A Pioneering Beauty from Martinique
Mounia, born Monique-Antoine “Mounia” Orosemane in Martinique, was a trailblazer in the fashion industry.
Her journey began when she worked as an announcer at the local airport on her Caribbean island before being transferred to Paris’ Orly airport, catapulting her into the epicenter of fashion.
Breaking Barriers for Models of Color
During a time when Black models like Iman, Beverly Johnson, and Pat Cleveland were opening doors for models of color, Mounia herself became the first-ever Black model to grace the Chanel runway.
Her rich complexion and unparalleled grace caught the eye of legendary designer Yves Saint Laurent.
Yves Saint Laurent’s Groundbreaking Muse
Saint Laurent, known for his commitment to diversity, was one of the first major designers to embrace Black models. He was drawn to Mounia’s beauty and found inspiration in their friendship, situating her as the pinnacle of his work.
“I was [Saint Laurent’s] first Black muse…He helped open the door for Black models. Sometimes I was his confidante, and I would sometimes inspire his creativity. He called me Moumounn,” Mounia recalled in an interview with W Magazine.
A Historic Moment on the Haute Couture Runway
In 1978, Mounia made history by becoming the first Black model to walk the prestigious Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture show.
Her unforgettable performance, inspired by the opera “Porgy and Bess,” earned a standing ovation and left a lasting impact on the fashion world.
“The collection that made me a celebrity was the one inspired by Porgy and Bess. I wore a pink pantsuit and a boater hat. I walked to ‘Summertime’ and really took on the character of Bess. Catherine Deneuve stood up and started clapping. Then everyone stood up and called out ‘Bravo!’” Mounia recounted.
A Lasting Legacy
Mounia’s groundbreaking career as Yves Saint Laurent’s muse and the first Black Haute Couture model paved the way for future models of color, such as Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks, to take the industry by storm.
Her impact extended beyond the runway, as she later pursued music and painting, showcasing her abstract works in galleries worldwide.
