photo: Black Missouri

To celebrate Black History Month, I thought I‘d pay homage to one of my fashion icons, Josephine Baker or “La Baker” as she has always been known in France.

Born Freda Josephine McDonald on June 3, 1906, the American expatriate entertainer and actress overcame adversity, poverty and discrimination before her ticket to stardom. Her signature banana costume on Paris stage made her one of the most influential, photographed, and admired in the world. Picasso once called her “Tall, coffee skin, ebony eyes, legs of paradise and a smile to end all smiles”. In addition to being a style icon, she supported the Civil Rights Movement, fought against racism, adopting 12 children of different nationalities-she called them her “Rainbow Tribe”.

Her legacy will continue to shine forever in our hearts.

Josephine and her Cheetah. Photo: Ace Photo

Josephine’s “Rainbow Tribe” Photo: Vintage Postcards

To learn more about Josephine Baker, click here.

Happy Black History Month.

XOXO

Tawa