Documentary on Donyale Luna, first Black supermodel, premieres on Sky Arte
On May 17, 2024, the 45th anniversary of her death, Sky Arte airs the documentary "Donyale Luna: Supermodel" produced by HBO. The film traces the career of Peggy Ann Freeman, known as Donyale Luna, the first African American model to achieve international fame. Discovered in New York by photographer David McCabe, she posed for Richard Avedon, worked with Twiggy and Veruschka, and became a muse for Andy Warhol. Her 1966 Vogue UK cover became a symbol of change. She moved to Europe, collaborating with Salvador Dalí, Carmelo Bene, and Federico Fellini, and married photographer Luigi Cazzaniga. The documentary includes archival materials, interviews, and contributions from her daughter Dream Cazzaniga, highlighting her struggles and legacy in breaking racial barriers in fashion.
Key facts
- Donyale Luna died in Rome on May 17, 1979, at age 33.
- The documentary 'Donyale Luna: Supermodel' airs on Sky Arte on May 17, 2024.
- She was the first African American model to achieve international fame.
- She was discovered by photographer David McCabe in New York.
- She posed for Richard Avedon and worked with Twiggy and Veruschka.
- She was a muse for Andy Warhol.
- Her 1966 Vogue UK cover was a symbol of change.
- She collaborated with Salvador Dalí, Carmelo Bene, and Federico Fellini.
Entities
Artists
- Donyale Luna
- Peggy Ann Freeman
- David McCabe
- Richard Avedon
- Twiggy
- Veruschka
- Andy Warhol
- Salvador Dalí
- Carmelo Bene
- Federico Fellini
- Luigi Cazzaniga
- Dream Cazzaniga
Institutions
- Sky Arte
- HBO
- Vogue UK
- Artribune
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Detroit
- New York
- Europe
- London