The phrase “black is beautiful” has become so often used over the years that it has already entered the realm of cliché, but the fact remains that it is very true to the core. As far as our eyes our concerned, many of us are attracted to anything that is black, from black hair, to black dresses, to black lingerie. And it goes without saying that we also appreciate those ethnic ebony models that have entered the fashion modeling realm and carved a niche of their own. Some, like Ethiopian supermodel Liya Kebede, have held us in awe, and has since inspired minority models to aim high.

Kebede has made history as the first person of color to ever be a spokesmodel for cosmetics giant Estée Lauder. One of the very few ethnically African models to star in major runway shows and fashion photo shoots, Kebede Kebede has been featured in ad campaigns for such companies as Yves Saint-Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Victoria’s Secret, Gap, Dolce & Gabbana, Emanuel Ungaro, Revlon, Escada and Tommy Hilfiger. Also an actress who has appeared in Hollywood films like “The Good Shepherd”, and “Lord of War”, Kebede was chosen by the United Nations to become WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health.

The African nation of Nigeria also has its own contribution to the world of fashion in the person of Oluchi Onweagba. Oluchi, who now lives in New York City, has walked the runways of Paris, Milan, London and Tokyo for the world’s top designers and fashion houses, including Chanel, John Galliano, Giorgio Armani, Costume National and Christian Dior. A staple on the cover of fashion magazines, she has also appeared three times in the Swimsuit Issue of Sports Illustrated, and worked in ad campaigns for Victoria’s Secret, Banana Republic, Gianfranco Ferré and Express, among others.

Perhaps one of the most recognizable ethnic ebony models of all time is Alek Wek. A refugee from the civil war in her home country of Sudan, she is sometimes regarded as the ‘face of Africa’. Her distinctive looks have been showcased in numerous runway shows for the world’s most high-profile designers. Calvin Klein, John Galliano, Ermanno Scervino and Donna Karan all have had Wek walk the catwalk for them. She has also been featured in ads for Issey Miyake, Moschino, Victoria’s Secret and make-up company Clinique. On top of it all, she has garnered many modeling awards. Not bad for a member of the Dinka ethnic group in the Sudan.