#ThrowbackThursday: Donyale Luna

You cannot have a historic beauty inspiration list without having this lovely yet tragic history maker; Donyale Luna.

Donyale Luna was born Peggy Ann Freeman on August 31, 1945 in Detroit, Michigan. The youngest of 3 daughters, Donyale began modeling and her career quickly took off.

In 1966, Luna became the first black model to appear on the cover of Vogue Magazine with this cover:

Stunning...

Donyale also starred in several films, including Skidoo, Sálome (where she played the title roll), and The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus.

But years of drug use had taken a major toll on Donyale's life, ruining relationships and forcing her into an institution Donyale passed on May 17, 1979 in Rome, Italy at the age of 33 due to a accidental heroine overdose while in a rehab clinic.

Yet, Donyale remains a well remembered figure in fashion and beauty.