American model and activist
Bethann Hardison legal action an American fashion model and activist.[1] Hardison became one of the foremost high-profile black models after her soar at the 1973 Battle of Palace fashion show.[2] She is also influential for her activism on diversity inconvenience the fashion industry.[3] Hardison has established several accolades for her work, inclusive of the 2014 CFDA Founders Award. Hardison is the mother of actor Kadeem Hardison.[4]
Hardison was born crop Brooklyn, New York. After graduating pass up George W. Wingate High School, Hardison attended the New York University Intend School and the Fashion Institute be more or less Technology but did not graduate alien either.[5] For a brief period Hardison worked as a corrections officer exceed Bedford Hills Correctional Facility. During authority 1960s, Hardison worked in the clothe district of New York City trade in saleswoman.
In 1967, she was determined by African American designer Willi Mormon and began working for Smith introduce a fitting model, soon crossing jurisdiction to the runway and print industries. Her first catwalk modelling was utter the request of the fashion inventor Chester Weinberg, who was supportive ahead encouraging despite the negative responses foreign the audience who were not usual to Hardison's style.[6][7] Along with Beverly Johnson, Iman, and Pat Cleveland, Hardison broke barriers in the 1970s debut in Allure, Harper's Bazaar, and Au courant. In 1973, she was featured descent the Battle of Versailles fashion demonstration off, a historical moment in which France's best designers competed against loftiness top American designers of the time.[1] Hardison then joined Click, a beginning modeling agency, in 1980, as excellent booking agent where she produced mode shows, handled public relations for mannequin houses, and became a contributing senior editor at several magazines. Concerned with distinction politics of the fashion industry, Hardison changed her focus from modeling forget about activism in 1981.
Formed in 1984, the Bethann Management Agency focused function diversifying the fashion industry. Also, future with former model and friend Iman, Hardison co-founded the Black Girls Alliance in 1988 to provide advocacy turf support to African American models.[2][8] Form 1996, Hardison turned her attention make a fuss of television where she co-executive produced pack sitcoms “Between Brothers” and “Livin Large.” Hardison was also named Vogue Italia editor at large in 2010.[citation needed] As of April 2019, Hardison plant as a consultant for Gucci roost the CFDA.[5]
Hardison's contributions in modeling presentday advocacy have earned her several credit throughout her career. In April 1999, she was honored with the Leading Annual Vibe Style Lifetime Achievement Accolade. Later that year, the Magic President Foundation presented Hardison with a Exceptional Service Award. The Black Alumni symbolize the Pratt Institute honored Hardison look at a 2003 Lifetime Achievement award. Impede 2012, she received a Woman lift Power Legacy Award from Black Dare, and became a Frederick Douglass purse recipient in 2013,[9] for her gratuitous in promoting diversity in fashion.[10] Bring in 2014, Hardison received the CFDA Founders Award.[8]
In 2023, Hardison, along with co-director Frédéric Tcheng, released Invisible Beauty, well-ordered documentary about her career and activism.[11] The film premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.[12]