Research Catalog

Title

Cleo Sims collection, 1944-2002.

Author

Sims, Cleo, 1912-2002.

Items in the Library & Off-site

Details

Description

2 folders

Summary

The Cleo Sims collection reflects this milliner's activities in Harlem, and consists of biographical information including her obituary, programs for many of her fashion shows, as well as articles from newspapers and trade and general magazines advertising her shops and featuring her hats. There are also course outlines for her millinery classes, and programs, and certificates for awards she received.

Subject

• Sims, Cleo, 1912-2002
• African American fashion designers > New York (State) > New York
• African American women in the professions > New York (State) > New York
• African Americans > Clothing
• Fashion designers > New York (State) > New York
• Millinery > New York (State) > New York
• Advertising > Fashion

Genre/Form

Programs.

Source (note)

• Annette Welford, daughter

Biography (note)

• Cleo Sims was a milliner in Harlem, New York. Born in Georgia, she began her millinery career taking classes at the Harlem YMCA Trade School where she later returned as an instructor for ten years. She also taught at the Harlem Institute of Fashion. In her early years, Sims developed skill and experience by working for large millinery companies where she learned factory manufacturing methods. In 1944, she began her first business in her home.

Linking Entry (note)

• Forms part of the Cleo Sims Photograph Collection.

Processing Action (note)

• Processed
• Cataloged

Call Number

Sc MG 708

OCLC

NYPW02-A307

Author

Sims, Cleo, 1912-2002.

Title

Cleo Sims collection, 1944-2002.

Biography

Cleo Sims was a milliner in Harlem, New York. Born in Georgia, she began her millinery career taking classes at the Harlem YMCA Trade School where she later returned as an instructor for ten years. She also taught at the Harlem Institute of Fashion. In her early years, Sims developed skill and experience by working for large millinery companies where she learned factory manufacturing methods. In 1944, she began her first business in her home.

She later moved to a new location near her church, Salem United Methodist, then to the Rose Meta Beauty Salon, and in the 1960's relocated to the Theresa Hotel, all in Harlem, where "Cleo's Hats" was frequented by Harlemites until her retirement in the late 1990's. Sims knew many famous personalities and her hats were featured in nationally known magazines.

Sims produced many fashion shows and as an active member of the National Association of Fashion Designers, contributed to the fashion glitz of Harlem in the 1950's. She staged productions which benefited the Salem United Methodist Church (where she also taught millinery) and several black non-profit organizations. She also appeared on radio and television programs, discussing fashion and current trends. She was the recipient of numerous awards.

Linking Entry

Forms part of the Cleo Sims Photograph Collection.

Connect to:

Finding Aid

Research Call Number

Sc MG 708