Summary

The beauty and fashion world attracts enormous interest. Everybody knows who Naomi Campbell is, but few know of South Africa's local Naomi Campbells-past and present. This book is an extraordinary mix of glamour, nostalgia, and social analysis, taking the reader on a journey through South African history and politics from the unusual perspective of the beauty industry. Backed by a photo gallery of classic icons from the 50s, 60s, and 70s to the present, Beauty...A Black Perspective celebrates the inspirational role of beautiful and courageous Black women. The book also looks at the business of beauty and recounts the struggles and successes of Black practitioners trying to make it in this competitive sector. Author Nakedi Ribane was a leading model of the 1980s, co-owning one of the very few Black modeling agencies of note in South Africa. Ribane is ideally placed to offer a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of the most underrated yet influential industries.