Black History in Fashion: The World's First African American Supermodel...Ms Noami Sims

The World's First American Supermodel Naomi Sims

Naomi Sims was born in Oxford, Mississippi. At 13 she moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and was given up for adoption after her parents split. Ms. Sims was 5'10'' (at the age of 13) and often teased for her her height. She was raised catholic and often spoke about her faith pulling her through those times. Naomi Sims attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and took night classes in Psychology at New York University.

In 1966 she was encouraged by counselors and classmates to began modeling. Since Naomi Sims was in need of steady money flow she decided to give modeling a try. It was difficult for Naomi to work as a model at first because of racial prejudice. Many agencies wouldn't hire her because of her dark skin. She got a small breakthrough in the industry when decided to bypass the agencies and go work directly for the photographer. She was photographed by Gosta Peterson for the cover of The New York Times, August 1967 fashion supplement. Even with this monumental opportunity doors were not opening for Naomi. Until she ran into former model Wilhelmina Cooper, who was starting her own agency. And the rest is history. The jobs started pouring in for Naomi and she became a premiere model for Wilhelmina Modeling Agency and a well known face in the fashion world. She was selected for a national television campaign for AT&T and then in November of 68 she was featured in Ladies Home Journal on the cover (first ever) and she also cover Life and Time magazine. Naomi Sims paved the way for many of the African and African American supermodels that are prevalent today: Chanel Iman, Tyra Banks, Iman, Alek Wek, Naomi Campbell, Beverly Johnson, just to name a few.

In 1973 Naomi Sims started her business. Ms. Sims noticed that was a shortage of wigs for African Americans. She began to create and bake synthetic fibers in her oven to create the correct texture to mimic African American hair. She created The Naomi Sims collection, which featured a wide array of wigs geared toward African American hair. Within 5 years of her launch her designs (produced by the Metropa Company) annual revenue was up to $5 million. In 1980 she later expanded her line to include fragrance, beauty salons and cosmetics. Ms. Sims began to also write books about modeling and beauty. The title of her books were All About Health and Beauty for the Black Woman,” "All About Hair Care for the Black Woman," “How to Be a Top Model,” and “All About Success for the Black Woman,” she was a contributing writer to an advice column in Right On! magazine.

She lived a long fulfilling life until August 1, 2009 at the age of 61, when she lost her battle with cancer. Naomi Sims broke barriers in the world of fashion and beauty as an African American woman. She paved the way for black women to become supermodels. She was in her hay day one of the most sought after models in the world. Even with her beautiful dark skin she was revered and that is inspiring to me. She personified the slogan 'Black Is Beautiful' with equal emphasis on deep color and high value.

Rest In Peace Naomi Sims, You Are Missed!

Direct Quote: “It’s ‘in’ to use me, and maybe some people do it when they don’t really like me.But even if they are prejudiced, they have to be tactful if they want a good picture.” — Naomi Sims, American model (1948–2009). This quote from an article in the 1969 Times magazine titled "The Black Look in Beauty". Ms. Sims was describing how black models were the IT women of the year whether people liked it or not. .






Source: NewYorkTimes