27 of the Hottest Black Female Models in 2023
The hottest black female models in the world today are leading the charge in Hollywood, modeling and acting. These women have overcome a myriad of obstacles to make their mark in entertainment, from racism and discrimination to limited opportunities for representation. And yet, despite all these challenges, they have made a name for themselves with their entrepreneurship and hard work.
Take Winnie Harlow, for example. After being diagnosed with vitiligo at age four and enduring years of bullying because of her skin condition, she has gone on to become one of the most recognizable faces in fashion today. The same can be said for models like Jourdan Dunn, Halima Aden and Anok Yai, who have also broken barriers in the modeling world.
They are not only inspiring aspiring models of color to see themselves represented on the runway but they are also paving the way for a more inclusive fashion industry where everyone is seen as beautiful and worthy of respect regardless of skin color or body type.
In this article, we will highlight many of the top ebony models in the world today.
27 of the Hottest Black Women in Modeling and Hollywood
These gorgeous women demonstrate that beauty comes in all shades, sizes and shapes – an important message to be celebrated around the world. It’s no wonder then that these black female models continue to build powerful names and brands for themselves, while inspiring others.
Ana Paula Araújo
Ana Paula Araújo is one of the hottest black female models in the world today. With her tall and slender frame, she has been gracing magazine covers and catwalks for over a decade. Her signature style has become iconic, and she is known for her strong, confident poses that highlight her grace and beauty.
She has modeled for high profile brands like Dior, Prabal Gurung, Elie Saab, and Kenzo.
Jourdan Dunn
Jourdan Dunn is one of the hottest black female models in the world today. She is a well-known British fashion model and actress, who has been featured in campaigns for a number of top brands such as Balmain, Burberry, Nike, Vogue and Calvin Klein.
With her beautiful looks, she has become an international sensation and has also graced covers of some of the biggest magazines around the world like Elle UK and Harper’s Bazaar US.
Emanuela de Paula
Emanuela de Paula is another stunning model who has gained international recognition throughout her career. Originally from Brazil, Emanuela’s exotic features have made her a favorite among photographers looking to create unique editorial images.
She has appeared on the cover of numerous magazines including Vogue UK, Harper’s Bazaar, and Numero. Emanuela has also appeared in campaigns for high-end designers such as Vera Wang and Calvin Klein.
Zoë Kravitz
Zoë Kravitz is another popular black female model on the scene today. Zoë is a multi-talented actress, musician and model who has starred in films like X-Men: First Class, Divergent and Mad Max: Fury Road. She has also worked with some of the biggest fashion labels such as Dior, Yves Saint Laurent and Alexander Wang.
Aside from her acting work and modeling career, Zoë is an advocate for body positivity and works to encourage young people to stay true to themselves no matter what.
Winnie Harlow
Winnie Harlow is a Canadian fashion model, spokesperson, and skin positivity advocate who has gained international recognition for her unique beauty. Born with the skin condition vitiligo, she was first discovered by Tyra Banks on America’s Next Top Model in 2014.
Since then, Harlow has walked the runways of Paris Fashion Week and London Fashion Week and graced the covers of Glamour Magazine UK, ELLE Magazine Canada, and Vogue Italia.
Gelila Bekele
Gelila Bekele is an Ethiopian model who has made waves in the fashion industry with her unique features and stunning beauty. She first gained recognition when she was cast for a Diesel campaign which featured a diverse range of models from different backgrounds.
Gelila has gone on to appear in campaigns for major brands such as L’Oréal, Gap, H&M, and Victoria’s Secret.
Halle Berry
Halle Berry is one of Hollywood’s most iconic actresses, but she started out in the modeling world before making it big on the silver screen. Halle garnered attention as a model in the 1990s, appearing on magazine covers and walking the runways for major brands like Revlon.
She continues to be an influential figure in the modeling industry, inspiring young models of color with her success.
Jeymmy Vargas
Jeymmy Vargas is one of Latin America’s most successful models. After winning Elite Model Look Mexico in 2002, she has gone on to appear in campaigns for top designers such as Versace and Dolce & Gabbana.
In addition to print media, Jeymmy has also starred in television commercials and music videos.
Tika Sumpter
Tika Sumpter is an American actress and former model who rose to fame when she was chosen as one of Teen Vogue’s “Fresh Faces” in 2006. Since then, Tika has gone on to appear in campaigns for major brands such as Gap and Target.
Aside from her work in the fashion industry, she is also known for her roles on television shows like The Game and Gossip Girl.
Joy Bryant
Joy Bryant is an American actress and former model who gained fame during her stint as a magazine cover girl. She has appeared on the covers of top publications such as Vogue, Glamour, and Marie Claire.
During her modeling career, Joy also graced the runways for brands like Oscar de la Renta and DKNY.
Chanel Iman
Chanel Iman is a popular African-American model whose exotic features have made her a favorite among fashion photographers. She has appeared in campaigns for major designers such as Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Marc Jacobs.
Aside from her modeling work, Chanel is also an accomplished actress and has starred in films like Dope and The Perfect Match.
Ubah Hassan
Ubah Hassan is a Somali model who first gained recognition when she was signed as the face of H&M’s 2013 campaign. Since then, Ubah has gone on to become one of the most sought after models in the industry, appearing in campaigns for top designers such as Prada and L’Oréal.
Her exotic beauty and unique features have made her an icon of diversity within the modeling world.
Tanisha Harper
Tanisha Harper is an American model who rose to fame after being featured on the cover of Essence magazine in 2005. Since then, she has gone on to appear in campaigns for top brands such as Reebok, Macy’s, and Target.
In addition to print media, Tanisha has also graced runways for high-end designers like Zac Posen and Alexander Wang.
Tyra Banks
Tyra Banks is one of the most iconic models of all time. She rose to fame in the 1990s when she was featured on the covers of major fashion magazines such as Sports Illustrated and Vogue. She has also appeared in campaigns for top brands like Victoria’s Secret, CoverGirl, and Chanel.
Her success in the modeling industry led her to launch her own talk show, The Tyra Banks Show.
Anok Yai
Anok Yai is one of the most popular black female models in the world today, having made her runway debut at Prada’s Fall/Winter 2018 show. She quickly rose to fame after photographs of her went viral on Instagram and she has since graced the covers of magazines such as Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar.
She is known for her unique look, which includes a shaved head and slim figure. Anok has also become an advocate for diversity in fashion and speaks out about how important it is to create space for all types of beauty.
Halima Aden
Halima Aden is an American fashion model and humanitarian who made history as the first hijab-wearing cover model to appear in Vogue magazine. Aden was born in a Kenyan refugee camp before moving to the United States at a young age, which shaped her life mission of advocating for social justice issues such as refugee rights and gender equity.
After competing in Miss Minnesota USA 2016, Halima established herself as a high fashion runway model walking for Yeezy Season 5, Max Mara, and Alberta Ferretti.
Gail O’Neill
Gail O’Neill is a British-Jamaican model who has been featured in campaigns for some of the world’s top designers. She is best known for her work with brands such as Burberry, Prada, and Louis Vuitton.
In addition to print media, Gail has also graced runways for fashion houses such as Versace and Chanel.
Yaya DaCosta
Yaya DaCosta is an American actress and former model who rose to fame when she was featured on America’s Next Top Model in 2004. Since then, Yaya has gone on to appear in campaigns for high-end brands such as CoverGirl and Maybelline.
Aside from modeling, Yaya is also an accomplished actress and has starred in films like The Butler and Take the Lead.
Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe is an up-and-coming black female model who is rapidly gaining attention in the fashion industry. Janelle is known for her unique style and quirky personality, which has made her highly sought after by brands like DKNY, Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs.
Her work as a model has also taken her around the world, where she has been featured in campaigns for luxury labels such as Balmain and Dior. As one of the freshest faces on the modeling scene today, Janelle is sure to be making waves in the industry for years to come.
Ainett Stephens
Ainett Stephens is an Italian model who has been gracing magazine covers and catwalks since her teens. Her exotic features have made her a favorite among fashion photographers, and she has appeared in campaigns for brands such as Roberto Cavalli and Versace.
In addition to her work in the fashion industry, Ainett is also a successful television host.
Liya Kebede
Liya Kebede is a popular Ethiopian model who gained recognition when she became the first African model to represent Estée Lauder in 2003. Since then, Liya has gone on to appear in campaigns for top designers such as Chanel, Gucci, and Yves Saint Laurent.
In addition to her work in the fashion industry, she is also known for her philanthropic efforts with Maternity Worldwide and CARE International.
Bre Scullark
Bre Scullark is an American model who first gained recognition when she was chosen as one of America’s Next Top Model contestants in 2005. Since then, Bre has gone on to appear in campaigns for top designers such as Roberto Cavalli and Calvin Klein.
Aside from modeling, Bre is also an accomplished actress and has starred in shows like Gossip Girl and All My Children.
Cassie Ventura
Cassie Ventura is a singer-songwriter hailing from Massachusetts who rose to fame after releasing her debut single “Me & U” in 2006. Before becoming an acclaimed musician, Cassie was an established model who appeared in campaigns for top brands such as Reebok and Delia’s.
Aside from print media, she has also graced runways for fashion houses like Marc Jacobs and Anna Sui.
Ambre Anderson
Ambre Anderson is an American model who gained recognition when she was chosen as one of the “New Faces” by Vogue Magazine in 2003. Since then, Ambre has gone on to appear in campaigns for high-end designers such as Calvin Klein and Prada.
Aside from her work in the fashion industry, Ambre is also an accomplished actress and has starred in films like The Social Network and The Other Woman.
Sessilee Lopez
Sessilee Lopez is a popular Puerto Rican model who rose to fame after being discovered by a talent scout in the early 2000s. Since then, Sessilee has gone on to appear in campaigns for major designers such as Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Marc Jacobs.
In addition to her work in fashion, she is also an avid philanthropist and supports causes such as animal rights and AIDS awareness.
Flaviana Matata
Flaviana Matata is a Tanzanian model who rose to fame after being named Miss Universe Tanzania in 2007. Since then, she has gone on to appear in campaigns for top brands such as JCPenney and Garnier Fructis.
Aside from print media, Flaviana has also graced runways for renowned designers like Diane von Furstenberg and Oscar de la Renta.
Vanessa Williams
Vanessa Williams is a legendary black female model whose career spans over 30 years. Vanessa started out modeling for magazines like Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Glamour and Allure back in the ’80s before going on to have a successful acting career starring in hit TV shows such as Ugly Betty.
As one of the most recognizable black female models, Vanessa has been a role model to many and continues to inspire others with her passion for life.
The Most Famous and Hottest Black Models in the World
These models have all carved out a place in the modeling industry due to their distinct looks, hard work, and inspiring stories. From appearing in campaigns for top brands to being featured on magazine covers, these ladies are some of the hottest black female models in the world today!
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