How many people actually care about models? It’s a question that Bethann Hardison, a former model turned agent and activist, posed to me during our video call. And it’s a valid question. In the past, models were simply seen as pretty faces who helped sell clothes. Their personal stories were rarely explored or considered interesting enough for the big screen. But times have changed. Nowadays, there are multiple documentaries and docuseries dedicated to telling the stories of Black models. However, we must ask ourselves whether each one truly needs to be told, and why.
Even Hardison, who has had an illustrious modeling career and now stars in her own documentary, “Invisible Beauty,” initially didn’t think she had a story worth sharing. It wasn’t until she was convinced to do a film about herself that she realized her experiences were significant. “Invisible Beauty,” which she also co-directed and wrote, is a straightforward biopic that chronicles her life from her upbringing in Brooklyn to her successful career as a model and later as the founder of her own agency.
Throughout her journey, Hardison revolutionized the modeling industry with her call for diversity and fought against the industry’s prejudice. She reflects on her relationships, her successes, and her experiences as a dark-skinned Black model in the ’70s. Despite facing challenges, she never saw it as a racial issue. Her upbringing gave her a secure sense of self.
The mention of other Black models like Norma Jean Darden, Billy Blair, Naomi Sims, Pat Cleveland, and Ramona Saunders in Hardison’s documentary made me realize how unfamiliar I was with their stories. As someone who hasn’t closely followed the modeling world, I had only heard of Cleveland and Sims before watching “Invisible Beauty.” This lack of recognition raises the question of whether people truly care about models in general.
The release of “Invisible Beauty” has not sparked much conversation on social media. But now, I find myself wanting to know more about these models and their stories. Will others share the same curiosity, especially when historical narratives are often overlooked? Hardison recognizes the importance of telling these stories and how it falls upon films and TV to share them. However, the assumption that viewers will be interested in learning about the past solely from these mediums is a significant responsibility.
Another docuseries, “Time of Essence,” explores the history of Essence magazine, with brief appearances from models like Norma Jean Darden. While their inclusion highlights their contributions to the industry, it’s hard to determine if there is enough substance to these stories.
Similarly, “The Super Models,” which premieres on Apple TV+, focuses on the lives of supermodels Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, and Linda Evangelista during the ’90s. While it attempts to dissect that era, the necessity of the series is debatable.
Ultimately, the question of whether these stories need to be told in film form depends on the narrative. While the legacies of these models are undoubtedly worth acknowledging and discussing, it’s essential to consider whether a film adds value to their stories. Today’s audience may be more familiar with other models and may not prioritize learning about the past. However, if these stories are presented in an interesting and accessible way, they may spark curiosity and create an opportunity for learning and appreciation.
In the end, history and storytelling mean everything. It is through these mediums that we have the chance to preserve and share stories that might otherwise be forgotten. As Hardison aptly put it, “How stories are told means everything to me.”
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