Donyale Luna is widely regarded as one of the first Black supermodels, making history in 1966 when she became the first African-American model to land the cover of British Vogue. Luna, who initially rose to fame in the ’60s, broke many barriers in the fashion industry, expanding the standard of beauty to include Black woman among other people of color. Throughout her career, which was short lived due to her death at 33, Luna worked with photographers David McCabe, The Rolling Stones and also appeared on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar. In 2023, HBO released the documentary “Donyale Luna: Supermodel,” which chronicles the star’s life and career. Here is a closer look at Luna through the years.
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Donyale Luna, 1974
Donyale Luna wearing a gold Halston dress at Sly Stone and Kathy Silva’s 1974 wedding reception in New York on Jun. 5.
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Donyale Luna, 1973
Donyale Luna in Italy in 1973.
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Donyale Luna, 1969
Donyale Luna and her partner, photographer Luigi Cazzaniga at the Mare Moda fashion show in Capri, Italy in Sept. 1969.
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Donyale Luna, 1968
Brian Jones and Donyale Luna at the filming of the Rolling Stones Rock ‘n’ Roll Circus on Dec. 12, 1968 in Watford, Hertfordshire, England.
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Donyale Luna, 1968
Donyale Luna leaving Bow Street Magistrates’ Court in London on Nov. 15, 1968.
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Donyale Luna, 1966
Donyale Luna in March 1966.