The history of fashion design is long and varied, with many talented designers and stylists making their mark on the industry over the years. However, the contributions of black designers and stylists are often overlooked and undervalued. In this article, we will explore the rich and diverse history of black fashion design, highlighting some of the most influential and innovative designers and stylists in the industry.
One of the earliest known black fashion designers was Ann Cole Lowe, a seamstress who gained fame in the 1950s for her elegant and sophisticated gowns. Lowe, who was born in Clayton, Alabama in 1898, learned the art of dressmaking from her mother and grandmother, both of whom were seamstresses. Despite facing significant racial and gender discrimination, Lowe went on to open her own design studio in New York City, where she created beautiful and intricate gowns for high-society clients, including the Rockefellers and the Kennedys.
Another influential black designer was Stephen Burrows, who rose to fame in the 1970s with his bold and colorful designs. Burrows, who was born in Newark, New Jersey in 1943, was known for his use of bright and vibrant hues, as well as his innovative use of jersey fabric. He became the first black designer to be featured in a solo runway show in Paris, and his work has been worn by a number of celebrities, including Grace Jones and Cher.
In the 1980s, Willi Smith emerged as a major force in the fashion industry with his streetwear brand, WilliWear. Smith, who was born in Philadelphia in 1948, was known for his casual and affordable clothing, which he designed with the urban consumer in mind. His brand was popular with both men and women, and he was praised for his innovative approach to fashion design.
More recently, designers like Tracy Reese and Misa Hylton-Brim have made a significant impact on the fashion industry. Reese, who was born in Detroit in 1964, is known for her feminine and sophisticated designs, which have been worn by a number of high-profile clients, including Michelle Obama. Hylton-Brim, who was born in New York City in 1970, has made a name for herself as a stylist and designer, collaborating with a number of high-profile celebrities and brands.
Black fashion designers and stylists have made a significant impact on the fashion industry, despite facing significant challenges and discrimination. Their contributions should be recognized and celebrated, as they have helped to shape and define the fashion industry as we know it today.
]]>The history of fashion in Washington D.C. can be traced back to the early days of the nation's capital. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the city was home to a thriving community of politicians, diplomats, and socialites, all of whom were keen to display their wealth and status through their clothing.
During this time, the fashion trends in Washington D.C. were heavily influenced by European styles. Many of the city's elite would travel abroad to Paris, London, and other European capitals to purchase the latest fashions, which were then copied and adapted by local seamstresses and tailors.
One of the most iconic fashion trends of this period was the "Washington Dress," a floor-length gown with a high-waisted bodice, full sleeves, and a wide skirt. This style was popularized by First Lady Dolley Madison, who was known for her elegant and refined taste in clothing.
As the 19th century progressed, the city's fashion scene began to evolve. With the arrival of the railroad and the growth of the industrial revolution, mass-produced clothing
became more widely available, leading to a shift away from the custom-made garments of the past.
In the 20th century, Washington D.C. became a hub for political and social activism, and this was reflected in the city's fashion choices. During the 1960s and 70s, the city's youth embraced a more casual, bohemian style, with bell-bottom jeans, tie-dye shirts, and fringed leather jackets becoming popular.
In recent years, Washington D.C. has become known for its sophisticated, polished style, with many residents turning to high-end designers and boutiques for their clothing needs. The city is also home to a thriving arts and culture scene, which has helped to nurture a more experimental and creative approach to fashion.
Overall, the history of fashion in Washington D.C. reflects the city's evolution from a small, colonial capital to a global center of power and influence. From the grandeur of the early 19th century to the countercultural styles of the 1960s and beyond, the city's fashion scene has always been a reflection of the times.
]]>Culture - the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively.
Fashion, good vibes, live music performances, and art literally all night made the combination for a stellar night at The Grindstone Universal flagship store, located in the historic Shaw District on Chuck Brown Way (631 T Street NW DC), directly across the street from the historic Howard Theatre.
“Art All Night: Made in DC” is Washington, DC’s free overnight arts festival, and started at 7:00 PM on Saturday, September 23, 2017 and ran until 3:00 AM the following morning, and we held the Shaw District DOWN! With a righteous roster of homegrown talent performing outdoors on our beautiful back patio to a packed house, having banging fashion available for our community to cop, and our creator and designer Grindstone himself displaying some fine art in-store, including his piece “Impermanence”, which serves as the cover art for his latest musical release, available on all streaming platforms now.
Stay tuned for more fashion, growth, and more times to get together and participate in what gives us our identities, functions and forms: culture! Powered by Grindstone Universal.
Checkout more images from our Art All Night throwdown here at Tmanjet’s portfolio
Photography by Jah Trig and Thomas/Tmanjets.
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