Faith LaBelle (born Faith Black on January 20, 1995) is a Los Santos-based magazine editor, businesswoman, model, and interior designer. She is the founder and editor-in-chief of Diversify, chairperson of HAUS, and co-founder of the Coleman LaBelle Fund, and was the first Black woman to appear on the cover of a fashion magazine in Los Santos.
Faith LaBelle (born Faith Black on January 20, 1995) is a magazine editor, businesswoman, model, artist, and interior designer based in Los Santos. She is the founder and editor-in-chief of the independent fashion publication Diversify, the chairperson of HAUS, and a co-founder of the Coleman LaBelle Fund.
LaBelle began her career as a model and became one of the first figures associated with Prestige. She later became the first Black woman to appear on the cover of a fashion magazine in Los Santos. Her work in publishing, fashion, and the arts has made her a recognised figure within the city’s creative industry.
Early life and education
LaBelle was born Faith Black in Davis, Los Santos. At the age of five, she was removed from the care of her biological parents and placed with her aunt, Aaliyah LaBelle, and her family.
She was later formally adopted by her aunt and uncle, after which her surname was changed from Black to LaBelle. Following the adoption, she moved to Dukes, Liberty City, where she was raised alongside her cousins.
During her childhood, LaBelle developed interests in literature, visual art, crafts, cooking, and gardening. She also worked several part-time jobs during her teenage years, including babysitting, mentoring, and working in coffeehouses.
LaBelle completed secondary school at the age of seventeen and later studied interior design at the Rhode Island School of Design. She graduated with honours at the age of twenty-one.
Modelling career
LaBelle began modelling on a freelance basis while completing her education. Her work attracted the attention of Prestige, where she became one of the agency’s earliest models and was later referred to as a member of its “Original Six.”
She became the first Black model and the first Black woman to appear on the cover of a fashion magazine in Los Santos. She later appeared in several editions of Prestige’s magazine and contributed ideas to a number of its projects.
LaBelle eventually left Prestige to focus on her education and independent work. She later returned to modelling and participated in campaigns for Freuler, Urban Vogue, Body by Icydoll, Glasier, and other brands.
Diversify
LaBelle founded Diversify after identifying a lack of long-term opportunities and representation for Black models in the Los Santos fashion industry.
Originally developed as a small independent publication, Diversify focused on fashion, culture, and creative work. LaBelle wrote and managed much of its first edition with the assistance of a small group of friends and relatives.
Following the success of its early editions, Diversify grew into an established fashion and culture magazine. It later collaborated with organisations and brands including Anna Rex, Vom Moda, Icydoll, Glasier, and PHMC.
The magazine also expanded beyond fashion, publishing interviews with artists, business owners, and political figures. Material from Diversify has been displayed at Los Santos City Hall.
HAUS
LaBelle co-founded HAUS with Mila Bojchenko. The organisation was originally established as a creative hub for artists, designers, models, and other independent creatives.
HAUS later expanded into talent representation and became the parent organisation of Diversify. Following Bojchenko’s departure, LaBelle became the company’s primary chairperson and began restructuring the organisation around its original creative purpose.
Coleman LaBelle Fund
LaBelle joined the Coleman Fund as a trustee after being appointed by Deputy Mayor Frederick Coleman.
During Coleman’s absence for medical treatment, LaBelle assumed responsibility for much of the fund’s daily management, including interviews, internal operations, and executive decisions.
Following his return, Coleman recognised LaBelle as a co-founder, and the organisation was renamed the Coleman LaBelle Fund. Through the fund, LaBelle became involved in several charitable and community projects across Los Santos.
The organisation later became involved in a legal dispute concerning alleged discrepancies in its financial records. LaBelle and Coleman denied wrongdoing and obtained legal representation to challenge the investigation.
The investigation concluded without evidence of fraud, and LaBelle and the fund were cleared of wrongdoing. The Sheriff’s Department later issued a public apology and confirmed the outcome through its Facebrowser page.
During the investigation, LaBelle was pregnant with her first child. She later gave birth to a daughter, Hope.
Personal life
LaBelle has three half-sisters, whom she met as an adult.
Following the birth of her child, LaBelle temporarily reduced her professional activities before returning to work on the eleventh edition of Diversify.
Awards and recognition
LaBelle has received the Key to the City of Los Santos for her contributions to fashion, publishing, and community projects.
She has also received awards for Best Model, Best Influencer, and Best Magazine. Several of her paintings have been sold at public auctions, while her work with Diversify has been recognised for improving representation within the Los Santos fashion industry.