Beverly Johnson

City: La Quinta
Profession: World's First African American Super Model; Judge on reality show "She's Got the Look"; Owner of The Beverly Johnson Wig and Hair Extension Collection
Website: www.beverlyjohnson.com (currently under development)
MySpace: Will keep you posted.
Twitter: I don't Twitter...should I be? 

Who or what has most influenced your style, and why?

While I admire many, the most influential people throughout my life have been gay men with fabulous style.
 

What trends and designers do you love right now?

I love Dolce&Gabbana, Lloyd Klein and Valentino is my favorite of all time. I also absolutely adored Fernando Sanchez.
 

What was your style like in High School?

I was a competitive swimmer back then so I spent most of my time in a swimsuit. I have to admit that I didn't have any style in high school! I wore my older sister's clothes and would roll up the skirts. I was kinda nerdy and I always wore my hair in two braids. I would plan out my outfits for the entire week on the weekend.
 

What's your favorite bargain item in your closet?

I usually don't go to sample sales because I have a great relationships with designers, but while I was in New York this fall shooting "She's Got the Look," I went to a sample sale of the last collection that Valentino will ever do. I even saved the tags from the clothes I bought.
 

What beauty products are in your bag right now?

MAC lip gloss - a few different colors. I always wear the RoC Retinol Complexion Hand Repair. It's so good. La Bella Donna bronze translucent powder. Revlon Age Defying Foundation.
 

You're on a trip and the airline lost your luggage. What 3 items do you rush out to buy right away? 

I'll need clothes that I could wear to just about anything - a press interview, business meeting, quick lunch with friends and shooting a few holes. So - I would have to see.

1. Simple black dress
2. white Lacoste golf shirt
3. pair of Dolce&Gabbana jeans
    

Have you changed your personal style along with your success?

Yes, I certainly have. I went from being sporty to being super chic. Then I went from being very chic to being stylish. Then at some point I was to chic, stylish and fun. Now, I'm simple and stylish - and certainly sportier considering I spend so much time on the golf course.
 

What's the most surprising thing you've learned in your profession so far? 

In my day, I was always amazed at the actual influence that models have on the market and the consumer.
 

What are 3 things most people don't know about you?

1. My idea of a perfect day would be to play a spectacular round of golf and curl up with a good book in the evening

2. I'm not a big party person. I much prefer being at home with family, friends and my dogs.

3. People don't know that I'm a history buff.
    

Words of wisdom for those trying to break into your profession?

Always have a back-up plan. Modeling is not a life-long career, and you will have to do other things as you get older.
 

Look for the launch of Beverly Johnson's new website at www.beverlyjohnson.com