Southern University’s Trinity Smith Makes Vogue Open Casting History as the Only African-American Selected From 70,000 Applicants
Southern University and A&M College senior Trinity Smith has made international history after being selected as one of the top semi-finalists in the 2025 Vogue Open Casting competition, rising above more than 70,000 applicants from around the world. As the only African-American chosen in this year’s global pool, Smith’s milestone positions her as a rising star and a bold new representative of HBCU excellence—reflecting the growing global influence of institutions like Southern University and their contributions across culture, fashion, and creative industries. Her advancement in the Trinity Smith Vogue Open Casting process also highlights the innovation and visibility emerging from HBCUs on the international stage.
Trinity Smith Vogue Open Casting Selection Elevates HBCU Representation Worldwide
A 21-year-old criminal justice major, Smith has balanced her academic career with her passion for modeling, demonstrating the discipline, leadership, and determination that define the Southern University experience. Her selection for the Trinity Smith Vogue Open Casting semi-finalist group places her among a curated list of fresh faces identified by Vogue editors and global casting leaders.
Vogue’s Open Casting initiative—regularly covered by outlets like Vogue and Teen Vogue—is known for amplifying diverse and underrepresented voices in an industry historically lacking in Black representation.
Smith’s recognition as the only African-American finalist this year underscores the continued need for visibility and equity in fashion, while also amplifying how HBCU students are shaping spaces long dominated by non-Black talent.
Trinity Smith’s Journey Reflects the Brilliance of HBCUs
Smith’s story adds to a long lineage of trailblazing HBCU achievements frequently covered across our platform, including breakthroughs from schools such as Howard University and accomplishments within the Southern University system.
Her selection is both a personal triumph and a cultural moment for Black women in modeling. “Being selected out of 70,000 people worldwide is an unbelievable honor,” Smith shared. “As a young Black woman from an HBCU, I’m proud to represent my community and show others that we can compete and excel on every level—even the world’s biggest fashion platforms.” Her pride echoes the resilience, creativity, and confidence consistently nurtured within HBCU communities nationwide.
What’s Next for Trinity Smith as She Advances in the Vogue Open Casting Competition
As Smith prepares for graduation and enters the next phases of the Trinity Smith Vogue Open Casting competition, the world continues to take notice. Her story reflects the broader movement of Black women reshaping contemporary fashion, a topic often highlighted in publications such as Essence and The Cut as they document rising Black influence in beauty, modeling, and media.
Whether she ultimately walks for major designers, becomes the face of global campaigns, or partners with influential fashion houses, Smith has already cemented her place as an inspiration to young Black women and HBCU students. Her achievement affirms that global opportunities are not only accessible but attainable for HBCU talent.
Trinity Smith’s Rising Impact on HBCU Visibility and Global Fashion
Smith’s historic accomplishment is more than a personal success—it is a cultural signal illustrating how HBCU students continue to shape high-profile spaces around the world. As conversations about diversity and representation evolve, her visibility ensures that Southern University and the broader HBCU community remain central to the narrative.
The Trinity Smith Vogue Open Casting milestone proves yet again that when brilliance, opportunity, and preparation align, HBCU students rise—and the international stage rises with them.
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