Fashion Legend Gone

The first black supermodel, Naomi Sims, lost her battle against cancer on Saturday in Newark, NJ at the age of 61.

Sims sent shockwaves through the fashion industry when, in 1968, she appeared on the cover of Ladies Home Journal. She was the first black model to appear on the cover of a mainstream magazine, and she didn't stop there.

Over the course of her career, Sims graced the covers of Life, Cosmopolitan, and Essence. She was also a runway favorite of Halston and appeared in TV campaigns, including AT&T.

After her years as a model, Sims started a cosmetics business for African American women, and wrote books, including How To Be A Top Model and All About Health And Beauty For The Black Woman.

Sad.

[Image via AP Images.]

Posted: Aug 4, 2009 at 5:51 pm / Email this »

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25 comments to “Fashion Legend Gone”

PerezTheBlogNazi says – reply to this

1

R.I.P. Naomi, God bless you and thank you for opening the door's for other young black model's. We love you and miss you.
chinye says – reply to this

2

R.I.P.
WatchingClosely says – reply to this

3

That's so sad. I had no idea she had died. RIP
Zac says – reply to this

4

Rest in peace.
BRIGHTON... says – reply to this

5

She set the way for Jordan Dunn, Chanel iman. Wow she looks pretty in that pic. RIP.
m.j says – reply to this

6

R.I.P.

She opened up so many doors ;(
angelikauri99 says – reply to this

7

Never heard of her but appreciate her work. R.I.P
SEXYCDN21 says – reply to this

8

Gorgeous! R.I.P
beyourselfeveryoneelseistaken says – reply to this

9

she was a real inspiration to alot of young women.. RIP Naomi
contrarianchick says – reply to this

10

Could we PLEASE eliminate the word "battle" in connection with EVERY SINGLE disease….battling cancer, battling anorexia, battling Parkinsons, battling depression….sheesh> Just put "she died of cancer." What's wrong with that???? we don't use "battle" for anything else (other than for Joan Rivers the battleaxe). come ON! you don't "battle" cancer. You HAVE cancer, and you treat cancer, and you die of cancer, or you recover from cancer, or whatever.

IT'S NOT A BATTLE.
JanetCanGetIT says – reply to this

11

RIP..A true legend…on and off the runway..Classy Lady
Soda-Pop-Lover says – reply to this

12

Rest in Peace. she was gorgeous. very sad about the cancer.
BeeBee86 says – reply to this

13

RIP Ms Naomi Sims. God bless you for your great success, that has enabled others to pursue and achieve. XXX
doramora says – reply to this

14

RIP Naomi, you were a beautiful woman(L)
paradise<3 says – reply to this

15

rest in peace, not only were you a model and much more but you were a idol to many. even though life got hard you steped up and did what you were born to do a model. and we thank you for that.
SWEETPIECE! says – reply to this

16

RIP Gorgeous!
Paris France says – reply to this

17

RIP Beautiful Lady!!
Paris France says – reply to this

18

Re: SWEETPIECE! – Hey Sweets!Re: PerezTheBlogNazi – Hello cutie!
PerezTheBlogNazi says – reply to this

19

Re: Paris France – Hi, honey.
fiera says – reply to this

20

RIP.
designr says – reply to this

21

Rest In Peace, now forever our star
kumbyah says – reply to this

22

You will never be forgotten:(
Sailor Moon 4 Life says – reply to this

23

R.I.P.
ItsJustMe123 says – reply to this

24

R.I.P. Naomi
hotgirl101 says – reply to this

25

Beautiful lady…may God rest your soul.