The world of fashion and entertainment mourns the loss of a trailblazer. Fashion model and soap opera actor Renauld White has passed away at the age of 80.
According to Jeffrey Banks, White’s longtime friend and renowned fashion designer, White was under hospice care at New York’s Lenox Hill Hospital when he breathed his last on Wednesday, June 26. The exact cause of death has not been confirmed.
Banks, aged 81, took to Instagram on Thursday, June 27, to share the sad news with his followers. He posted an old photo of White from his modeling days, captioning it with heartfelt words. “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dearest friend and work partner, RENAULD WHITE. He was a true gentleman and a wonderful representative of my brand,” Banks wrote. He went on to describe how White had broken barriers in the fashion industry and expressed his gratitude for their friendship.
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White’s impact extended beyond the runway. He graced the cover of GQ magazine in November 1979, becoming only the second Black model to achieve this feat. A strong advocate for diversity and representation in fashion, White played a pivotal role in pushing for greater inclusivity on designer runways. His efforts were recognized by WWD, who acknowledged his contribution to the industry.
White’s modeling career included walking the runways for iconic designers such as Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Donna Karan. He also worked with prestigious fashion houses like Yves Saint Laurent, Versace, Armani, and Cerutti. Additionally, he was the face of campaigns for major brands, including Macy’s, Black Tie cologne, Arrow Shirts, and Vitalis.
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White’s talents extended beyond the fashion world, as he also ventured into acting. He portrayed the character of William Reynolds on the long-running CBS soap opera Guiding Light, which aired from 1952 to 2009. White’s acting career added another layer to his already impressive body of work.
Even in his retirement, White’s influence remained. In 2023, he came out of retirement to collaborate with acclaimed celebrity and style photographer, Steven Meisel, on an ad campaign for Dolce & Gabbana. This further solidified his legacy in the industry.
In a 2011 interview, White revealed that he had approached Wilhelmina Models, a prominent modeling agency, to advocate for more people of color in the industry. He wanted to bring about change and address the lack of Black male representation in fashion. While his approach may have initially seemed confrontational, it ultimately led to positive change, as the industry began to recognize the importance of inclusivity and diversity.
