How Celeb Icons Changed Current Style Trends

Black History Month is the perfect time to give credit to the greats of our generation.

Some of these legends have impacted our current style trends in mainstream media, hip hop, and pop culture.

Nowadays, supermodels are well respected and sought after. Most of us are familiar with how emotionally and physically taxing this profession can be. However, supermodels weren't always considered "super."

Here’s how Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell, and Erykah Badu changed the game!

Naomi Campbell

Naomi Campbell, along with 5 of her peers, were considered the first supermodels of the fashion industry in 1990. Naomi Campbell was the only black model in this elite group.

Naomi Campbell went on to have some of the most iconic moments during the supermodel era. One of these moments includes Campbell walking the catwalk for Versace with her peers, arm-in-arm and lip-synching the words to "Freedom! '90".

Campbell has become known for being outspoken during her career. She spoke out on the racial bias, discrimination, and prejudice found within her industry. She wasn't afraid to stand up for herself or other women in the fashion industry.

Since then, Campbell has been involved in activism and charity work. She's organized events for the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and worked with other organizations.

Campbell has even started charities, including We Love Brazil and Fashion For Relief, helping thousands across the globe. Fashion For Relief has reportedly raised more than £4.5 million since 2011.

Tyra Banks

Naomi Campbell's contribution to the fashion industry is still palpable. Being the first African American supermodel paved the way for minorities today—one of those women being Tyra Banks.

Tyra Banks has impacted the fashion industry permanently. She and Campbell are some of the only black models to achieve supermodel status. In fact, Tyra Banks received the VH1 award for "Supermodel of the Year" in 1997. She was also the first woman on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Additionally, she was the first African-American woman on the cover of GQ.

But Banks’ most prominent contribution might be her production of America's Next Top Model. ANTM provided women across the U.S the opportunity to strut their stuff, regardless of race. Supermodels like Fatima Siad and Yaya DaCosta are just two of the models who have launched their careers as a result of ANTM.

Erykah Badu

Even though she isn't a model, Erykah Badu's influence has stretched across fashion and music industries. Erykah Badu's eclectic sound backed by her vibrant look drew in fans across the globe.

Badu's music takes notes from R&B, hip hop and is now considered "neo-soul." In fact, Badu is viewed as the queen of this genre, with hits such as "On & On" and "Bag Lady."

However, Badu's primary influence may be her afro-centric style She wears bright headdresses, wraps, and garments to highlight her heritage. This style can still be seen today in mainstream media and hip hop. It's safe to say Erykah Badu paved the way for female African American artists such as Janelle Monáe and Little Simz.

These are only a few ways these amazing women have impacted current style trends, and what these women accomplished provided future generations a stable foundation. The influence Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell, and Erykah Badu had on mainstream media and the fashion industry will remain for years to come.

Who's your favorite supermodel? Let us know on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mobilestylesapp!