Ophelia DeVore (1921–2014) was a pioneering African American businesswoman, model, and publisher who made significant contributions to the fashion and beauty industries in the United States. Her work opened doors for countless African Americans in fashion, media, and business, paving the way for greater diversity and inclusion.
Early Life and Education
Ophelia DeVore was born on August 12, 1921, in Edgefield, South Carolina. She moved to New York City as a child, where she graduated from Hunter College High School and attended New York University, majoring in mathematics.
Modeling Career
DeVore began modeling at age 16 and became one of the first African American models in the United States. Due to her fair skin, she initially passed as Norwegian, allowing her to gain contracts in Europe during a time when opportunities for Black models in the U.S. were extremely limited.
The Grace Del Marco Agency: Pioneering Diversity in Fashion
Pioneering Representation
Founded in 1946 by Ophelia DeVore and her friends, the Grace Del Marco Agency was one of the first modeling agencies in the United States to represent non-white models. At a time when opportunities for African Americans and other minorities were extremely limited due to racial discrimination, the agency aimed to provide a platform for these models to gain visibility and break into mainstream fashion and advertising campaigns.
In 1946, DeVore co-founded the Grace Del Marco Agency, one of the first modeling agencies in America to represent non-white models. She followed this by establishing the Ophelia DeVore School of Self-Development and Modeling in 1948. Her agency and school were instrumental in launching the careers of many notable figures, including Diahann Carroll, Helen Williams, Richard Roundtree, and Cicely Tyson.
Media and Publishing
DeVore made significant strides in media as well. In 1955, she hosted ABC’s weekly television show “Spotlight in Harlem,” the first TV program in New York City produced by and for African Americans. Later, she became the owner and publisher of The Columbus Times newspaper in Columbus, Georgia, further expanding her influence and reach.
Advocacy and Recognition
A tireless advocate for African American beauty and talent, DeVore promoted the phrase “Black is Beautiful” long before it became a popular movement in the 1960s. Her efforts earned her a spot on the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts for the Kennedy Center, appointed by President Reagan in 1985. DeVore’s impact was also highlighted in Brian Lanker’s “I Dream a World,” a collection of portraits and biographies of influential Black women.
Breaking Barriers
The agency helped challenge racial barriers in modeling and advertising, advocating for the inclusion of Black models in a positive light to attract the emerging Black consumer market. By showcasing diverse models, the Grace Del Marco Agency contributed to expanding societal perceptions of beauty beyond the predominantly white standard that existed at the time.
Industry Recognition
As the agency gained success, it attracted attention from major fashion designers and industry figures, helping to legitimize the presence of Black models in mainstream fashion. By providing a platform for non-white models and actively working to change industry perceptions, the Grace Del Marco Agency was instrumental in increasing diversity and representation in the fashion and advertising industries.
Launching Prominent Careers
The Grace Del Marco Agency was instrumental in launching the careers of several notable figures, including Diahann Carroll, Helen Williams, Richard Roundtree, and Cicely Tyson. Helen Williams, often described as the first Black supermodel, became the most successful Black American model of the 1950s and 1960s, appearing in ads for major brands like Kodak and Bulova.
Educational Impact
In addition to the agency, DeVore established a charm school in 1948 that provided training in various aspects of modeling and self-presentation, helping to prepare models for professional success. The school offered a comprehensive curriculum that included classes like Wardrobe, Social Graces, and Figure Control with Fencing and Ballet, fostering both outward presentation and inner confidence.
Cultural and Social Influence
The agency played a crucial role in promoting the ethos of “Black is Beautiful” long before it became a widespread movement in the 1960s. By showcasing the beauty and talent of African American models, the Grace Del Marco Agency contributed to changing societal perceptions of beauty and helped pave the way for greater diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry.
Global Influence
The agency’s influence extended beyond the United States, with models gaining international recognition. For instance, Cecilia Cooper won the Miss Festival beauty contest at the Cannes Film Festival in 1959, marking the first time an American had won the contest.
DeVore’s agency worked with major companies like Pepsi-Cola, Revlon, and Coca-Cola, encouraging them to use African American models in their advertisements, thus increasing the visibility of Black models in mainstream media.
Ophelia DeVore’s pioneering work in fashion, media, and representation has left an indelible mark on multiple industries. Her contributions have opened doors for countless African Americans and paved the way for greater diversity and inclusion. The Grace Del Marco Agency, alongside her other ventures, played a critical role in challenging and changing beauty standards, breaking racial barriers, and promoting the talent and beauty of African Americans. DeVore’s legacy continues to inspire and influence the world of fashion and beyond.