How Tyson Beckford Became The First Black Male Supermodel

Tyson Beckford is one of one. A true icon in every sense of the word, the trailblazing model and actor is having a bit of a full circle moment with his latest collaboration with New Era.

The legendary brand, which as Forbes describes, has “long been synonymous with iconic headwear for professional baseball players,” has a new venture with Beckford front and center: an apparel line. With the name “Brand New Era,” the line will see New Era branch out from just headwear to streetwear.

As Forbes points out, securing Beckford as the face of this new launch is a bit of a match made in heaven. Since first getting discovered in 1992, Beckford went on to become one of the most successful Black male supermodels of all time, working closely with brands like Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger, both brands that would become “synonymous with early forms of streetwear aesthetics.”

Beckford’s singular impact led him to collect and achieve numerous accolades, including VH1's “Man of the Year” 1 in 1995 and named one of People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People in the World.”

As the creative director of Brand New Era, Dao-Yi Chao, said in the Forbes piece, Gibson, “represents the face of a generation that really inspired the entire movement, especially in the mid-90s when New Era transcended sport and broke into culture in a big way.”

As fashion does what it always does, 90s trends and streetwear styles are in again, making this a perfect moment for Beckford to shine as the face of this brand. As the model shared in a statement obtained by Complex, “Growing up in the Bronx, my Yankees New Era cap in navy, red, and black has been a staple in my wardrobe throughout my career. Aligning myself with a brand that is evolving feels so true to my identity and perspective on life.”

There may have been many to come after Beckford, but his impact and legacy in the world of modeling and fashion can’t be understated. As Out Magazine writer wrote in 2017 that  Beckford is “without doubt the most famous black male supermodel of all time.” If his latest collaboration is proof of anything, the supermodel icon isn’t letting up anytime soon.