The Black Model Museum [#002]: Beverly Peele

From The Cocoa Lounge


Former supermodel, Beverly Peele

The Fashion Industry is such an interesting beast. It produces the most exquisite creations (human and textile) and throws them out like yesterday's trash at the mere sight of an imperfection--or worse--a new season.

Such is the story of Beverly Peele, who began her fashion career as a teenage It girl in the early 90's, riding in on the steam of Beverly Johnson, Iman, and Naomi Campbell before her. She appeared on and in between the covers of Harpers Bazaar, Seventeen, Mademoiselle, Italian Vogue and a host of other publications across the globe.



But it was the dark side of the fashion world that nearly derailed her career as Peele became involved with hard partying and recreational drugs before disappearing from the scene altogether. After the birth of her daughter, she returned to modeling with a vengenace, sparking hopes in fans and critics alike that--this time--she was back to stay. But in late 2005, trouble came knocking again as Peele was sentenced in a devastating identity theft case.

These days, it seems that Ms. Peele is back on the right track. She has traded in fashion for family and recently appeared on The Tyra Banks Show, to warn young model hopefuls about the dangers of the industry.

We salute Beverly Peele's courage and wish her the best in all her future endeavors, whether it includes modeling or not.