Georgia Queen Clothing

Sitting here in this coffee shop in a amethyst colored room my mind is going wild with thoughts of recent current events. Most of all how far we’ve come as a people here in this country. No one should feel under valued as a human being because of society standards. We have the strength to create standards for ourselves and be okay. I love the old hymnal “Trust in the Lord.” There’s a verse in there, “I’m going to treat everybody right.

February is black history month and for a year now, I’ve researched several women who are the pioneers of American Fashion. Their stories are incredible and inspiring! As a woman of color with a career in fashion, I can relate to both their personal and professional stories. It’s hard for people to imagine fashion existed beyond a certain time period that included people of color. From the plantations of the south to two of the most famous first ladies of the United States. Black women has been on the forefront of fashion and I’m proud to educate you on some of these women.

This is the Real American Fashion Story.

Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley was an accomplished Dress Maker born into slavery. Later in life she was able to purchase her freedom while making dresses for the elite. Her most notable client was Mary Todd Lincoln. Quite a remarkable woman!

Here’s a collection of her dresses designed and made by Elizabeth for Mrs. Lincoln.

1818-1907 – Elizabeth Keckley

Ann Lowe was the first African American woman noted as a fashion designer. She is a remarkable designer from rural Alabama and the daughter/granddaughter of seamstresses who did not receive credit for much of her work. Her most notable client is Jackie Bouvier Kennedy.

Zelda Wynn Valdes was an American fashion designer and costumer best know for the Playboy Bunny costume. She was known for creating gowns for some of the most well known black entertainers of her time. As well as Mae West. Zelda was responsible for Joyce Bryant sexy look dubbed as “the black Marilyn Monroe.”