Gail O'Neill: From Vogue covers to CBS - Remembering a fashion icon

The fashion world mourns as one of its brightest stars, Gail O'Neill, graced the heavens above on October 10th. Remembered not just for her flawless beauty but her fervent advocacy, Gail was an emblem of strength, resilience, and passion.

From Xerox to Vogue: A Meteoric Rise

In an industry where overnight success stories often fizzle out just as quickly, Gail's journey from a Xerox marketing job in Westchester to global supermodel status in the mid-1980s was nothing short of legendary. A proud daughter of Jamaican immigrants, Gail's mark on the fashion industry is indelible. From adorning the covers of high-end magazines like Vogue, Mademoiselle, and Essence to being the face of brands like Avon, Revlon, and Coca-Cola, O'Neill's diverse portfolio stands as a testament to her versatility and talent.

"It's not every day that a person transitions from corporate corridors to the glitzy world of fashion and nails it like Gail did," says an insider in the modeling world.

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More than a Model: The Advocate Within

In a time where the representation of diversity in fashion was scarce, Gail stood as a beacon of hope for many. Teaming up with the likes of Naomi Campbell, she became an intrinsic member of the Black Girls Coalition - a pioneering initiative by Iman and Bethann Hardison. Her advocacy didn't stop there. "She was vocal against companies with South African investments during the apartheid era and firmly rejected ads promoting cigarettes." O'Neill was not just about the runway; she was about the right way!

A Telegenic Turn

As if conquering the modeling world wasn't enough, Gail's charm seamlessly transitioned to television. Joining as one of the founding correspondents of CBS' The Early Show in 1999, she showcased her knack for storytelling. Venturing further, she took on hosting duties for shows on CNN and HGTV, proving that she was more than just a pretty face.

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Over the past two decades, she also lent her expertise to ArtsATL in Atlanta, where she resided, further diversifying her impressive résumé.

As the world reminisces about Gail O'Neill's exceptional journey, one thing remains clear - she was not just a supermodel but a super role model for many. Her legacy will undoubtedly live on, shining brightly in the annals of fashion, advocacy, and television.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)