Trailblazing model Renauld White, who significantly advanced diversity in fashion magazines and on runways, passed away at 80. He died under hospice care at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan, though the cause of death is unknown.
White’s funeral is scheduled for July 12 in Newark, N.J.White made history in November 1979 as the second Black model on the cover of GQ. Throughout his career, he modeled for top designers such as Bill Blass, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Donna Karan, among others.
In 2023, he came out of retirement to feature in a Dolce & Gabbana campaign. According to his friend and fashion designer Jeffrey Banks, White was a groundbreaking figure who opened doors for many in the fashion industry.
Starting his career in the 1960s, White attended Rutgers University briefly before diving into modeling. He gained recognition in a 1969 Look magazine feature and met Banks two years later at a Ralph Lauren fitting.
White emerged alongside other notable models of his time, paving the way for successors like Charles Williamson and Urs Althaus.White was an advocate for greater representation of Black models. In a 2011 interview, he recalled challenging the fashion industry to include more people of color.
Despite initial skepticism, he proved himself through successful campaigns for brands like Macy’s and Arrow Shirts. White maintained his fitness throughout his career, boasting a black belt in karate and a daily workout regimen.Bethann Hardison, another pioneering model, remembered White as a charming and influential figure from the late ’70s and ’80s.
White also had a stint on CBS’ “The Guiding Light” and aspired to transition into acting, performing in plays and occasionally escorting Aretha Franklin to events.
David Neeman of the Loyalty Foundation praised White’s mentorship and his story of breaking into modeling, which he shared with children in the Open Minds Mentorship program. White encouraged young people to aspire beyond modeling, advocating for education and entrepreneurship.
Jeffrey Banks described White as a perfect gentleman, whose kindness and helpful nature made his death a significant loss. White’s legacy as a model and mentor continues to inspire many.
