Precious Lee made history as one of the first plus-sized models to walk the runway in Versace’s spring show. Lee was one of three curvy models featured in the show that took place last year in Milan. The Black Atlantan appeared on Good Morning America (GMA) on Feb.19 to discuss the historical moment.
“I’ve always imagined myself on that runway,” Lee said. “I’ve always adored Versace. I grew up in a Versace home. We always loved Versace as a family.”
Lee explained the significance of the historical moment as it pertained to Versace not only featuring her in its runway show– but also in its print campaign.
She seemingly relived the event as the show’s hosts asked her how about how she felt.
“The show was the day before her birthday,” Lee explained. “Anytime I have a really big moment or just when I’m feeling the need for the energy of my sister — I felt her right before I was about to go out.”
As the buxom beauty prepared to serve face and body on the catwalk, someone backstage gave her another ego boost.
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“I’m so focused, and all of a sudden I was about to cry, and then someone backstage was like, ‘you’re the most beautiful woman in the world. Go!’”
“I turned the corner, and I zoned out and I started to flow.”
The pioneer model was also the first Black curve model to appear on the cover of American Vogue and to be featured in Sports Illustrated’s coveted swimsuit issue, according to Good Morning America.
Allure Magazine reported that Lee’s penchant for beauty and style was directly inspired by her parents. Her father was a professional cosmetologist, and her mother was a fashion-forward educator with a “commitment to style.”
“My mom wore animal print and red lipstick, and my dad would wear gold shades with his chest hair out,” she told the publication. “Now you can’t find me without a red [lip] and some animal print on, with my boobs out, and some accessories.”
During the GMA interview, Lee discussed the encouragement she’s received throughout her career.
“It’s not set up for someone my size and my color and my background to be in this industry that has been so exclusive at that level,” she said. “It’s a lot to get through that. I’m so grateful that I was raised in a supportive home.”
