There are plenty of Black women who embodied the spirit of the ’60s, but Marsha Hunt was another level of ferocity.
A true renaissance woman, the model, activist, actress, singer and muse first made headlines when she appeared in the original London production of Hair.
Although she had just a few lines in the psychedelic musical, photographer Justin de Villeneuve made her the show’s literal posterchild after taking this promotional photo:
From there, she embarked on a singing career that resulted in a stint of music festival performances and album releases. In short: she was a rockstar. And although most like to note her relationship with Mick Jagger–the father of her only child–we’re most enamored with her accomplishments in the fashion industry.
She made history as the first Black woman to cover England’s high fashion glossy, Queen, and appeared on the cover of British Vogue in 1969, a huge feat during that era. And in 2005, she recreated that same cover for her book after winning a battle with cancer.
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Marsha’s ability to thrive through decades of racial tension within the entertainment and fashion industries is what makes her an integral part of Black beauty history. She also doesn’t take a bad picture.
Seriously, case in point:
Purple curls? Peach blush? That choker?! Now, this is a look worth copying! Shop an updated version below and check out more photos of Hunt in all her glory.
1. Sephora Collection 5 Eyeshadow Palette: From flirty to intense purples, these shades are poppin’ for all skin tones. $25, sephora.com
2. ASOS Embroidered Pom Pom Choker: With a necklace this ornate, you don’t need any other accessories. $23, asos.com
3. Make Up For Ever HD Blush: MUFE is one of the few brands making shades for us and their cream blush is no exception. $26, sephora.com
4. Ciaté London Pretty Stix Murumuru Butter Lipstick in Innocent: The most perfect peach lipstick we’ve ever seen. $20, sephora.com
See more photos of our Black beauty muse below!
Serving rockstar realness in leather shorts.
A queen on her throne.
Still beautiful without all the frills.
Pretty in patterns.
Afrolicious.
Slaying in menswear.
Fresh faced and ready for her close up.
Perfection.
She’s got her eye on you.
She’s got the moves.
Making overalls chic.
