Gaining popularity as a chorus girl during the Harlem Renaissance in NYC, she went on to become an overnight sensation in France – the country where she spent most of her time anyway, and eventually became a citizen of.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri with humble beginnings, the once “street child” soon became the first African-American woman to star in a major motion picture, (racially) integrate an American concert hall, and become a world famous entertainer.

“I wasn’t really naked. I simply didn’t have any clothes on.”-Josephine Baker

While she was never quite celebrated in the U.S., where she was often a target of racism, even the Nazis wanted to protect Josephine!

She was unconventionally open with her sexuality for that time, performing in next to nothing – most famously in her “banana skirt”.

Unlike many exotic dancers of today, Josephine still maintained a charming, elegant and positive image even while scantily clad.

With the flapper movement being huge in the 20s, Josephine rocked gorgeous satin gowns, luxurious furs, glitter, her signature “bakerfix” hairdo and dramatic makeup.