Maria Borges Just Became The First African Woman Of The Century To Cover Elle USA
Follow @eventlabgh < By Njideka Akabogu | April 11, 2017 It’s a week of firsts for Africans in the global fashion industry and...
It’s a week of firsts for Africans in the global fashion industry and we couldn’t be prouder.
Just yesterday, Edward Enninful made history as the first black person (and man) in 100 years to be appointed Editor In Chief of British Vogue. On the heels of that awesome news, Elle USA has unveiled Angolan model, Maria Borges as one of the cover stars for her May 2017 issue.
This would make the Victoria’s Secret model the first African woman of the century to cover the publication. She took to Twitter to share her excitement writing, “Honored to be the First African Woman of the Century to be on the cover of @elleusa. Thank you everyone for your support. #AFRICAxELLEUSA”
Maria joins 5 other models including Bella Hadid, Jasmine Tookes, Hailey Baldwin, Elsa Hosk and Candice Huffine as cover stars of the May edition.
Speaking to the magazine on the power of representation, Maria who was also recently unveiled as an ambassador for L’Oreal said, “The fashion industry is here for everyone, [regardless] of color or race. When I was growing up, I never saw someone like me, and now the other girls can see someone like them. It’s all about inspiration.”
This wouldn’t be the first time the model would be making a fashion history. In 2015, the Victoria’s Secret veteran made headlines when she walked the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show with her natural afro hair.
And even though Alek Wek and Ajuma Nasenyana had walked the show with fully shaved heads in the past, no model in the show’s then 20 years history had rocked an afro until Maria came along.
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