Quite simply, she was the first. And the fact that her legacy shines bright 35 years after her passing, proves that she was the best. Josephine Baker is an icon for the ages.
There she is serving up half-naked glamor and singing in a birdcage decades before Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Pink, Fergie, any of those ladies who turned it out at the Grammys were even dreamed of.
La Baker wore her hair in myriad styles throughout her lifetime, but she is particularly remembered for wearing a short, sleek, cropped do, usually accented by curls or finger waves. The style she became known for back in the 1920's remains eternally wearable -- this same style has become the trademarks of contemporary stars like Halle Berry and Toni Braxton.
Josephine Baker remains a style icon, and there was more to the woman in the banana skirt than many may have imagined. I interviewed her son Jean-Claude some years back, and he revealed many of his dear maman's secrets. Click here to read.
Want to give tribute to Josephine Baker with your style? I recommend a dark berry lip and a bold, smoky eye. You'll also need a good hair gel -- Devacurl's Angell gives great hold without stickiness.
From the bouffant to the lacefront; from the hightop fade to the conk, black hairstyles have changed significantly over the years. See them all. Text by Angela Helm; Photo Editor, Monique Gray
While on a family vacation with Tom and Suri, Katie Holmes hit the beach near Rio de Janeiro in this blue one piece.
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Rihanna hits the stage at the NFL Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Concert in a pair of knee-high black boots. What do you think about the pop singer's look?
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Mischa Barton wore this Elie Saab couture mint green gown to the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d'Armenonville. Is Mischa's look a hit or miss?
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Heroes star Hayden Panettiere arrives at the NBC Universal Pre-Super Bowl event at Portofino in a black tuxedo jacket and dress with a plunging neckline. Is the Hollywood starlet hot or not?
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Diane Kruger wore Nina Ricci for the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d'Armenonville. Is her dress a mess or amazing?
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Kim Kardashian opted for this floral strapless Tracey Reese dress for the 2009 Moves Magazine Super Bowl Party at The Venue Club. Let us know what you think about Kim's look.
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Burlesque beauty Dita Von Teese wore an ice blue Elie Saab (left) satin dress at the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d'Armenonville.
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Spanish actress Penelope Cruz appeared at the the 2009 Goya Cinema Awards in Madrid in this black lace Chanel gown. Is it a win or a loss?
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Amy Adams wore a Jasmine di Milo gold and silver sequin backless dress and Christian Louboutin heels to the 61st Annual Directors Guild of America Awards.
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Being thousands of miles away didn't stop Meryl Streep from celebrating the inauguration. The actress wore this Catherine Malandrino flag dress to the Paris premiere of Doubt.
