Diandra Forrest, the African-American Albino Catwalk Model
Diandra Forrest is seriously changing the game in the fashion world. She’s one of the first models with albinism to make it big, and that alone is a huge deal. But she’s not just posing for the camera—she’s out here pushing for diversity, inclusion, and body positivity in the modeling industry.
Her story inspires a lot of people to embrace their unique beauty and break free from old beauty standards. Diandra’s not just a face on the runway—she’s a voice for representation in fashion, self-love, and empowerment.
In a world that’s finally starting to celebrate different skin tones and real beauty, Diandra Forrest is proof that being different is powerful—and honestly, that’s what makes her unforgettable.
Diandra Forrest was born on October 22, 1989, right in the heart of New York City — the place where dreams are made. From day one, she stood out with her striking looks — blonde hair, fair skin, and those stunning green eyes that instantly grab attention.
What’s even more interesting is that Diandra isn’t the only one in her family with albinism. Her younger brother has it too, which makes their bond even more special. Together, they’ve always been a little different from the rest of their siblings — and honestly, that’s what makes their story so beautiful.
Diandra’s early life shows what it means to embrace your uniqueness, love your differences, and turn what makes you “different” into something powerful.
When Diandra Forrest was just 9 years old, she started to really notice her albinism and how it made her stand out. Growing up in a neighborhood full of African-American and Hispanic families, she often felt a little out of place because of her light skin and blonde hair. Kids can be curious, sometimes even mean, and Diandra definitely felt that difference early on.
On top of that, she also lives with nystagmus, a condition that causes her eyes to move back and forth involuntarily. It wasn’t easy, but she learned to handle it with so much confidence and grace.
Even as a young girl, Diandra was figuring out what self-acceptance, confidence, and inner strength really mean. Her journey reminds everyone that beauty doesn’t come in one shade or shape—it’s all about owning who you are.
Growing up, Diandra Forrest faced some really tough times just walking down the street. People stared, whispered, and sometimes straight-up mocked her because of her albinism and light skin tone. It wasn’t just one or two comments — it happened all the time.
She’s talked openly about it, saying, “People would call me ‘Casper,’ ‘Snow White,’ and ask, ‘Why are you so white? You look weird.’” Those words stuck with her, but instead of breaking her, they made her stronger.
Today, Diandra uses those painful memories to inspire others to rise above bullying, colorism, and beauty stereotypes. Her story is a real reminder that self-love and confidence can turn even the harshest moments into pure power.
Diandra Forrest went through a lot growing up — the teasing didn’t stop. Kids would taunt her nonstop, and it got so bad that some even asked her older brother if she was adopted. Imagine how that must’ve felt. Whether she was at school, on the bus, or just walking around, people stared, whispered, and laughed.
All that constant judgment made it super hard for her to make friends or feel like she truly belonged. It wasn’t just about her looks — it was about feeling different in a world that didn’t understand her.
But here’s the thing — those tough moments are what shaped Diandra’s strength. She turned all that pain into purpose, becoming a voice for inclusion, diversity, and acceptance in the fashion world and beyond.
Diandra’s parents didn’t really know much about albinism when she was growing up, so it wasn’t something they talked about at home. With her dark-skinned dad and older brother not having albinism, the difference in skin tone often made people stare or ask awkward questions. It was tough, especially for a kid just trying to fit in.
After all the bullying and judgment at school, her parents made a big decision — they enrolled her in the New York Institute for Special Education. And that changed everything. For the first time, Diandra met other kids who also had albinism. She wasn’t the “different” one anymore — she finally found a place where she belonged.
As she grew older, things started shifting. People in New York City began noticing her beauty, her striking look. Strangers would come up to her, curious and amazed by her light skin, blonde hair, and green eyes. What once made her stand out in a painful way now made her unforgettable.
Diandra’s story is all about self-discovery, confidence, and learning to love what makes you unique — proof that being different isn’t something to hide, it’s something to celebrate.
When Diandra Forrest was just 14 years old, she got her first real taste of the modeling world after meeting designer Shannaine Eans. Shannaine saw something special in her and invited her to a fashion show, where Diandra met a catwalk coach for the first time.
But honestly, it wasn’t a dream start. The room was packed with tall, confident girls strutting in high heels, looking like they belonged there. Diandra, nervous and shy, felt completely out of place. The coach watched the girls walk, giving tips and feedback — but when it came to her turn, he didn’t even acknowledge her.
She stood there waiting, hoping he’d give her a chance. Instead, he pulled her friend aside and said something that would crush most people: “Why is she even here? This girl will never make it in fashion. I don’t want to waste my time with her.”
It was harsh — but Diandra didn’t let that define her. That moment became the spark that pushed her to prove everyone wrong. And she did. She went from being ignored in a small room to walking major fashion runways, modeling for top designers, and becoming a symbol of diversity and representation in the fashion industry.
Right after hearing that awful comment, Shannaine Eans didn’t stay quiet for a second. She stepped in, furious, and kicked the guy out on the spot. “The class is over. How dare you!” she shouted — and honestly, that moment changed everything for Diandra Forrest.
Shannaine turned to her and said something Diandra would never forget:
“There are going to be people who don’t believe in you, but you need to believe in yourself. You’re beautiful, you’re strong, and you’re going to make it. Use this to drive you.”
Those words hit deep. It was the first time someone in the fashion industry truly saw her — not just her albinism, but her strength, her potential, and her beauty. That encouragement became her fuel to keep pushing, to chase her dreams no matter how many people doubted her.
And from that day forward, Diandra carried that same message — self-belief, resilience, and confidence — into everything she did. She turned rejection into motivation and proved that real beauty isn’t about fitting in, it’s about standing out.
During her college years, life took a totally unexpected turn for Diandra Forrest. One day, she met photographer Shameer Khan, and that meeting changed everything. He was instantly captivated by her unique beauty and asked if she’d ever thought about becoming a model. Seizing the moment, Shameer snapped a bunch of photos of her and introduced her to Elite Models NY — one of the top agencies in the game.
That random encounter happened in January, and by February, Diandra was already walking the European Fashion Week runways. Talk about moving fast!
At just 18 years old, she officially stepped into the world of high fashion modeling. Looking back, Diandra said,
“I got signed to a big modeling agency my first time around. That was exciting for me because I wasn’t sure about everything. When agencies showed interest, it made me feel good. That coach was wrong. Agencies were very receptive, and clients were interested.”
Even with all that success, Diandra still faced some tough moments. Traveling for fashion campaigns and runway shows, she often felt the pressure to fit in. While other models went for a natural, makeup-free look, she was sometimes told to put on mascara — a subtle reminder that the industry still struggles with beauty diversity and representation.
But through it all, Diandra stayed true to herself. Her story proves that confidence, self-love, and authenticity can break even the oldest beauty standards in the fashion industry.
Diandra Forrest’s one-of-a-kind beauty didn’t just turn heads — it made history. Her striking look and powerful presence caught the eye of top designers like Jean-Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood, V Files, and Ralph Rucci. Before long, she was walking some of the most iconic fashion runways in the world.
Her impact went beyond the catwalk. Major magazines like Interview, Glamour, West End, OOB, and Portrait all featured her, celebrating her for breaking barriers and redefining what beauty in fashion really means.
Diandra didn’t stop there — she also stepped into the music world, collaborating with Beyoncé and appearing in music videos that reached millions. Her influence spread even further when she appeared on The Tyra Banks Show and later delivered an inspiring TEDx Talk, opening up about her journey growing up in the Bronx, her struggles with albinism, and her rise in the modeling industry.
From the runway to the screen, Diandra Forrest continues to prove that being different isn’t a weakness — it’s pure power. She’s become a global voice for diversity, representation, and inclusivity in the fashion and beauty industry.
In the summer of 2016, Diandra Forrest took her mission to a whole new level by launching the Beyond My Skin campaign — a powerful movement built to celebrate and uplift people with albinism. As part of the project, she starred in a short film that gave the world a closer look at what life is really like for those living with this condition — the struggles, the beauty, and the strength behind it all.
Talking about why she started it, Diandra said,
“I wanted albino people to see a face for them, someone who can represent them. I wanted to give them a platform and a chance in a therapeutic way to express themselves, but also for the world to see and hear what they’ve been through. We’re human, we’re beautiful, and we need to be appreciated instead of nitpicked.”
Her words hit deep — and they perfectly sum up the heart of Beyond My Skin. It’s more than just a campaign; it’s a movement for representation, self-love, and awareness. Diandra used her platform to break down beauty stereotypes, promote diversity in fashion, and remind the world that true beauty goes far beyond skin tone.
Her work continues to inspire conversations about inclusivity, mental health, and body positivity — showing that when you own who you are, you don’t just change your life… you change the world.
Diandra Forrest has such a bright and hopeful outlook on how the world is finally starting to redefine beauty standards — and honestly, she’s right. She sees the change happening firsthand as more and more diverse models are stepping into the spotlight, showing that beauty comes in all skin tones, shapes, and stories.
Talking about the shift, Diandra shared,
“And I think that’s great. With my albinism, I get so many messages from happy people [to see me]. People are becoming a lot more open-minded and tolerant and understanding, and just, overall, better.”
Her optimism is contagious. She’s proud to see the fashion and beauty industry opening up, welcoming representation and authenticity in ways that used to be rare. For Diandra, it’s not just about modeling — it’s about inspiring self-confidence, spreading awareness, and reminding people that different is beautiful.
Her journey proves that true beauty isn’t about perfection — it’s about self-acceptance, diversity, and having the courage to be seen exactly as you are.
Beyond her incredible success in modeling, Diandra Forrest has a huge heart for giving back. She’s deeply involved in philanthropy, especially through her work with Assisting Children in Need in Tanzania — an initiative dedicated to supporting and protecting people with albinism who face severe discrimination in the region. Using her global platform, Diandra is fighting for human rights, equality, and social awareness, turning her influence into real, lasting change.
She’s also quick to express gratitude for the people who’ve kept her grounded, especially her mother, who always reminded her she was beautiful — inside and out — no matter what anyone said. That love and encouragement shaped who Diandra is today.
She’s now passing that same message forward, encouraging all parents to build their children’s self-esteem and teach them self-love from a young age. As Diandra beautifully said,
“Uplift your children and give them self-esteem, so they’re not growing up looking for a compliment elsewhere. I plan on teaching Rain the same thing.”
Her words are powerful — a reminder that confidence, acceptance, and self-worth start at home. Diandra isn’t just changing the fashion and beauty industry — she’s helping change the way the next generation sees themselves.
With over 133,000 followers on Instagram, Diandra Forrest has built way more than just a fanbase — she’s created a real community. Her page is full of positivity, encouragement, and honest conversations. She loves connecting with her followers, answering all kinds of questions — from how to explain albinism to kids and classmates, to sharing her favorite skincare tips and confidence-boosting advice.
What makes Diandra special is that her influence goes way beyond the runway. She’s become a genuine role model — someone who uses her platform to spread awareness, education, and self-love. For people around the world who are learning to embrace their uniqueness, she’s a voice of comfort and strength.
On the personal side, Diandra was once married to Forrest Renaissance, and in 2015, they welcomed their first child — a beautiful daughter named Rain. A few years later, their family grew with the arrival of her son, Rocky. These days, Diandra is fully embracing the ups and downs of motherhood, balancing her modeling career with life as a single mom.
She’s honest about the challenges but also open about the joy that comes with raising her kids. Whether she’s walking the runway, posting on Instagram, or spending time with Rain and Rocky, Diandra continues to prove that strength, grace, and love are her true superpowers.