Hardison was born in Brooklyn, New York. After graduating from
George W. Wingate High School, Hardison attended the
New York University Art School and the
Fashion Institute of Technology but did not graduate from either. For a brief period Hardison worked as a
corrections officer at
Bedford Hills Correctional Facility. During the 1960s, Hardison worked in the garment district of New York City as a saleswoman. In 1967, she was discovered by African American designer
Willi Smith and began working for Smith as a fitting model, soon crossing over to the runway and print industries. Her first catwalk modelling was at the request of the fashion designer
Chester Weinberg, who was supportive and encouraging despite the negative responses from the audience who were not accustomed to Hardison's style. Along with
Beverly Johnson,
Iman, and
Pat Cleveland, Hardison broke barriers in the 1970s appearing in
Allure,
Harper's Bazaar, and
Vogue. In 1973, she was featured in the
Battle of Versailles fashion face off, a historical moment in which France's best designers competed against the top American designers of the time. In 1996, Hardison turned her attention towards television where she co-executive produced television sitcoms “
Between Brothers” and “Livin Large.” Hardison was also named
Vogue Italia editor at large in 2010. As of April 2019, Hardison works as a consultant for
Gucci and the
CFDA. for her work in promoting diversity in fashion. In 2014, Hardison received the
CFDA Founders Award. == Filmography ==