Pat Cleveland

Pat Cleveland is a name that has become synonymous with the fashion industry. She is an African-American model who rose to stardom in the 1970s for paving the way for other people in the industry to succeed. Her remarkable work as a model has earned her a top spot in the industry, making her an inspiration to many aspiring models out there.

Born on June 23, 1950, in New York City, Pat Cleveland is the daughter of Lady Bird Cleveland, a fashion journalist. Her father, Johnny Johnston, was a saxophonist. Growing up, Pat Cleveland attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School and studied design at New York's High School of Art and Design, which honed her talent and skills in the fashion industry.

Pat Cleveland started her career as a model in the late 1960s and early 1970s, working with some of the biggest names in the fashion industry, including Diana Vreeland, Yves Saint Laurent, and Oscar de la Renta, among others. She was among the first African-American models who broke through to achieve success as a print and fashion model.

In 1974, Pat Cleveland became the first African-American model to appear on the cover of Vogue, a landmark moment in her career. She also worked for many other high-profile clients and designers, including Halston, Ralph Lauren, and Valentino, among others.

Pat Cleveland's success as a model was not only due to her stunning beauty, but also her unique personality traits, including her confidence, resilience, and determination. She was a trailblazer in the industry, paving the way for many other black models to shatter industry glass ceilings and make it big.

Before Pat Cleveland became famous, she faced numerous challenges and obstacles, including racism, discrimination in the industry, and personal struggles. Nevertheless, her unwavering determination and passion for modeling drove her to overcome these challenges and achieve great success in the industry.

Pat Cleveland married model and photographer Paul van Ravenstein, with whom she has two children, Noel van Ravenstein and Anna Cleveland, who are both involved in the fashion industry.

Pat Cleveland's hard work, dedication, and remarkable achievements in the fashion industry have earned her numerous fans and friends. She served as a muse for painter Salvador Dali, and her trailblazing efforts opened doors for many other African-American models in the industry. Her substantial contribution to the fashion industry will be remembered for generations to come.