It has been exactly 20 years since an African woman last appeared on the cover of Elle Magazine.

Who is this new black face? None other than supermodel Maria Borges. You probably recognize this Angolan beauty from her high-profile campaigns with Givenchy, H&M, Bobbi Brown, Tommy Hilfiger and for recently becoming the new face of L’Oreal.

The 24-year-old model has made strides on some of the most famous runways in the world, and became the first woman to rock her natural tresses at the Victoria Secret Fashion Show back in 2015.

Photo: Elle

In her interview with Elle, Maria says that she hopes this cover inspires other women to follow her lead. "When I was growing up, I never saw someone like me, and now the other girls can see someone like them."

“Thank you @elleusa for this great opportunity” Maria said on Instagram yesterday. “It’s an honor to be on the cover of the AMERICAN ELLE, feeling beautiful and rocking my fro!”

The magazine cover is on local stands now.

Maria Borges

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