369: Fashion Trailblazer Bethann Hardison and Filmmaker Nailah Jefferson

In this week’s episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we welcome former model and and activist Bethann Hardison and filmmaker Nailah Jefferson.

Segment 1: Invisible Beauty shines a spotlight on the singular and unapologetic Hardison, one of the fashion industry’s most influential icons who, as a pioneering Black model, modeling agent and entrepreneur, has pushed the boundaries of fashion culture and has been at the forefront of progress throughout her career. In her lifetime, Hardison has seen the pendulum swing toward and away from the Black model. At every setback, she spoke up and rallied her colleagues and clients in the industry to advance change. Now in her 70s, the Brooklyn native is writing her memoir, taking stock of her own legacy at a moment when the fashion industry was shaken by discrimination. Opens in theaters September 15th.

Host: Jamie

Segment 2: Nailah is a New Orleans based filmmaker intrigued and inspired by the enduring human spirit, whose films span fiction and nonfiction. Her acclaimed work has been distributed domestically and internationally on the film festival circuit, theatrically and televised. Her film Donyale Luna: Supermodel explores the remarkable life and career of Donyale Luna, one of the first Black models who graced the covers of both Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar in Europe. The movies premieres Sept 13th on HBO.

Host: Jamie

Music by: Sammus
Edited by: Jamie Broadnax