Explore the iconic “Jet Magazine Beauty of the Week 80s,” celebrating bold style, Black beauty, and empowerment during a defining decade.
The 1980s were a defining decade, not just for fashion and music, but for beauty, too. A time when bold, unapologetic style took center stage, and magazines like Jet highlighted the dynamic beauty of Black women. One of the most iconic features in Jet magazine during this era was the “Beauty of the Week” segment, which celebrated and spotlighted Black women from all walks of life. The series was not just about showcasing beauty; it was about empowering and elevating these women as symbols of strength, elegance, and confidence. This article dives deep into the world of Jet Magazine’s “Beauty of the Week” during the 1980s, unraveling its impact, iconic moments, and the unforgettable women who graced its pages.
What You'll Discover:
The Rise of Jet Magazine and its Influence on Black Beauty Culture
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the “Beauty of the Week” feature, let’s take a step back and understand why Jet magazine was such an influential platform during the 1980s. Founded in 1951 by John H. Johnson, Jet magazine quickly became the go-to publication for African Americans. It provided a unique space for Black culture, history, and community issues, often covering topics overlooked by mainstream media.
By the time the 1980s rolled around, Jet had become a staple in Black households across the United States, featuring everything from civil rights stories to celebrity interviews. But the “Beauty of the Week” feature was especially significant. It wasn’t just a segment about showcasing attractive women; it was a statement about redefining beauty standards. In a time when mainstream beauty magazines often ignored or misrepresented Black women, Jet provided a platform where Black women were celebrated for their unique features, radiant skin, and bold personalities.
What Made the “Beauty of the Week” So Special?
Celebrating Diversity in Beauty
One of the most revolutionary aspects of the “Beauty of the Week” feature was its celebration of diversity. The 1980s saw an explosion of different beauty standards and body types. Unlike the predominantly Eurocentric beauty ideals often promoted by other magazines, Jet understood that Black beauty came in all shapes, sizes, and shades. Whether it was a woman with smooth chocolate skin, rich curls, or striking facial features, Jet magazine ensured that all forms of Black beauty were given the attention they deserved.
A Spotlight for Everyday Women
The “Beauty of the Week” wasn’t just about famous models or celebrities. Jet often featured regular women from all over the country. These women were chosen for their unique beauty, confidence, and charisma. For many readers, seeing women who looked like them featured in a major magazine gave them a sense of pride and validation. It reminded them that beauty was not confined to the pages of high-fashion magazines or Hollywood films. It could be found in their own communities, in their own families, and in themselves.
The Power of Representation
Representation is everything, and in the 1980s, it was hard to find representation of Black women in the media that felt genuine and empowering. Jet’s “Beauty of the Week” changed that. These women were more than just pretty faces—they were community leaders, professionals, mothers, and activists. By featuring them, Jet elevated the narrative around Black women, proving that beauty is multifaceted and rooted in identity, culture, and experience.
Iconic Beauty of the Week Features from the 80s
Naomi Campbell – A Global Supermodel in the Making
One of the most unforgettable faces to grace the Jet Magazine Beauty of the Week feature during the 1980s was none other than Naomi Campbell. While Naomi is now a household name, she was first introduced to the public as a Jet Beauty in the mid-1980s. At the time, Naomi’s striking looks were beginning to turn heads in the fashion world, and her appearance in Jet solidified her as a rising star. Her presence on the cover of Jet served as an early indicator of her future as one of the most iconic supermodels in history.
Naomi’s fierce, high-fashion look challenged the traditional conceptions of beauty that dominated the fashion industry, especially for Black women. Her undeniable poise and elegance set her apart, making her one of the most sought-after models of the era. Her inclusion in Jet’s feature also paved the way for future models of color, offering visibility and opportunity in an otherwise exclusive industry.
Iman – The Supermodel Who Redefined Elegance
Another unforgettable beauty featured in Jet’s Beauty of the Week was Iman, whose Somali heritage and stunning looks made her one of the most recognized supermodels of the 1980s. Iman had already made waves internationally, but her feature in Jet brought her closer to home for Black American readers. She represented a blend of exotic beauty and sophistication that was celebrated both in the fashion world and in Black culture.
Iman was more than just a model. She became a businesswoman, philanthropist, and advocate for diversity in fashion, often challenging the industry’s narrow standards of beauty. Her feature in Jet was a symbol of empowerment, showing readers that Black women could dominate not only in beauty but also in entrepreneurship and global influence.
LaToya Jackson – A Beauty in the Spotlight
The Jackson family was no stranger to the spotlight, and LaToya Jackson’s appearance in Jet’s “Beauty of the Week” showcased her individual beauty, separate from her famous brothers. In the 1980s, LaToya’s career was taking off, and her involvement in the entertainment industry was becoming more prominent. Her fresh-faced look and charming smile made her an ideal candidate for the Beauty of the Week feature.
What made LaToya’s feature unique was that it wasn’t just about her beauty—it was about her authenticity. LaToya represented a new wave of Black women in entertainment who were defining their own identities, separate from the stereotypes that often accompanied fame. Jet magazine’s coverage of LaToya highlighted this emerging cultural shift.
The Legacy of Jet Magazine’s Beauty of the Week
Cultural Impact and Lasting Influence
The Jet Magazine Beauty of the Week feature left an indelible mark on the way Black women were represented in the media. It became a cultural touchstone, with each new “Beauty of the Week” adding to the rich tapestry of Black femininity. These women were not just celebrated for their looks—they were celebrated for their strength, individuality, and contributions to their communities.
Today, Jet Magazine’s legacy continues to influence how Black beauty is perceived, both within and outside of the Black community. The magazine’s unique portrayal of beauty paved the way for more inclusive beauty standards in the fashion industry and mainstream media. In a way, the “Beauty of the Week” feature helped to define the aesthetic of Black beauty that is celebrated globally today.
How the Feature Influenced Future Generations
The women featured in Jet’s “Beauty of the Week” were often the first models of color to appear in major campaigns and international runway shows. Their stories inspired generations of Black women to embrace their natural beauty, defy conventional beauty norms, and pursue careers in fashion and entertainment. The impact of these features extended far beyond the magazine itself, contributing to the changing landscape of beauty standards in the United States.
Furthermore, the idea that beauty came in many forms helped spark a wider movement toward diversity in the media, which we are still witnessing today. From the inclusion of models like Tyra Banks and Beyoncé to the emergence of brands that cater specifically to Black women, Jet’s legacy is alive and well in today’s media landscape.
Why “Jet Magazine Beauty of the Week” is Still Relevant Today
The Need for Authentic Representation
In today’s world, where social media reigns supreme, the importance of authentic representation cannot be overstated. The “Beauty of the Week” feature in Jet was ahead of its time, presenting women who were not only beautiful but also authentic, relatable, and multifaceted. In an era dominated by filters and airbrushing, this raw and real portrayal of beauty is still incredibly relevant. It serves as a reminder that beauty is diverse and personal, not confined to a singular, cookie-cutter ideal.
The Celebration of Black Excellence
Finally, the “Beauty of the Week” feature was more than just about showcasing attractiveness—it was about celebrating Black excellence. The women who were featured in Jet were often at the forefront of their respective fields, whether it be in fashion, entertainment, or activism. Their beauty wasn’t just physical; it was also reflected in their accomplishments, personalities, and contributions to society. This is a lesson that remains vital today.
Key Takings
- The “Beauty of the Week” segment from Jet magazine in the 1980s shaped and celebrated the perception of Black beauty.
- It was more than a magazine feature; it became a movement showcasing pride, strength, and diversity.
- The women featured symbolized empowerment and challenged traditional beauty standards.
- The segment’s legacy continues today as Black beauty breaks barriers and redefines societal norms.
- In the ongoing fight for representation, Jet Magazine’s “Beauty of the Week” remains a symbol of empowerment, authenticity, and cultural pride.
- It highlights that beauty reflects identity, heritage, and values beyond physical appearance.
