YouTube's Black Voices Fund has released a new six-part documentary—Supreme Models—based on journalist Marcellas Reynolds’ book Supreme Models: Iconic Black Women Who Revolutionized Fashion. The epic series can be viewed on Vogue's YouTube channel starting today. The Black Voices Fund amplifies creators of color by providing "access to resources to help them thrive on YouTube."

Marcellas Reynolds. Photo by MacKenzie Wolf.

Reynolds, who also modeled for many years, details the unique experiences and challenges that Black models have had to endure and overcome in the fashion industry. "Supreme Models is a love letter to Black women," he says. "It's a love letter to Black models and a love letter to everyone of every race who comes together to create the dream that is fashion." The series follows the evolution of Black beauty through the lens of fashion and chronicles its impact on American culture. From the Eurocentric ideals of the 1960s to the digital media age, which has increased representative visibility for all, Supreme Models celebrates the trailblazers who set the stage for the new guard of catwalk queens who continue to transcend the limitations that once faced their predecessors.  

"Supreme Models is a love letter to Black models and to everyone of every race who comes together to create the dream that is fashion."

- Marcellas Reynolds, Author and Executive Producer, Supreme Models

Fashion legends, newcomers and industry insiders—such as Bethann Hardison, Iman, Veronica Webb, Edward Enninful, Joan Smalls, Precious Lee, Tabria Majors, Pat Cleveland, Roshumba Williams, Chioma Nnadi and EBONY's Editor-in-Chief and SVP of Programming Marielle Bobo—share their reflections on the modeling and fashion industry in the docuseries.

Supreme Models: Iconic Black Women Who Revolutionized Fashion ($34; amazon.com)

Reynolds' Supreme Models is the second book in a series of best-selling releases that celebrate the beauty and majesty of Black women. His first release, Supreme Actresses: Iconic Black Women who Revolutionized Hollywood profiles some of the most influential Black actresses of our time. In February 2024, Reynolds will release Supreme Sirens: Iconic Black Women Who Revolutionized Music. The art book will chronicle Black songstresses and musicians from the early 1900s to present.

Check out the official trailer for Supreme Models below, and watch the first two episodes on Vogue's YouTube channel now.