Moments: Icons, Legends & Muses is a profound project that pays homage to iconic models of color, celebrating their timeless and ageless beauty, indomitable spirit, and boundless impact on the fashion industry. This photographic series project, brought to life by the artistic lens of African American photographer James L. Hicks II, showcases legendary figures who have left an indelible mark on fashion history.

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A Journey Through Time and Beauty

Within this project, you'll find captivating portraits and stories that resonate through the ages. "Mounia," for instance, embodies grace, poise, and the undying allure of models from the 1970s. Beverly Peele, a true supermodel, graces the pages, leaving her mark as a beauty that transcends time. Peggy Dillard Toone, the second black model to grace the cover of American Vogue, stands as a testament to breaking barriers and setting new standards. Alvin Clayton-Fernandes, celebrated in GQ Magazine, symbolizes the audacious spirit of the 1990s. These luminous souls have bridged the chasm between style and substance, and their stories echo in the corridors of fashion history.

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Cultural Preservation and Legacy

The significance of "Moments" goes beyond aesthetics; it delves deep into the realms of cultural preservation. Each photograph serves as a portal to an era, rekindling memories of a time when change and progress were being forged. These models were not merely faces on glossy pages; they were trailblazers who shattered barriers and set new standards for representation, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

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Historical Documentation and Inclusivity

As you gaze upon James L. Hicks II's captivating images, you bear witness to history unfolding. "Moments" documents the essence of models of color from different eras, preserving their legacy and the contributions they made to the fashion industry. In celebrating their achievements, we assert the importance of inclusivity and diversity in a world that is still evolving.

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A Visual Narrative of Empowerment

The images crafted by Hicks are more than just photographs; they are a visual narrative that captures the beauty, style, and cultural significance of these models over four decades. By immortalizing their moments, this project empowers individuals, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, by providing positive role models from the world of fashion. It sends a resounding message: "You too can."

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Education, Awareness, and Connection

Through "Moments," the public is given the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the history of models of color in the fashion industry. Their struggles, achievements, and impact are laid bare, educating us about the power of perseverance, courage, and tenacity. The project fosters cross-generational connections, illustrating how past icons have paved the way for newer models of color in the industry.

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Artistic Expression and Engagement

The medium of photography, accompanied by written narratives, is the artistic expression chosen to tell the stories of these models. This form of creative expression transcends the confines of fashion, infusing it with profound meaning and significance. "Moments" invites us to engage with art, history, and culture, immersing ourselves in the world of these iconic models.

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A Living Exhibition, A Captivating Book, An Enlightening Documentary

The "Moments" project extends beyond the confines of this narrative. It culminates in an exhibition that invites the public to experience the artistry and history firsthand. Simultaneously, a book is being crafted, a comprehensive narrative filled with images and context. And, for those who seek to delve deeper, a documentary series peels back the layers, revealing the lives, experiences, and contributions of these models, offering an engaging and educational viewing experience.

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Collaboration, Legacy, and Advocacy

This project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration. It unites models, fashion designers, historians, and other experts to ensure a comprehensive and accurate portrayal of history. "Moments" is more than an exhibition, a book, or a documentary; it's a legacy-building endeavor that will forever be part of the story of models of color in the fashion industry.

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Promoting Inclusivity and Inspiring Change

Above all, "Moments" serves as a platform to advocate for greater inclusivity and equal representation in the fashion industry and society as a whole. By highlighting the influence and accomplishments of models of color, it inspires positive change in an industry that is progressively recognizing the value of diversity.

As we celebrate the heritage, diversity, and excellence represented by models of color from bygone decades, "Moments: Icons, Legends & Muses" becomes more than just a photographic series project; it becomes a mirror reflecting our shared history and an ever-present source of inspiration for a future brimming with possibilities.

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