1970s Fashion Portraits of Beverly Johnson

Beverly Johnson is a pioneering American model, actress, and businesswoman who made history in 1974 as the first African-American woman to appear on the cover of Vogue magazine. Her appearance marked a major turning point in the fashion industry, challenging long-standing standards of beauty and helping to pave the way for greater diversity in modeling and media.

Born 1952 in Buffalo, New York, Johnson originally studied criminal justice at Northeastern University before turning to modeling. She quickly rose to prominence in the 1970s, appearing on more than 500 magazine covers throughout her career, including Elle, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and Essence.

Johnson became more than just a model—she became a cultural icon. Her influence extended beyond fashion as she ventured into acting, appearing in films and television shows such as Ashanti, Martin, Law & Order, and The Love Boat. She also authored books, including her memoir The Face That Changed It All, which provides a candid look into her life, career, and the challenges she faced in the industry.

In addition to her work in entertainment and publishing, Johnson has been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in fashion, as well as a businesswoman with ventures in beauty and lifestyle products. Take a look at these glamorous photos to see portraits of a young Beverly Johnson as a model in the 1970s.

Beverly Johnson, photo by Rico Puhlmann, Glamour, 1972

Beverly Johnson in this laid-back shirtdress, drink and all, photo by Patrick Demarchelier, Glamour, April 1973

Beverly Johnson shown full length modeling Halston long dress made of pastel vertical pieces of flowing material, probably chiffon which has neckline which plunges in V to waist, photo by Dirck Halstead, circa 1973

Beverly Johnson with Saints Mark and Matthew, photo by Kourken Pakchanian, Brazil, Vogue 1973

Beverly Johnson, photo by Irving Penn for Vogue, February 1973

Beverly Johnson, photo by Irving Penn, Vogue, February 1973

Beverly Johnson, photo by Kourken Pakchanian, Vogue, December 1973

Beverly Johnson in wool-angora cardigan by Kasper and Bulgari diamond loop earrings, photo by Francesco Scavullo, Vogue, August 1974

Beverly Johnson wearing a buttonless rib-knit cardigan, jersey scarf blouse, and a striped knit skirt by Kasper with belt by Christian Dior, photo by Francesco Scavullo, Vogue, February 1974

Beverly Johnson wearing a chiffon wool wrap dress by Don Breitinger, with a narrow gold belt and flower pin at her waist, photo by Francesco Scavullo, Vogue, February 1974

Beverly Johnson wearing a crepe blouse, boy scout tie with a Van Cleef & Arpels diamond flower pin, and a narrow, belted skirt by Donald Brooks, photo by Francesco Scavullo, Vogue, February 1974

Beverly Johnson wearing a dark matte slip dress with thin rhinestone belt and buttonless cardigan by Adele Simpson, latched at the collar with a Van Cleef & Arpels diamond pin, photo by Francesco Scavullo, Vogue, February 1974

Beverly Johnson wearing a Jean Muir halter dress with fake diamonds and golden links belt by Judith Leiber, hair styled by Franvßoise of Suga Salo, photo by Bob Stone, Vogue, 1974

Beverly Johnson wearing a long fitted tube dress and floral print chiffon tie-jacket with wide sleeves by Stephen Burrows, photo by Francesco Scavullo, Vogue, 1974

Beverly Johnson wearing a plaid silk suit with shirt-jacket and front pleated skirt over a sleeveless pullover by Kimberly, and hat by Don Marshall, photo by Francesco Scavullo, Vogue, February 1974

Beverly Johnson wearing a sheer ribbed pullover with low neck and sashed waist by Ross-Zeldin, a tweed knit flared skirt by Scott Barrie, and holding a flat envelope bag by I. Mille, photo by Francesco Scavullo, Vogue, February 1974

Beverly Johnson wearing a tweed sweater suit with long button-front cardigan, matching flared skirt and sheer ribbed pullover by Scott Barrie, with a hat by Don Marshall, photo by Francesco Scavullo, Vogue, February 1974

Beverly Johnson wearing an ankle-length chevron striped dress by Jack Bodi and Ronald Kolodzie, with high heel sandals by Customcraft and envelope pocket book by Morris Moskowitz, photo by Francesco Scavullo, Vogue, February 1974

Beverly Johnson wearing Bonnie Cashin, photo by Francesco Scavullo, Vogue, November 1975

Beverly Johnson, Calvin Klein Fashion, 1975

Beverly Johnson, Calvin Klein Fashion, 1975

Beverly Johnson, 1977