Naomi Sims, "First African American Supermodel," Succumbs to Cancer at Age of 61

Naomi Sims, widely regarded as the first African American supermodel, has succumbed to cancer on Saturday, August 1, in Newark. She was 61. Sims was the first African American model to grace the covers of Ladies Home Journal in 1967, the New York Times fashion magazine in 1967, as well as the cover of Life Magazine in 1969. She gained international acclaim in the late 1960s and early 1970s. She modeled for Fernando Sánchez, Teal Traina, and Giorgio di Sant’Angelo, and appeared on the covers of prestigious fashion and popular magazines including the cover of Life magazine in 1969.

Sims also launched her own beauty and wig company in 1973, after discovering that wigs were designed primarily for white people. Her designs, which were produced by the Metropa Company, posted annual sales of $5 million by 1978. The company is still in operation today and includes designer clothes sold in department stores. Sims became a successful author in later years, writing five books on modeling, beauty and health. Ms. Sims was a true trailblazer and paved the way for people like Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks and many other fashion models of African descent. Ms. Sims is survived by her son, Bob Findlay.