Model Exit

Naomi Sims has died of cancer at the age of 61. Sims was credited as breaking racial boundaries in modeling, appearing as the first black cover model of Ladies' Home Journal in November 1968. Born in Mississippi, but growing up a foster child in Pittsburgh, Naomi Sims first broke into the modeling business in the mid-sixties when she moved to New York City. She was also among the first to be represented by Wilhelmina agency

She also appeared on the covers of Life, Cosmopolitan and Essence.

Two photographs of her are featured in the 'The Model As Muse' exhibit currently on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art [until August 9,2009].