Mahogany

Tracy Chambers works as an assistant to the head buyer at a luxury department store in Chicago, with dreams of becoming a fashion designer. Her supervisor Miss Evans worries that Tracy's night school courses will interfere with her responsibilities.

Her aunt visits prospective buyers, who tell Tracy that her designs would be good for Paris but not for Chicago. The feedback fuels the tension between her aspirations and the city’s fashion market.

One evening, Tracy gets into a heated argument with Brian Walker, a local activist fighting gentrification in their community. The clash hints at the personal and political divides shaping her world.

Sean McAvoy, a fashion photographer, comes to photograph models and mistakes Tracy for one. He arranges an impromptu shoot featuring a rainbow gown designed by her aunt.

As Sean prepares to leave Chicago, he invites Tracy to Rome, setting in motion a major turn in her life and career. The invitation signals a leap from the local scene to an international stage.

During her walk to work, Tracy pours milk into Brian’s bullhorn mouthpiece, triggering a fight in which Brian is arrested. Tracy bails him out, deepening their bond.

Brian becomes Tracy’s boyfriend, yet he does not support her aspirations, creating tension about the future they want.

Sean reinvents Tracy as 'Mahogany,' and she becomes in-demand as a fashion model. The newfound fame brings professional success but also emotional risks as their relationship tightens.

An uneasy relationship develops with Sean, who is possessive and jealous of others pursuing Tracy. Tracy reluctantly sleeps with him, believing she owes him for her career.

During their next photo shoot, Sean causes an accident that kills him and leaves Tracy with severe injuries. The tragedy precipitates a shift in her life.

Count Christian Rosetti lends Tracy his villa for recovery and provides a studio space for her to launch her own fashion label.

Under heavy job pressures, Tracy becomes demanding and cruel to her employees. She realizes her career feels empty without Brian’s love and support.

After the success of her first collection, Tracy must decide whether to stay in Rome and lead an empty life or return to Chicago to support Brian’s political ambitions.

Tracy returns to Chicago and reunites with Brian as he decides to run for Congress. The couple reconcile as she contemplates how to use her talents for a cause she believes in.