1969: ‘Black Beauty’ Modelling Agency

Fashion1960sNew York

Mar 25

‘Black Beauty’, formed in Spring 1968, was the fastest-growing black modeling agency in the US in 1969.

The portrait of Naomi Sims that appeared on the cover of the October 17, 1969 issue of LIFE magazine.

Naomi Sims

Naomi Sims wearing a pant suit and carrying a Louis Vuitton shoulder bag

The offices of Black Beauty, with Betty Foray at her desk

Tamara Dobson

Elizabeth of Toro, daughter of king in Uganda, posing in her apartment on Sutton Place.

Charlene Dash preparing for a commercial shoot

Gloria O, Smith

Images: Yale Joel / Time / LIFE / Getty Images

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