Style Flashback: Veronica Webb

Veronica Webb wasn’t your average supermodel. This Detroit native (by way of Nigeria, South America and Asia!) is an accomplished writer, journalist and budding actress. Not many supermodels are blessed with brains as well as beauty. It was during her time at college in New York City that she was discovered on the street by a makeup artist in the early 1980's. As a runway model, she was in demand and photographed wearing fashions from the collections of Chanel, Azzedine Alaia, Isaac Mizrahi, Karl Lagerfeld, Todd Oldham and Victoria’s Secret. She has also appeared on the covers of Vogue, Essence and Elle magazines. Webb is probably best known for being the first black model to score an exclusive contract for the major cosmetics company Revlon, but she spent time serving as editor-at-large of Interview magazine, and was a monthly columnist for Paper Magazine, New York City's style guide to downtown cool, for five years. Veronica also wrote a weekly column on American culture in Panorama, Italy’s popular weekly news magazine, and has contributed as a writer for Details, Elle, The Sunday Times (UK) and The New York Times Syndicate. Webb has also had roles in prominant movies such as Jungle Fever and Malcolm X. In fact, she pursued acting because modelling simple wasn't satisfying enough. You can still pick up a copy of Veronica’s 1998 released book “Veronica Webb Sight: Adventures in the Big City” – a collection of essays reflecting on her life. Though she still writes extensively, Webb is fast becoming a household name since appearing as a co-host on the hit Bravo show “Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style.” Between filming the show and writing for pleasure, Webb dedicates her time to numerous charities including, LIFEBeat, Product Red and the RPM Nautical Foundation. Webb currently lives in Florida Keys with her husband George Robb and their two daughters. Of her modelling career Web says, "I will never lose my fascination and passion for the creativity and the talented people involved in making beautiful clothes and astounding photographic images which bring the fashion world to life in the lives and imaginations of the people everywhere in the world. Every generation defines itself against its predecessor." And with that said we eagerly wait to see what the next generation of black models will do to leave their mark.