The Top Black Models In Fashion!

Top black fashion models throughout the years prove that beauty has no boundaries. As fashion guru Franca Sozzani, Italian Vogue Editor-in-Chief, says, "the truth is that real beauty doesn't care for skin color or nationality." Check out StyleBistro's list of the most successful black models in fashion!

No fashion list would be complete without international supermodel, Naomi Campbell. This long-legged beauty was born in London and was discovered at 15. In 1987, Naomi was the first black model to appear on the covers of British Vogue. Since then, she has appeared in campaigns for YSL, Prada, and Louis Vuitton. Naomi is well aware of her status as a role model. In a candid chat with Interview, shei stated, "I feel a responsibility, because I’ve been given so many opportunities, and I’d like to see other girls of color presented with those same opportunities." While the top model has been plagued with controversy and isn't exactly known for her model behavior, there is no denying that she is the queen of the runway.

Few in modeling history have establishing staying power like Iman. Born in Mogadishu, Somalio, she was discovered in 1975 at 20. Iman proves sheer versatility, with several books, a successful makeup line and her role as host on Bravo's The Fashion Show. This ageless beauty was recently the recipient of the CFDA Fashion Icon lifetime achievement award. We can only hope that we look half as good as Iman does when we're 55 years old!

Tyra Banks is the epitome of sexy on the runway. In 1996, Tyra made history as the first-ever black model to grace the cover of Sport's Illustrated. Since then, the supermodel has graced the pages of top magazines including Maxim and GQ. This fashion maven also sees herself as a mentor, telling UK's Channel 4, "We need every culture represented in fashion to show that young girl that she matters, that she exists, and that she is beautiful." While we sure do miss seeing Ms. Tyra strut her stuff on the Victoria's Secret runway, we do enjoy watching her on America's Next Top Model and The Tyra Banks Show. Watch out, Oprah!

Fresh-faced beauty Chanel Iman has taken the modeling scene by storm. At the age of 16, Iman walked the runway for Anna Sui, Derek Lam, Marc Jacobs, Proenza Schouler, and Valentino. As part Korean and part African-American, Chanel is very aware of the importance of diversity in the fashion world. "I don't want to be known as the black model," she said to Teen Vogue. "I want to be recognized as Chanel Iman, a personality." In 2010, Iman signed a contract with Victoria's Secret and officially became an Angel, officially marking her arrival as a household name.

Born in Wau, Sudan, Alek Wek moved to England in 1991 to escape the Sudanese civil war. Four years later, she was discovered at a party and shortly after signed to Ford Models. In 1997, Alek was named MTV's "Model of the Year," and has graced the runways of Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Jean Paul Gaultier, Ralph Lauren, Diane von Furstenberg, Christian Dior and Christian Lacroix.

StyleBistro celebrity guest editor Jessica White is a born and raised New Yorker who was discovered in her hometown of Buffalo, New York in 2000. Her exquisite face and bombshell body has landed her in editorials for Harper's Bazaar and Sports Illustrated. Jessica also consistently struts her stuff for sexy brands like Victoria's Secret. While still pursuing modeling, Jessica has proven to be quite the industry chameleon by appearing in music videos for artists such as John Legend, Robin Thicke and Jay-Z. She is currently working on producing her own skincare line.

Sexpot Selita Ebanks was discovered at a Six Flags amusement park in New Jersey at 17. In 2005, Selita was officially welcomed into the Victoria's Secret Angels family. Exploring other ventures, she was recently spotted as the lady love in Kanye West's "Runaway" music video. The curvacious Ebanks is a runway favorite with her million-dollar smile and feel-good mantra: "Just love what you've got and go out there and be yourself."

Wide-eyed beauty Cassie started modeling at the age of 14 and has appeared in ad campaigns for teen magazines such as Seventeen. This model turn R&B singer is best known for her single "Me & U." She has appeared in music videos for artists such as Wiz Khalifa, Kanye West and Chris Brown.

Sneaker Heads :: Reebok Insta Pump Purple Fury

We now have new, detailed images of the “Purple Rain” Reebok Insta Pump Fury. In detail, this all-around comfort driven shoe has been given a theme most associated with the Indiana Jones franchise. As can be seen from detailed photos below, this pair features a predominately purple mesh and synthetic upper. This is complimented with white hits on the midsole, tongue and branding throughout the entire shoe. Check out more photos of this

Classic Reebok's Pump Fury makes a return in a few dope new colorways for Summer '11.

We recommend ordering true to size, pictured in a men's 9.0.

Kim Kardashian Steps out in Giuseppe Zanotti

Kim Kardashian sizzled in Beverly Hills in a pair of python embossed lace-up booties. The neutral peep-toe boots gave her emerald silk dress an exotic edge.

Brand: Giuseppe Zanotti

Camel python-embossed lace-up sandal with an open toe and heel, a chunky gold-tone heel and brown suede laces from Giuseppe Zanotti. Heel measures approximately 115mm high.

$655.00

Goes With Anything :: Pleated Satin Shorts from Aryn K.

Clean and classic pleated shorts in dove grey twill with satin trim at hem and waist and pockets at each side, by Aryn K.

The model is wearing a size small: waist = 28, hips = 38, length = 13. No stretch. Unlined.
62% polyester, 32% viscose, 6% spandex

$58 at WISH

STYLE IT::

Vibrant floral print, button-front blouse with long, puffed sleeves and ascot tie collar.

Labeled size = 14, contemporary size = medium: bust = 40, hem = 40, sleeve = 23.5, length = 23. Moderate stretch. Unlined.

100% polyester

TRENDY :: Shwood Sunglasses

Shwood’s in-house manufacturing process merges precision technology with classic skilled craftsmanship to create a timeless art form. Every step from veneering and precision lens cutting, to shaping and finishing is conducted in our own Portland-based workshop to promise an entirely handcrafted eyewear piece. Wood manipulation is kept to a minimum in order to showcase the medium’s natural and unique splendor.

Canby Cherry Wood

Since the beginning, the Canby has been Shwood’s flagship model, and for good reason. The classic wayfarer styling and refined aesthetics of the Canby lay the groundwork for an entire wood revolution. Simple but unforgettable, the Canby mixes timeless style with the luxuriousness of exotic hardwoods.

$98

Govy East Indian Wood Mirrored Grey

East Indian Rosewood is a true rosewood and is considered by many to be one of the world’s most beautiful lumbers. Wood tone varies from very dark brown to black with fine, closely spaced dark veins and white lines. Grain structure is straight and tight.

- Three-ply frame and two-ply temple construction
- In-house, handcrafted manufacturing process
- Sustainably-harvested wood, sourced from authorized and supervised plantations in southeast Asia

$135

Oswald Walnut Grey Polarized

Shwood continues its reinvention of classic eyewear styles with the “Oswald,” new for Spring 2011. Handcrafted in Portland, Oregon, the Oswald’s timeless “P3″ styling adds a look of distinction to Shwood’s growing line of unique wooden eyewear. The Oswald is offered in the ever-popular zebrawood along with European walnut, a new addition to the range of sustainably-harvested woods. As the brand continues to follow its tagline “Experiment with Nature,” you can expect continued innovation in the growing niche of wooden accessories.

$155

Solange Knowles’ Current Obsession :: Pants!

Solange Knowles, style goddess, recently did a snippet interview with, Fashionista.com about her style, her current pants obsession, and some other fun quirky facts about the Solo Star.

Name: Solange Knowles (in 100+ degree heat)
Age: 25
Occupation: Singer, DJ
What is your current fashion obsession? Pants!
What was the last thing you bought? A pair of Kate Spade lime green, patent leather flats.
What is the next thing you plan to buy? Artwork by Toyin Odutola.
What is your favorite beauty product? Carol’s Daughter Healthy Hair Butter.
What was more difficult for you, naming your Son or your first album? Were you the type who always knew what you’d name your first born? No, not at all. Naming my son was definitely more difficult!
What are you wearing? Pencey romper, Opening Ceremony shoes, Fendi bag.

Rihanna Sparkles On September 2011 Glamour Magazine Cover

How appropriate is it that the September 2011 cover of Glamour magazine features the headline “Men Tell All: The #1 Thing He Craves In Bed Tonight Is…” that leads to a photo of Rihanna, who is all smiles as she shows off her sexy backside in sparkling sequins pants ? The answer to that? Very. Very appropriate.

As for the headline that actually goes with her cover story, the red-haired diva says, “I need to open up,” and Glamour promises she actually does in the piece, which fans will be able to read when the mag hits newsstands in August.

Christian Louboutin Sicks a Private Investigator on Dior

We think the design of a shoe should speak for itself, much more than the color of its soles. But Christian Louboutin has territory issues and a word to the wise, the red sole is his. His you hear! Louboutin's lawsuit against YSL for creating a red shoe with a red sole is ongoing, but it sounds like the designer's issues with copycats stem far deeper than we had originally thought.

Court papers filed on Tuesday show Louboutin got information from a private investigator who said Christian Dior was planning to launch a red-soled shoe collection next season. The PI was hired to find information on the YSL case, but instead found information about Dior. Louboutin will not press charges against Dior, and Dior denies the claims.

The case against YSL presses on, with remarks from both sides getting snippier by the second. YSL says:

Louboutin’s trademark should have never been granted...We just don’t think that any fashion designer should be able to monopolize any color.

While Louboutin's team shot back and said the claim was "utter rubbish" and "unless you are living in a cave" the consumer recognizes a red sole as a Louboutin. But don't worry, Louboutin doesn't claim to own every red under the sun. Louboutin's lawyer Harley Lewin said:

We are not claiming to own every red under the sun. There’s a particular red that Christian uses on his shoes, a bright, lacquered red. We aren’t saying burgundy or orange-red, we aren’t saying pink. We don’t own any other red but that red.

The case will be decided on Friday by New York judge Victor Marrero.

The Olsens Start Debuting Bags from their New Line, The Row

Even the most jaded fashionistas raised eyebrows when the Olsen twins unveiled their first handbag line for The Row at Barneys in New York last week.

The highlight of the new accessories range is a backpack, set to retail for an eye-watering $39,000.

And though no images of the pricey bag were released by the label, the former child stars, 25, have no issues with carrying one themselves.

Ashley Olsen was pictured leaving a Tribeca hotel in New York yesterday with the crocodile pelt accessory slung across one shoulder.

The bag, which has gold hardware at the toggle, is the most expensive piece in the handbag range, which will start at $4,700 for one of the smallest designs.

The price point is on a par with high-end accessories labels such as Hermes, which can charge up to $40,000 for a bespoke crocodile Birkin.

Other Bags from The Row include:

Behind The Scenes of Beyonce’s Album Cover Shoot [VIDEO]

In case you haven’t seen enough footage of Beyonce over the past few weeks, she just recently released behind the scenes footage from her album cover shoot. With her hit song ’1+1′ as the soundtrack, Beyonce poses on the rooftop of the Le Meurice hotel with photographer Greg Gex, as she models designs by Alexander McQueen, Azzedine Alaia and Missoni. She explained some of the concepts and styling during a recent interview with Access Hollywood:

On posing with the ropes
Now this was not very fun. I was actually quite angry and sore and I wanted to get out of this crazy position. They were saying “Do the splits” and I’m like “No!” So I started off and I kept easing into it then finally, I was like “Alright, get the shot, Get the shot!” because my heels were getting caught in these crazy ropes but it makes one crazy, interesting picture.


On the styling of the shoot
The shoes, that’s what I remember walking outside on that pavement and balancing on these crazy shoes. This was in Paris. We went out somewhere the night before and I woke up and usually it takes you like an hour to smudge mascara and mess your hair up but my make-up artist and hair stylist were like “This is exactly what we want” so they didn’t do my hair and make-up. It’s like from the night before.

via @NecoleBitchie.com

Nicki Minaj In Opening Ceremony, Forever 21 & Louis Vuitton

Nicki Minaj loves her leggings! She was spotted out this past weekend wearing a pair of black studded leggings paired with orange colored Opening Ceremony Margot Wedge Sandals (On Sale $365) as she headed into American Airlines Arena in Miami.

She topped off her outfit with a Brian Lichtenberg for Forever 21 shirt (Retail $14.80) and a Louis Vuitton Artsy MM Tote Bag ($1570).

Meanwhile, her hypeman Scaff Beezy trailed behind her in a custom ‘Don’t Believe The blogs’ T-shirt. Fitting.

via @NecoleBitchie.com

Over the Moon: Kate Beckinsale's Isharya Bangle

At Comic-Con in San Diego over the weekend, Kate Beckinsale belted her Tibi LBD and accessorized with an Isharya Ebony Crater Square Bangle. The chunky bracelet was adorned with gold-bordered white agate circles and was the perfect statement piece for Kate's minimalist look. The actress wore her long ombré hair down in soft waves and opted for black satin pumps to complete her look.

Brandy Holds Herself Hostage In New Alter Ego Shoot

Yesterday, Necole Bitchie gave us a sneak peek of Brandy’s new alter ego shoot with photographer Derek Blanks, and now we have our hands on the full photo shoot. Although, Derek is known for his various celebrity alter ego shoots over the years, this is the first time he has shot one as a high fashion pictorial that tells a story through a series of shots. He explains the concept of the shoot as:

The struggle between good and bad. WHEN GOOD GOES BAD. This is a HIGH FASHION STORY that takes you into the dark side of brandy. The good Brandy is kidnapped and ends up struggling with herself to finally kill the dark demons with in.

More Pictures from the Shoot Below:

via @NecoleBitchie.com

Kim Kardashian Sues Old Navy for $20 Million

Kim Kardashian doesn't need any more money, everyone knows that. But with a shopping habit as expensive as Kim's, she probably needs every penny.

Kim is suing Old Navy for $20 million. Why, you ask? Well, Old Navy's ads use Melissa Molinaro, a girl who closely resembles Kim. Kim says the brand hired a lookalike rather than pay her fee and as a result, is short $20-million.

There are reasons that Kim Kardashian has a fat bank account—pinching pennies may be one of them. But the truth of the matter is, she probably doesn't have a case. It is said that everybody has a twin out there, normal people and celebrities alike. So is it right for Nina Dobrev to sue Victoria Justice for appearing in a Got Milk ad? Maybe not. Perhaps Melissa dating Kim's ex, Reggie Bush, has something to do with this?

Source: The Cut

Watch Melissa Molinaro's Old Navy commercial:

Look of the Day: Zoe Saldana x Balmain

Usually, the red carpet is filled with dresses, skirts and more dresses. But sometimes a celeb dares to stray from the norm and make a statement in something a little different from the norm. At the Captain America: The First Avenger premiere, Zoe Saldana showed why she's one of our fave rising style stars in a shorts suit by Balmain.

The look, from the brand's resort collection, was sassy with a bold blue-and-white ikat print. Rather than a blazer, a tailored bomber jacket accented with studs was paired with matching shorts, cut to look like vintage running shorts. Zoe wore a plain v-neck tee underneath. As a complement to her already stylish ensemble, Zoe picked an unexpected pair of Brian Atwood Pois pumps in green perforated leather with stud accents. A loose side bun and clutch finished off the look.

-source

Lady Gaga Takes New York in a Bold Side Ponytail

Lady Gaga was spotted in New York on Monday wearing a black-and-white streaked ponytail a la Cruella de Vil. Leave it to Gaga to accessorize her wild wig with a quilted Chanel bag. What would Coco say?