Vintage Style Dons
Join us in celebrating 10 pioneers with impeccable swag.
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Sammy Davis Jr. - Dignity, confidence, attitude and a fine eye for all things fly kept these men on our radar then and now. Join us in celebrating 10 Black style pioneers with impeccable swag. Sammy Davis Jr. was the first African-American to appear on the cover of GQ magazine in September 1967. The Harlem-born Rat Packer had an affection for tailored suits and sharp footwear and was never one to shy away from whimsical accessories, like the polka-dot tie and satin pocket square he’s pictured in here. By: Metanoya Z. Webb (Photo: Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images)
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Harry Belafonte - Harry Belafonte’s smart fashion choices are a reflection of his Caribbean roots. Whether cleaned up or dressed down, the cute-faced Calypso singer and civil rights activist always leaves a few buttons undone. (Photo: CBS /Landov)
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Malcolm X - The brow-line glasses alone left a lasting impression on the fashion world. El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, bka Malcolm X, was not only one of the most influential freedom fighters of the 20th century, but a style pioneer revered for his conservative black suit and skinny tie combo, a look entertainers today so graciously embrace. (Photo: Terry Disney/Getty Images)
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Bob Marley - Rock ‘n’ roll fresh with island flair, Bob Marley’s music matched his look — unorthodox, comfortable and cool. (Photo: Michael Putland/Getty Images)
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. not only inspired millions during the civil rights movement with powerful speeches and exceptional oratory skills, King’s tilted derbies and mean overcoats left their mark in history, too. (Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
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Teddy Pendergrass - The pose says it all. Teddy Pendergrass' seductive baritone was matched with a knack for smooth style. Seriously, what other man do you know that can make white cowboy boots look sexy? (Photo: Courtesy Surefire/Wind Up Records)
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Billy Dee Williams - Actor Billy Dee Williams is celebrated for his good looks — deep eyes, soft hair, nice smile — but it’s the sex appeal he exudes when wearing slick separates that has us praising his style. (Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
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Gordon Parks - Gordon Parks was just as prolific as the subjects he captured on camera, often bringing flavor to the job in a power trench, using his signature mustache and pipe to lend individuality to his look. Aside from his distinguished style, Parks was the first African-American to work as a staff photographer for Life magazine and the first African-American to direct a major motion picture. (Photo: Adger Cowans/Getty Images)
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Marvin Gaye - Marvin Gaye is the man responsible for making denim on denim cool. He was superfly whether wearing a kufi, a three-piece suit, a floor-length mink and virtually anything he blessed the stage or the sidewalk in. (Photo: Detroit Free Press/MCT /Landov)
