Walking with the Muses

Starred review from June 27, 2016
Cleveland was one of the first prominent African-American fashion models, and in this wonderfully written memoir she offers great insight into the fashion world, as well as glimpses of her own dramatic life off the runway. This friendly, conversational memoir chronicles her rise to international prominence from humble beginnings. Raised in a small New York City apartment, Cleveland developed a deep love for her mother, who imbued her with her love for wearing and designing beautiful clothes, but their connection was disrupted by Cleveland's abusive stepfather. Escaping her home life, Cleveland quickly became a working model and appeared in Vogue and Ebony, opportunities that brought her into close contact with celebrities such as Muhammad Ali and would eventually lead to Salvador Dalí and Andy Warhol considering her a muse. But Cleveland's life was far from charmed, as she illustrates in her frank discussions of sexual assaultâof both her and others around herâas well as her experiences with anti-black racism, both personal and systemic. Some readers will be particularly interested in her discussion of Bill Cosby, but Cleveland is the real star of her own story of passion, strength, and elegance above all. Agents: Becky Sweren and David Kuhn, Kuhn Projects.