We’ve been breaking down our list of 16 classic fashion icons everyone should know. Last week, we covered Janis Joplin, the soulful singer with a wardrobe as iconic as her voice.

This week, we’re going all the way back to the 1920s (think flappers, Gatsby, and jazz!) because it’s all about someone outrageous, provocative, and completely ahead of her time—Josephine Baker.

Josephine Baker was an American entertainer who became famous in France in the 1920s for her singing, dancing, and scandalous costumes. But even more amazing was her passion for civil rights. She fought against segregation and supported the French Red Cross and Resistance during WWII. 

If you’ve never heard of her, you need to! So keep reading to find out more about Josephine’s early life, claim to fame, and amazing activism.

Table of Contents

All About Josephine

Born to Dance

Josephine was born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1906 to a low-income family. She was only educated up to fifth grade before dropping out to work and support herself and her family.

Josephine was married twice as a child. Once, at age 13, and again at age 15 (which is where she got the last name Baker).

She escaped by performing. She was part of a vaudeville troupe and worked as a dancing street performer. This is where she was discovered and started dancing in stage shows.

Soon after, Josephine made it to Broadway, performing in massive hits like Shuffle Along as a chorus line dancer. She got an opportunity to tour in Paris, France, and never looked back.

Au Revoir, NYC!

Josephine made a huge impact in Paris. People were obsessed with her comedic skills, which she incorporated into her routines, as well as her provocative dancing and costumes. She could often be found performing topless or in wild, silly ensembles.