


HOMAGE: RENAULD WHITE
Words by Laurence Laurent, Menswear Director
In a time where Black models were scarce in the fashion industry, there was one model that broke down barriers and opened the door for models of color worldwide. Renauld White, the first African-American model to grace the cover of GQ magazine in 1979, an accomplishment that catapulted him into iconic status. In addition to conquering the modeling industry, Renauld White is an accomplished actor in both television and theater, starring as Julius Caesar in Julius and several years on the TV soap The Guiding Light. Today at 65, still refined and handsome as ever, Mr. White can be found educating and inspiring models as an fashion activist.
The next time you see a model of color gracing fashion covers and editorials of your favorite magazines and runway shows, remember to pay homage to the man whose hard work and dedication changed the fashion industry for future Black models past, present and future.
Image Sources: GQ Magazine/Thurgood Marshall








