Who was Donyale Luna? | The US Sun

DONYALE Luna is widely known as the first-ever Black supermodel to be on the cover of British Vogue. Throughout her career, Donyale paved the way for young Black women to pursue modeling careers in the 60s.

DONYALE Luna is widely known as the first-ever Black supermodel to be on the cover of British Vogue.

Throughout her career, Donyale paved the way for young Black women to pursue modeling careers in the 60s.

Who was Donyale Luna?

Peggy Ann Freeman, widely known by Donyale Luna, was a supermodel born on August 31, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan.

Following her parents' divorce, Donyale coped with the split by studying performing arts, languages, and theatre around her neighborhood.

Donyale was around 18 years old when she began going by her stage name and even began speaking with an accent.

This persona opened the pathways for her bright career in modeling.

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Who discovered Donyale Luna?

In 1963, Donyale Luna was discovered by British photographer David McCabe, who was widely known for photographing Andy Warhol.

It was then that David invited Donyale to New York City to be photographed by him.

Her connection to the English photographer landed her a contract with Harper's Bazaar's editor Nancy White and famous photographer Richard Avedon.

Her first modeling gig included a shoot for Mademoiselle alongside filmmaker Woody Allen.

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In 1966, Donyale became the first Black woman to grace the covers of the March issue of British Vogue.

In June of the same year, the Detroit model made it on the cover of Harper's Bazaar UK.

She even appeared in an array of Andy Warhol projects and was said to be one of Salvador Dali's muses.

How can I watch Donyale Luna: Supermodel?

HBO revealed they were doing a documentary on the model which is set to be released on their streaming service Max on September 13, 2023.

Donyale Luna: Supermodel will follow the iconic works of the Black supermodel from the moment she was discovered until she passed.

Donyale was only 33 at the time of death and was married to photographer Luigi Cazzaniga.

She was survived by her daughter Dream who was only 18 months old when the model died.

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