Janice Dickinson, born February 16, 1955, is an American model, television personality, and businesswoman. Initially notable as a model, Dickinson has been described by herself as the first supermodel, although Lisa Fonssagrives is widely considered to have been the world's first supermodel.
Origins & Early Formation
Dickinson was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Jennie Marie and Samuel Ray Dickinson. Raised in Hollywood, Florida, she was the second daughter in a family of Polish
and Irish descent. Dickinson has been open about the emotional and physical abuse she suffered as a child and teenager.
First Steps into Public Life
In the early 1970s, Dickinson moved to New York City to pursue work as a model after winning a national competition called "Miss High Fashion Model." Despite initial rejections due to her "ethnic" look, she was discovered by fashion photographer Jacques Silberstein and signed with Wilhelmina Cooper.
Ideas, Aims & Methods
By the 1980s, Dickinson was considered a supermodel, appearing on covers of magazines such as Harper's Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, and Vogue. She worked with fashion icons like Gianni Versace and Calvin Klein. Dickinson later opened a modeling agency, documented on the reality series The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency.
Final Years, Death & Legacy
Dickinson has released three autobiographical books and appeared on various reality TV shows, including America's Next Top Model and Celebrity Big Brother. She has been married four times and has two children. Dickinson's legacy includes her influence on the modeling industry and her outspoken personality.
