Be a Little Meaner Wakeema

You don’t even have to know anything about fashion to know these names: Iman, Naomi, Alek. But what about Wakeema?
In the oh so whitewashed world of high fashion, women of color stand out and few more than African-American model, Wakeema Hollis. Her bee-stung lips are instantly recognizable, even when a third of her face is covered by an oversized hat on the Marc by Marc Jacobs (S/S ‘08) runway.

Unfortunately, you don’t see her doing a lot of editorial work, but Wakeema recently appeared in this controversial Moschino ad (second from left) and during NY Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2008, she walked for Tracy Reese, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Aurelio Costarella, Lyn Devon and Yeohlee.

I love Wakeema’s slightly upturned eyes and the way she tends to look really young and doll-like even though she’s in her twenties. She has amazing skin and features that jump out at you. I could absolutely see her as the face of a cosmetics company.
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[Yes, the post title is my lame attempt to bite Henry Holland’s cheeky, rhyming fashion t-shirts.]















February 4th, 2008 at 2:11 am
[…] strutted the runway in dropped waist dresses that sparkled with sequins and super-fierce model Wakeema Hollis bared her plumage in a purple feathered mini. Lengthier looks had models carrying cigarette holders […]
March 18th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
[…] haven’t done a model highlight since Wakeema, so I thought it was time and who better to put the spotlight on other than Jourdan […]