“Cowgirl Copper” Is The Prettiest Hair Color For Fall

Introducing Bustle’s Fall Fashion Issue, where we bring you the hottest accessories, biggest trends, most iconic on-screen style, and more. Intimidated by the blokecore aesthetic? No worries, our editors have tips on how to style the trickiest trends. Plus, read a deep dive into how The Frankie Shop developed a cult-like following, a shout out to Angela Bassett’s style in How Stella Got Her Groove Back, and more.

When Bethann Hardison was in her early 20s, she made the most consequential elevator pitch of her life. The Brooklyn native was working as a showroom salesperson in New York’s Garment District — an uncommon role for a Black woman in the 1960s — and was tasked with delivering samples to Bernie Ozer, the head of Federated’s junior dress department. While waiting in line to speak with Ozer, she overheard him talking about an upcoming fashion show: “When I gave him the dresses I said, ‘If you really want to have a great show, you'll have me in it.’” When she got back to the office, Ozer had already called. She got the job.

In her years of supermodel-dom, she was modeling for the likes of Issey Miyake, Oscar de la Renta, Calvin Klein, Kenzo, and Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. This month she’s releasing the self-directed documentary Invisible Beauty, with Naomi Campbell as an executive producer. The venerated model, businesswoman, and activist spoke with Bustle about navigating confidence at 28, what she looked for in a partner, and advice to her younger self.