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.