Isn't it crazy how we wait until people pass to show them acclaim? I honestly had little idea who Naomi Sims was until the untimely announcement of her passing on August 1st. Since then she has been receiving credit as the world's "first black super model". She gained notoriety back in 1968 appearing as the first black model in history to cover Ladies' Home Journal magazine. Since then she's graced countless covers and spreads as a first, including LIFE, Cosmopolitan, Harper's Bazaar & many others. Determined to pave a way for opportunities for blacks in fashion, Ms. Sims was extremely instrumental in being apart of the "Black Is Beautiful" movement, often lending her celebrity to the cause in aid of awareness.
After modeling, Ms. Sims went on to start a hair and cosmetic line (Naomi Sims Collection) for black women that turned into a multi-million dollar empire. She also authored several books including one entitled "How To Be a TOP MODEL" (ahem) & in her latter years wrote an advice column for "Right On!" Magazine. Who knew?..... We should!
kiddunot.com remembers Naomi Ruth Sims: A Black Female American Fashion Pioneer.
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