Great to see our former Loyalty Foundation Advisory Board member, model Renauld White featured in the Dolce & Gabbana Autumn ‘23 Campaign, photographed by Steven Meisel!
Back in October 2019 Renauld spoke with kids in our community as part of our Open Minds Mentorship program. Loyalty Foundation founder and CEO posted the following on Instagram at the time:
"I am humbled and honored to thank Renauld White, the First African American male model to appear on the cover of GQ magazine in 1979, for sharing his wisdom with the kids in our community. 75 years young, third degree black belt in karate, true pioneer, mentor, and American badass! Thank you for breaking that glass ceiling and your role in supporting our mission as Advisory Board Member Emeritus."
About Renauld White (via "Black Living Knowledge")
Renauld White revolutionized the industry by demanding equal representation in mainstream publications. In November 1979, White was the first African-American model to appear on the cover of GQ magazine
According to White, he got his start when he came to New York from nearby New Jersey one day to demand that agents at Wilhemina models allow more people of color the chance to compete in the industry.
White said, “I wanted to bring about change. I really confronted the establishment about why there were not more black male images. At first I thought I was going to get thrown in jail and beaten up because of my approach. But then they realized that they were wrong and that they were behind society and behind the times, and that they had to listen to me.”
“They offered me a contract because they thought that I would fail. Eventually, I proved myself.” White went on to not only cover GQ, but also score major campaigns with Black Tie cologne, Vitalis, and Arrows Shirts. He was the first black man to work the runways for Bill Blass, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, and Ralph Lauren. He also enjoyed success in Europe, where he walked for Yves Saint Laurent, Jean Charles de Castelbajac, Cerutti, Valentino, Armani, and Versace.
White later transitioned into the world of theater. He appeared on the soap opera “The Guiding Light,” for many years and now participates in several plays. His advice for aspiring models is, “We know we have to work…there’s work to be done. I try to talk to as many young people as I can, and encourage them to follow their dreams and to aspire to greater things outside of modeling. Modeling is only a bridge. What are you going to do after modeling is over? I had a 30+ year career, they don’t make those anymore. I encourage them to do amazing things. Take the money, go to school, open up a business, be an entrepreneur, and be self-reliant.”
Follow Renauld White on Instagram @renauldwhite Follow the Loyalty Foundation on Instagram @loyalty_foundation Dolce & Gabanna photos via Bella Agency Instagram @bellaagency
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