I’ve been going through my stash of early ’70s Glamour magazines that I had the excellent foresight to save. Okay, I’m a bit of a hoarder when it comes to fashion magazines, but I am so glad that I have them. I feel that they provide a truer snapshot of the trends of the time, rather than any fashion history book.
On cover after cover, there seemed to be the same white, blonde, blue-eyed, All-American models: Cheryl Tiegs, Cybill Shepherd, Evelyn Kuhns, and Christie Brinkley. With Cheryl and Cybill being on the most covers. Then, finally, there was the wonderful November 1970 cover of Diane Washington; a gorgeous black model with an Afro and a natural, no-makeup look. I know Beverly Johnson became a supermodel later in the ’70s, and was on many covers, but the lovely Diane was first.
Even now, 45 years later, a black cover girl on a fashion magazine is a relatively rare occurrence. I am just glad that they finally had the sense to shake up the blue-eyed blonde assembly-line parade in 1970!
~Marilyn
I'm Marilyn, and I'm obsessed with vintage clothing, thrift stores, clotheslines, and Chanel. Welcome to my down-to-earth world!
Aloha Marilyn I stumbled across this again and Aloha Marilyn.
Wow every time I get good bumps at the opportunities this opened for me. I am grateful that you took the time to appreciate this moment in
history.
Sincerely Grateful,
Merci Beaucoup Cheri
Hello Dianne,
So nice to hear from you! You must have had some amazing experiences back in the “golden age” of modeling and magazines. You were certainly a beautiful part of that history. ♥
~Marilyn
Dearest Diane,
So many years have passed with so much to tell you. My name changed from Glynda to Gina; I finished two Law degrees, published a book on the history of Film Censorship, and started flying for United Airlines (mostly based in your home town-CHI). I would be thrilled to catch up with you on the family, and how YOU are doing!!! Coincidently, today, June 27, 2021 marks the 4th anniversary of Lee Jack’s death…
Please contact me soon. Stay blessed. Be well, friend-
Love,
Gina (502) 231-6916 home and (502) 807-4699-cell [No TXT]
email: FOTOGFx@aol.com