Title: Groundbreaking Documentaries Shed Light on Forgotten Heroes of the Fashion Industry
Subtitle: Apple TV+, HBO, and Magnolia Pictures Release Captivating Films Celebrating Trailblazers in Modeling
Date: [Enter Date]
In recent news, documentaries showcasing the inner workings of the modeling industry and its pioneers have gained significant popularity. While Apple TV+ prepares to debut “The Super Models,” a captivating docuseries narrating the dominance of ’80s and ’90s icons like Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, and Cindy Crawford, two other groundbreaking films are also garnering attention.
HBO released “Donyale Luna: Supermodel” on Wednesday, detailing the life of the enigmatic figure who made history in 1966 as the first Black woman to grace the cover of British Vogue. Similarly, Magnolia Pictures released “Invisible Beauty” on Friday, delving into the career and activism of Bethann Hardison, an influential model from the 1970s.
Although both films revolve around the fashion industry, they approach their subjects in distinct ways, offering valuable insights into the complexities of beauty politics and the solitude experienced by trailblazers.
“Invisible Beauty” presents an enchanting narrative that captivates audiences. Hardison herself co-directs the film, providing a compelling and wise account of her remarkable journey. The Brooklyn native reflects on her breakthrough at the groundbreaking “Battle at Versailles” in 1973, which propelled several American designers to fame and showcased an unprecedented number of Black models, including Hardison.
Compared to her peers, Hardison considered herself a trailblazer for having darker skin and a short afro, elements that distinguished her success as extraordinary. In response to the industry’s unfair treatment of models like her, Hardison founded the Bethann Management Agency. The agency represented prominent figures like Ralph Lauren model and male video vixen Tyson Beckford. She further established the Black Girls’ Coalition in 1988, a platform that initially celebrated emerging Black talent before shifting toward advocating for equality in pay after Black models were being paid significantly less than their white counterparts.
The participation of Hardison herself in the film adds depth and authenticity to an already captivating story. Her personal anecdotes and discerning observations on humanity resonate throughout the documentary, showcasing her unwavering commitment to mentoring younger models.
Conversely, “Donyale Luna: Supermodel” presents a more challenging narrative. Luna, born Peggy Ann Freeman, embarked on a journey of self-mythologizing from a young age, even adopting a vaguely European accent and changing her racial identity multiple times. Growing up in a violent household, Luna’s intricate imagination may have been a coping mechanism. Her light skin allowed her to navigate the modeling industry skillfully during an era of segregation. However, the documentary suggests that Luna felt trapped between two worlds, struggling to find her place and a true sense of belonging.
Seeking solace, Luna relocated from New York to London in the late ’60s. While she found acceptance within an artistic and predominantly white community that included luminaries like the Rolling Stones and Salvador Dalí, it remained unclear if they saw her as more than an exotic object of fascination. The documentary highlights some instances where Luna’s race is distastefully discussed by certain interviewees, highlighting possible underlying racial biases.
Both films shed light on the fashion industry’s deep flaws, showcasing a truthful yet unsettling portrayal. Though “Supermodel” indirectly addresses colorism, and neither film delves into the evident fatphobia prevalent in the industry, they serve as poignant reminders of the sacrifices made to create a more inclusive environment.
As brands celebrate their inclusivity efforts, these documentaries serve as important reminders of the hurdles that had to be overcome. Both films encapsulate the journey of these extraordinary individuals, ensuring that their legacies are remembered and their struggles acknowledged.
In an industry often associated with glamour and perfection, these impactful documentaries bring to light the untold stories, providing audiences with a chance to reflect on the past and advocate for a more equitable and inclusive future in the realms of beauty and fashion.