Southern University and A&M College Senior Trinity Smith made international history after being selected as one of the top semi-finalists in the 2025 Vogue Open Casting competition, rising above more than 70,000 applicants from around the world. As the only African-American chosen in this year’s global pool, Smith’s milestone positions her as a rising star and a bold new representative of HBCU excellence—reflecting the growing global influence of institutions like Southern University and their contributions across culture, fashion, and creative industries. Her advancement in the Vogue Open Casting process also highlights the innovation and visibility emerging from HBCUs on the international stage.A 21-year-old criminal justice major, Smith has balanced her academic career with her passion for modeling, demonstrating the discipline, leadership, and determination that define the Southern University experience. Her selection for the Vogue Open Casting semi-finalist group places her among a curated list of fresh faces identified by Vogue editors and global casting leaders. Vogue’s Open Casting initiative—regularly covered by outlets like Vogue and Teen Vogue—is known for amplifying diverse and underrepresented voices in an industry historically lacking in Black representation.Smith’s recognition as the only African-American finalist this year underscores the continued need for visibility and equity in fashion, while also amplifying how HBCU students are shaping spaces long dominated by non-Black talent.
