African American fashion model, Tomiko Fraser Hines turned 50 yesterday. Yes! 50.
The Bronx-born mother of twin boys started her modeling career at the age of 25, the age when most fashion models are slowing their careers down.
Most people know her for being the first African-American model to land a contract with Maybelline Cosmetics- at age 31.
After being told constantly that she could have a successful career as a model, Tomiko eventually quit her job as a secretary in favor of a more flexible gig as a waitress, and began pursuing supermodeldom. Eventually, she signed with renowned FORD agency and began booking commercial and runway work here and abroad, in addition to features in a plethora of magazines and catalogs, as well as campaigns for the likes of Tommy Hilfiger and Old Navy.More photos of Tomiko below...
