It's difficult to imagine now in our world of Instagram, live streaming and YouTube stars but in November 1973, the fashion industry was changed by a single show. The Battle of Versailles fashion show, to be exact, held in the French palace to raise money for its restoration. And while the intention was to pit some of the leading French designers – including Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior and Hubert de Givenchy – against American names like Oscar de la Renta and Halston, it was the Americans' model casting that really stole the show. 11 African American models walked the runway – a small number but unprecedented at the time. Among them was Bethann Hardison, who went on to blaze a trail in the industry, becoming a strong advocate for diversity in fashion.
The current conversations regarding diversity are, quite rightly, dominating our social and cultural landscapes at present, but Hardison tried to ignite these discussions way back in the 1970s when she was appearing in Harper's Bazaar, Allure and Vogue. Now, among her many roles she serves as a consultant to Gucci, who has also just recruited her to be one of the faces in its Pre-Fall 2020 lookbook.
The images were captured by Bruce Gilden, the American street-style photographer on the streets of Rome. It's Hardison, who wears Alessandro Michele's typically irreverent and playful creations with a fixed gaze and impressive nonchalance, who really steals the show. Speaking to Fashionista, she said: 'Arriving at the shoot, I understood I had already slipped into the world of Alessandro Michele, who chose me to be a part of this special collection. Then I met the unique wizard Bruce Gilden, a photographer who captured my character. I came this far, to Rome, Italy, to feel completely at home. That's the joy of stepping into the world of Alessandro Michele.'
Gucci appointed Renée E. Tirado as its new Global Head of Diversity back in the summer of this year, after some accusations that the brand was promoting blackface with one of its jumpers. Whether or not the new lookbook is a direct result of Tirado's hiring doesn't really matter, though – the fact is that Gucci has chosen in Hardison a woman who has already opened so many doors for those whose voice was not being heard. Long may she continue to do so. In all her Gucci finest.
SEE: The Best Street Style From Milan Fashion Week
The best street-style at Milan Fashion Week
1 of 10Olivia Palermo at MFW
It wouldn't be Fashion Month without a Palermo sighting. Here, Olivia gives a masterclass in how to mix and match jewel tones.
2 of 10Pernille Teisbaek at MFW
Invest in a slick trench coat like Pernille this season - it's the perfect outerwear for in between weather.
3 of 10Erika Boldrin at MFW
Erika Boldrin does head-to-toe leather - the New Bottega accessories are, well, everything!
4 of 10Emili Sindlev at MFW
Match a bold shoe to your bag for maximum impact like Emili Sindlev.
5 of 10Ann-Kathrin Gotze at MFW
Ann-Kathrin wears the MaxMara crocodile-print boots atop every fashion insider's wish list.
6 of 10Tamu McPherson at MFW
We would love a peek in Tamu McPherson's accessories wardrobe. The sandals! The bags! The sunglasses!
7 of 10Jeanne Damas at MFW
Jeanne Damas proves that heritage checks can spell cool in a belted-and-buttoned brown frock.
8 of 10Jenny Walton at MFW
Jenny Walton is the master of the print clash. Try teal leopard with lime roses and see how you get on.
9 of 10Natasha Goldenberg at MFW
You can always get away with a bit of peekaboo action if you drape a chunky cardi over your shoulders.
10 of 10Yoyo Cao at MFW
Wear your eco-credentials on your sleeve or, in this case, on your belt like Yoyo Cao.
Gucci's Pre-Fall 2020 Lookbook:
Creative Director: Alessandro Michele
Art Director: Christopher Simmonds
Location: Roma
Photographer: Bruce Gilden
Hair Stylist: Alex Brownsell
Make Up: Thomas De Kluyve