Why the name ‘Invisible Beauty,’ you ask? Let us introduce you to the ‘invisible’ black supermodel who changed fashion for the better. When you think of legendary models, you probably don’t consider the name Bethann Hardison — but you should. Hardison was one of the most beloved Black models in the ’70s, walking the runway at the historic Battle of Versailles fashion show in 1973, where French designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Hubert de Givenchy faced off against American designers including Bill Blass and Halston. Supermodel Naomi Campbell calls Hardison a “second mother” and Iman calls her a “shining light of kindness.”
Hardison is the subject of the documentary Invisible Beauty, made in partnership with Vogue Studios, which shines a light not only on her modeling days but also on her activism as she worked to promote diversity in the fashion world. In 1984, Hardison founded the Bethann Management modeling agency and represented models including Tyson Beckford. Alongside Iman, Hardison also cofounded the Black Girls Coalition, an organization created to focus on Black models and encourage diversity on the runway and in fashion magazines. “I just wanted to celebrate Black models,” Hardison told the Hollywood Reporter. “I wanted them to see each other.”
Hardison also branched out into television, worked for Italian Vogue, and so much more. In 2020, she was named Gucci’s executive advisor for global equity and cultural engagement and sits on CFDA’s board of directors.
Hardison continues her advocacy for diversity, representation, and inclusivity in fashion and mentors others in the industry, especially designers of color. “I always know we can change things,” Hardison says in the trailer for the documentary. “I’ve done it before.”
