Thursday, August 6, 2009

Super Lady

On Saturday a pioneer passed away. Naomi Sims died of cancer at the age of 61 in NJ. She is credited as being the first Black Supermodel paving the way for models such as Beverly Johnson, Pat Cleveland and later the likes of Tyra and Naomi Campbell.

Here she is on the cover of Life in 1969.

With agency doors being closed to her (some even telling her straight to her face that her skin was too dark) and not being able to go the traditional route, Naomi blazed her own path by going straight to the photographers to find work.







Naomi left modeling after 5 years to become a successful business woman launching a wig company and beauty business. She also went on write a number of successful books including: How to be a Top Model and All About Health and Beauty for the Black Woman.




Naomi led the way, showing how to get it done through adversity. Her star will be missed.





Best,
Kwana

16 comments:

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

I remember her when I was a little girl. So elegant, and even more gorgeous when she got older. Way too young to go.

Formerly known as Frau said...

What a gorgeous lady.

Ina in Alaska said...

Oh how sad and so young. I also remember the beautiful Ms Sims! She was a true pioneer, legend and a positive influence. She had grace, poise and style. We will raise a glass of Champagne in salute to her on Thursday afternoon....

Leciawp said...

An elegant and beautiful woman.

pve design said...

I love that Ms.Sims paved the way for others, that is something to be admired, right! When I worked at Ralph, I was a "dresser" for the shows and my model happened to be "Beverly Johnson" and she was very elegant and ageless - like Ms.Sims.
Gorgeous Lady.
pve

Purple Flowers said...

A very beautiful woman with a glow from within.

Debra said...

What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady. So very sad to loose one so young. Lovely, thoughtful post here Kwana.

Kristen Painter said...

It's always sad when a pioneer passes so young.

Deidra said...

I didn't know she had passed away. This is sad. I remember being so happy to see her on the cover of a magazine when I was young. It let me know that girls like me were pretty, indeed.

Joyce said...

An amazing beautiful and smart woman! I truly enjoy reading about strong women and how they pave the way. Now above us is one more beautiful shinning star.

ediretnati said...

I think Naomi is the best model in the world......

Tana said...

Wow, she was so beautiful. What a life!

December said...

what an amazing woman... thank you for sharing. (and also - that photo of her sitting on that couch? She was tiny.)

Unknown said...

Yes, she was one gorgeous woman. I'm proud of her confidence in being who she was!

Christine said...

What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman. And so courageous, too.

Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

Naomi totally rocked. I remember as a kid in the 80s seeing her on TV and thinking she was stunning (clearly I had good taste when I was a kid. ;-). I was sad to read about her passing at such a young age.

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