Even though February, aka Black History Month is almost over, I wanted to create a post that celebrates black women who made a huge impact in the fashion industry. These powerful women made it possible for black women to have a voice in fashion. They did not allow discrimination or bigotry to stop them to achieve their dreams and inspired many black girls that being successful in fashion is possible!
1. Dorothy Dandridge
Dorothy Dandridge was a popular singer, dancer and actress who was part of Hollywood royalty. She was truly the definition of old Hollywood glamour, my favorite era of fashion! Dorothy was a classy woman who had a feminine and sophisticated sense of style. My taste in fashion has definitely been inspired by hers, she is an icon that I look up to. Fun fact: She was originally from Ohio, like me! It is amazing to learn that a black woman from Ohio turned into a talented starlet in Hollywood.
2. Zelda Wynn Valdes
Zelda Wynn Valdes was a fantastic fashion designer who helped dressed several elite black women, including Dorothy Dandridge (pictured in bottom right corner). She first worked as a seamstress at an upscale boutique, until she became a well-known designer. She opened her own boutique, Chez Zelda, in New York City. Her talent that made her unique was the fact that she could figure out how to make an outfit for someone by just looking at them. Her talent reminds me of my favorite quote of hers, “I have a God-given talent for making people beautiful.” Fun fact: Zelda was the designer behind the iconic Playboy bunny costumes!
3. Iman
Iman is a famous supermodel who graced runaways and editorials in the 1970's-1980's. She was discovered by a fashion photographer when she was just a college student in Kenya studying political science. She was quickly recognized as a goddess from the "jungle", which she swiftly dismissed as an ignorant assumption from the fashion industry. She worked with several fashion houses, including Thierry Mugler, Halston, Calvin Klein and Yves Saint Laurent. YSL created a fashion campaign about her called, The African Queen. Iman is a gorgeous and intelligent woman who showed the fashion industry that black is beautiful. Fun fact: Iman can speak six different languages.
Although I only mentioned three black women, there are a lot more who made an impact in fashion! I will continue to make a post every Black History Month because I believe it is important to recognize the women who made a difference in the field that I am passionate about. Who else do you admire and think was influential in the industry?
