Johnson’s Groundbreaking 1974 Vogue Cover
In August 1974, model Beverly Johnson made history as the first Black model to appear on the cover of American Vogue. The iconic cover came six years after Donyale Luna became the first Black model on the cover of British Vogue in 1966.
“When I first saw the cover, I said, ‘Wow, and it’s pretty too.’ I really love it. I’m so proud,” recalled a 71-year-old Johnson recently on her experience.
Johnson was initially unsure if she would land the coveted cover spot for Vogue’s August issue. At the time models didn’t know if they booked the cover until the issue published.
Overcoming Adversity To Make History
Early in her career, Johnson’s managers told her major magazine covers would likely not happen due to her race. She quickly changed course by getting new representation.
Her persistence paid off just a couple years later with the history-making Vogue cover that helped shift perceptions and open doors for Black models industry-wide.
“It wasn’t until I was introduced as the first Black woman on the cover of Vogue that it hit me,” said Johnson on the gravity of the achievement.
The Pressure Of Pioneering As A Model
While confident in her talents, Johnson shared she did not initially grasp the full significance or pressure that came with being a racial barrier breaker in modeling.
“I wasn’t prepared, but I’m a student, so I got prepared,” she has said. The pressure to maintain an extremely slim figure for shoots took a toll on her health as well. Like many models then, she used cocaine to suppress appetite.
Now 71 and sober for decades, Johnson has been open about her experiences with drug addiction tied to unrealistic industry beauty standards.
Commemorating 50 Years As A Cultural Icon
Currently, Johnson is performing a one-woman show titled “Beverly Johnson: In Vogue” that chronicles her groundbreaking career. She co-wrote the production that weaves together a powerful portrait of perseverance as both a woman and model of color.
She has endured professional hardships and personal struggles, but Johnson continues to uplift and open doors for generations of models following in her footsteps even 50 years later.
