Black Fashion Facts

In 2004, I received a great book for Christmas from my aunt, Threads of Time, The Fabric of History: Profiles of African American Dressmakers and Designers, 1850 to Present.  Not only is it the longest title for a book (haha), but it's also a great history lesson for true fashionistas! African Americans have been designing clothes long before Tracey Reese & Sean John.

I was shocked and thrilled to learn about the achievements of Ann Cole Lowe (photo above). According to the books author, the social elite in NYC, the Biddles, Vanderbilts, and Rockefellers, all wore her designs. She also designed the most photographed dress of its time, the wedding dress for Jacqueline Kennedy Onasis!

Zelda Wynn was also profiled in the book. She opened one of the first Black-owned stores on Broadway in NYC. Her designs were worn by Dorthy Dandrige, Sarah Vaughan, Marian Anderson, and Ruby Dee. She also designed the first Playboy Bunny outfit.

 

 

Stay tune for more interesting black fashion facts!!!