Patrick Kelly (September 24, 1954 – January 1, 1990) was a celebrated African-American fashion designer who came to fame in France. Among his accomplishments, he was the first American to be admitted to the Chambre syndicale du prêt-à-porter des couturiers et des créateurs de mode, the prestigious governing body of the French ready-to-wear industry. Kelly's designs were noted … [Read more...] about Friday Open Thread: Black Fashion Designers
Designers
Thursday Open Thread: Black Fashion Designers
Tracy Reese (born February 12, 1964) is an American fashion designer who specializes in women's ready-to-wear clothing, accessories, and home fashions such as linens. She is a board member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, having been inducted in 2007. … [Read more...] about Thursday Open Thread: Black Fashion Designers
Wednesday Open Thread: Black Fashion Designers
Stephen Burrows (born in Newark, New Jersey on May 15, 1943) is an American fashion designer based in New York City. He went to the Fashion Institute of Design, then began work in the New York City's garment center, alternately managing his own businesses and working closely with luxury department store Henri Bendel. He is known for being the first African-American fashion … [Read more...] about Wednesday Open Thread: Black Fashion Designers
Tuesday Open Thread: Black Fashion Designers
Zelda Barbour Wynn Valdes (June 28, 1905 – September 26, 2001) was an African-American fashion designer and costumer. Valdes grew up in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. She began her professional career working in her uncle's White Plains, New York tailoring shop. Around the same time, Valdes began working as a stock girl at a high-end boutique. She eventually worked her way up … [Read more...] about Tuesday Open Thread: Black Fashion Designers
Monday Open Thread: Black Fashion Designers
Willi Donnell Smith (February 29, 1948 – April 17, 1987) was an American fashion designer. At the time of his death, Smith was regarded as one of the most successful African-American designers in the fashion industry. His company, WilliWear Limited, launched in 1976 and would go on to sell $25 million worth of clothing a year. After Smith's death, his business partner continued … [Read more...] about Monday Open Thread: Black Fashion Designers