naomi sims dead at 61

The first African American model to grace the cover of ‘Ladies Home Journal’ has died of cancer at age 61. She has also been dubbed the first African American 'supermodel.'

Sims was considered the "first black supermodel" for appearing on the cover of Ladies Home Journal in November 1968, a time when African-American models were few and far between. She subsequently modeled for designers like Halston, Fernando Sánchez, Teal Traina, and Giorgio di Sant'Angelo. She also appeared on many other magazine covers, and two images-- a 1969 cover of LIFE and a 1967 New York Times fashion magazine over--are on display in the Metropolitan Museum's "The Model As Muse" exhibit.

After five years, Sims retired from modeling and started a multimillion-dollar wig-making business that specialized in designs for black women.In 1976 focused on a line of beauty products for African American women called the Naomi Sims Collection. .She has also written five books on health, beauty, and success for the African American woman.

She was born in Mississippi and grew up as a foster child in Pittsburgh.

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