Faces of Black Fashion: Josephine Baker

I first became inspired by Josephine Baker in my early 20s during a trip abroad. I was in a bookstore browsing through the shelves when I came across a photo book of Ms. Baker that I could not put down. While I was familiar with who she was, I wasn't aware of of the iconic heights of her elaborate yet elegant style. Born in St. Louis, Josephine Baker moved to Paris where she was a became a famous performer (at one point she was one of the most photographed woman in the world). She dazzled audiences with her sensuality, beauty and style and became widely known for her jaw-dropping banana skirt. Not only was she talented, beautiful and stylish, Josephine Baker also engaged in Civil Rights activism. She refused to perform for segregated audiences in the U.S. although segregation was the norm in her time. Josephine Baker embodies the dynamic multifaceted woman that we celebrate on BFB!

Today we can still see the lasting impact of Josephine Baker's style on the fashion community: 

Last May fahsion photographer Ellen von Unwerth shot a homage to Ms. Baker that appeared in Tush Magazine.

Modern Take on the Banana Skirt

Tyra Banks rockin' the Josephine Baker hairstyle

Cheers,
Nika