Have you ever of Helen Williams? Helen Williams is the first African American fashion model. Her beauty, style and grace are undeniable. She opened the door of opportunity for Beverly Johnson, Naomi Campbell, and Tyra Banks.
As a teen Williams was obsessed with clothes and fashion, she use to sew her own garments, her originality stood out. After studying dance, drama and art she began working as a stylist in a New York photography studio where she caught the eye of Lenna Horne and Sammy Davis Jr. Captivated by her beauty they encouraged her to consider modeling, so at the age of 17 Williams gave modeling a try.
“I was too dark to be accepted,” Williams recalled. It was not easy, at the time mainstream modeling was no place for black women. So Williams mostly worked with companies like Jet and Ebony but still faced adversity for being “too dark” because “light-skinned” black models were more desirable at the time. But Paris loved black beauty, so she began modeling in Paris, where she was referred to as ‘La Belle Americaine.’ Everyone admired her beauty there, she was earning $7,500 for just working part time. She was an idol, loved and adored by many.
William played a pivotal role in debunking the stereotype that dark skinned black women were not beautiful, an unfortunate stereotype that still lingers around today. But as Williams stepped up to the challenge and overcame the insecurities forced on her by society, dark skinned models like Naomi Campbell and Alek Wek are doing the same today. Williams forced the modeling industry to diversify its narrow standard of beauty.
Not enough content in the featured article on Helen Williams. A few spelling errors – which have no place here. I expect more!