Bethann Hardison is a model, documentary filmmaker and activist. Hardison became one of the first high-profile Black models when she walked in the historic 1973 Battle of Versailles fashion show. She is also the founder of her namesake modelling agency, which has guided the careers of young models with a focus on diversifying the fashion industry. In 1988, alongside model Iman, she founded Black Girls Coalition to advocate for equal pay for Black and minority ethnic models and has garnered accolades including the CFDA’s Founder Award for her advocacy.
In 2018 Hardison founded The Designers Hub to guide and empower Black designers; the following year she became an inaugural member of Gucci’s Changemakers Council. Hardison made her directorial debut in 2023 with “Invisible Beauty,” a documentary that chronicles her career and has won awards including the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Documentary Film. She serves on the CFDA's Board of Directors and as Gucci's Executive Advisor for Global Equity and Cultural Engagement.
VITAL STATISTICS
RaiseFashion, ShopMy and J.Crew Group Celebrate the 2026 Masterclass Cohort During NYFW
The intimate New York Fashion Week dinner celebrated the organisation’s new masterclass cohort of 18 designers — its largest yet. Alongside the designers, guests included model and activist Bethann Hardison, fashion designer Naeem Khan and Moda Operandi’s April Hennig, as well as fashion executives, retail partners and programme advisors.
RaiseFashion, ShopMy and J.Crew Group Celebrate the 2026 Masterclass Cohort During NYFW
The intimate New York Fashion Week dinner celebrated the organisation’s new masterclass cohort of 18 designers — its largest yet. Alongside the designers, guests included model and activist Bethann Hardison, fashion designer Naeem Khan and Moda Operandi’s April Hennig, as well as fashion executives, retail partners and programme advisors.
BoF VOICES 2024: The Power of Purpose
Former model, agent and advocate Bethann Hardison, French drag queen Nicky Doll and model-and-influencer couple Nara and Lucky Blue Smith spoke about challenging societal norms and finding their power.
BoF VOICES 2024: The Power of Purpose
Former model, agent and advocate Bethann Hardison, French drag queen Nicky Doll and model-and-influencer couple Nara and Lucky Blue Smith spoke about challenging societal norms and finding their power.
Fashion’s Long Road to Inclusivity
From charges of cultural appropriation to outright racism, the last year has made clear just how far fashion still has to go to become more inclusive. Now, a perfect storm of identity politics, consumer activism and social media may bring about lasting change.
Fashion’s Long Road to Inclusivity
From charges of cultural appropriation to outright racism, the last year has made clear just how far fashion still has to go to become more inclusive. Now, a perfect storm of identity politics, consumer activism and social media may bring about lasting change.
The BoF Podcast: Bethann Hardison, Kerby Jean-Raymond, LaQuan Smith and Patrick Robinson: ‘We’ve Had Diversity, but Then It Disappeared’
The creatives spoke about the barriers that black designers face and how a new generation is finding success outside the fashion system.
The BoF Podcast: Bethann Hardison, Kerby Jean-Raymond, LaQuan Smith and Patrick Robinson: ‘We’ve Had Diversity, but Then It Disappeared’
The creatives spoke about the barriers that black designers face and how a new generation is finding success outside the fashion system.
American Fashion on the Cusp of Change: Bethann Hardison, Kerby Jean-Raymond, LaQuan Smith and Patrick Robinson
At BoF’s VOICES, the creatives spoke about the barriers that black designers face and how a new generation is finding success outside the fashion system.
American Fashion on the Cusp of Change: Bethann Hardison, Kerby Jean-Raymond, LaQuan Smith and Patrick Robinson
At BoF’s VOICES, the creatives spoke about the barriers that black designers face and how a new generation is finding success outside the fashion system.
Op-Ed | Agencies Are Holding Back Models of Colour
Designers want to work with a diverse range of models, but some modelling agencies are making it tough, says Bethann Hardison.
Op-Ed | Agencies Are Holding Back Models of Colour
Designers want to work with a diverse range of models, but some modelling agencies are making it tough, says Bethann Hardison.
Op-Ed | It's Time to Address Fashion's Race Problem
The fashion industry is still plagued by a troubling lack of diversity and racial sensitivity and too little is being done about it, says Jason Campbell.
Op-Ed | It's Time to Address Fashion's Race Problem
The fashion industry is still plagued by a troubling lack of diversity and racial sensitivity and too little is being done about it, says Jason Campbell.