Supermodel Beverly Johnson reveals her struggles with cocaine and extreme dieting to stay thin, she opened up about the drastic measures she took to maintain a skeletal figure during her early modelling career. “I saw my bones looking back at me,” she said, reflecting on her unhealthy habits during her slimmest days.

The Extreme Measures to Stay “Chiselled to the Bone”

The 71-year-old supermodel disclosed in a recent interview with Page Six that to remain thin for photoshoots in the 1970s and 1980s, she resorted to using cocaine, a drug known for its appetite-suppressing effects.

“Everyone used drugs back in the day, but that particular drug for models was used because we did not eat,” Johnson explained, noting that many models were misled into believing that “cocaine was not addictive.”

The Harsh Reality of the Modelling Industry

• Supermodel Beverly Johnson used cocaine and drastically restricted her diet to stay thin for photoshoots in the 1970s and 1980s.
• She and other models were often praised for their extremely thin physiques.
• Her unhealthy lifestyle came to a halt when her mother showed her the reality of her condition.

“I remember eating two eggs and a bowl of brown rice a week,” she continued. “I would be shaking in a cab, and I would say, ‘Pull over because I have to get a bag of M&Ms.’”

This diet led to a vicious cycle of unhealthy habits for Johnson, who often experienced tremors but still received compliments for her gaunt appearance. “Every time you came to work they would say, ‘Yes! Chisel to the bone girl. Yes,’ as if congratulating you. Nobody really told you the truth,” she revealed.

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A Mother’s Intervention

Johnson eventually managed to break free from her destructive routine, thanks to her mother. One day, her mother helped her out of the bathtub and made her confront her reflection in a three-way mirror. This moment was a turning point for Johnson, making her realise the severe impact her lifestyle was having on her body.

Beverly Johnson’s Journey to Sobriety and Influence in Fashion

“It was the first time I saw my bones looking back at me. It was a major wake-up call,” Beverly Johnson shared, revealing a pivotal moment in her life. She proudly noted that she has been sober for at least 50 years.

Breaking Barriers and Advocating for Equality

Since becoming the first Black woman to grace the cover of U.S. Vogue in 1974, Johnson has been a vocal advocate for equality and representation within the fashion industry.

Return to the Runway

Recently, Johnson made a remarkable comeback to the runway, participating in several fashion shows including Sergio Hudson and Bibhu Mohapatra’s 2022 shows, as well as Dennis Basso’s 40th anniversary show at New York Fashion Week in February.

This marked her second appearance at Fashion Week after decades dedicated to editorial and commercial work. Before these recent shows, her runway career was limited to “a few shows with Calvin Klein and those special clients.” Now, with her revived runway presence, Johnson is being celebrated by a new generation of models who recognize her trailblazing role.

Legacy and Recognition

“They must have given the girls a lesson, they were all like, ‘Oh, Ms. Johnson, we’re so happy you paved the way for us.’ I was almost in tears. They were so honest and genuine. And tall! There was not a girl under six feet!” Johnson reflected on the heartfelt appreciation she received from younger models, illustrating the lasting impact of her contributions to the fashion world.

 

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