Model Charissa Craig

Charissa Craig might not be a familiar name to modeling fans today, but in 1982, she made serious modeling history.

Although many feminists wouldn't find it to be anything to brag about, Ms. Craig became the first black model to appear in Sports Illustrated's annual swimsuit issue.  An she sure could sell a swimsuit - whether with a prop, as seen above . . . 

  

 

. . . or with just her sweet, savvy smile. 😊

Charissa Craig was mostly a commercial model, doing ads for products such as Canadian Club whiskey and Emilio Pucci cologne.  She was even more beautiful in glamour shots . . . 

. . . and more so with her hair down. 😄

Sighing yet? (Better pull yourself together, guys, she's married.)

Today Charissa Craig lives in New Jersey and works as a real estate agent.  If her modeling portfolio is any indication, she certainly has the charm for a successful real estate career. 😊