Model industry veteran Bethann Hardison, will be honored by the Council of Fashion Designers of America this year for her work to push for more diversity on the runways.
Hardison, a former model and agency owner, several years ago launched a call to action for designers and casting directors to include models of all ethnicities in their shows.
She spread the message through her “Diversity Coalition” with Iman and other top models.
CFDA president Diane von Furstenberg made the announcement of Hardison’s honor Tuesday afternoon.
Hardison, whom von Furstenberg called “the godmother of all the wonderful, beautiful models,” will receive her award June 2 at a ceremony at Alice Tully Hall.