In Memoriam: Naomi Sims

Naomi Sims was one of the first successful black models in the late 60's as a teenager. Halston was quoted by the New York Times in 1974 saying that "she was the first. She was the great ambassador for all black people. She broke down all the social barriers". While working in the industry she noticed that the wigs used were in the likeness of Caucasian hair. She then started baking synthetic hair in her oven at home to create wigs fashioned after relaxed African-American hair. Her business became very successful. In 1973 she retired from modeling and within five years her designs produced by the Metropa Company had annual sales of $5 million.

She passed away Saturday at age 61 from cancer. She was a true inspiration for all women, especially women of color. She showed that you can overcome anything in order to become successful at whatever you want to do in life if you put your mind to it.

1972

Halston Fashion Show