQs
Who was the first Black man on the cover of GQ?
Renauld White was the first African-American male model on the cover of GQ, in November 1979.
Who is the most famous Black male model?
Tyson Beckford is often called the most famous, thanks to his long run as the face of Polo Ralph Lauren. Alton Mason is one of the biggest names today.
Final Thoughts
These men opened doors in fashion, film and beyond. For more, see our list of Black female models who shaped fashion and plus-size male models.
