Zelda Wynn Valdes was the first black fashion designer and costumer to open up her own shop in 1948. Her shop was the first black-owned business on Broadway in NYC.
Zelda Wynn Valdes Fitting Eartha Kitt
She dressed some of the most famous people in history such as Josephine Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, Dorothy Dandridge, Ruby Dee, Mae West and many more.
Dorothy Dandridge Wearing a Dress Designed By Zelda Wynn Valdes
Zelda got her start in fashion as a child by creating clothing for her dolls, she began cutting out patterns from newspapers. Zelda studied her grandmother’s work as a seamstress and also worked in her uncle’s tailoring shop.
Singer Ella Fitzgerald Wear A Dress Designed By Zelda Wynn Valdes
Zelda got her first job as a fancy clothier, where she had to prove her abilities as a young black woman to those who doubted her.
During the rise of her career, she caught the attention of Hugh Hefner, who hired her to design the first Playboy Bunny Costume in the 1950s.
The First Playboy Bunny Costumes Were Designed By Zelda Wynn Valdes
Singer and Actress Mae West In Zelda Wynn Valdes
She helped with the formation of the National Association of Fashion and Accessory Designers for those who were interested in pursuing a career in the Fashion Industry. She also designed the uniforms for the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
Joyce Bryant Wearing Zelda Wynn Valdes
“I just had a God-given talent for making people beautiful”
Valdes died at the age of 96 on September 26, 2001.
I love the way she designed dresses to accentuate women’s curves! She was truly Talented.
♥
Shana
Miss Valdes was truly a talented designer. Her work was beyond amazing!
Miss Jamila
ShanaYes! I love pretty much all her designs that’s I seen so far.
Allison Jones
This is amazing!!!! How have I never heard of her?! Beautiful designs.
LiveLifeWell,
Allison
Kemkem
Wow! I love this post and l am saving it. What a wonderful tribute to a very talented designer. Her gowns were stunning. That Mae West has always been a favorite of mine. So glad l saw this.. :-).
Mimi "MimiCuteLips" Green
This is dope, I had on idea. I need to brush up on black history of fashion.
Kara
I was not aware of these moments in Black History, thanks for sharing! Love that first picture of her & Eartha Kitt!
Siobhan (BeFree Project)
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Surprisingly this is my first time learning about Zelda. What an amazing career she’s had. My daughter is doing a report on Ella Fitzgerald and I can’t wait to share this post with her so she can learn about her fashion designer. Awesome post!
Siobhan
http://www.befreeproject.com
Kerissa
Learned something knew. I can’t wait to share this with my students. We are discovering new Black History notables.
Joanna
I’ve heard of Ann Lowe, but not Zelda Wynn Valdes. Great story. I love learning new things in black history.
Bernetta
This is great! Who knew the person to design the playboy bunny outfits was a black woman! I love learning new things.
Katherine G
I’m so glad you wrote this post. I will be showing it to my kids. I never knew this. Thank you so much for writing it.
Miss Jamila
Katherine GThank you, I love spotlighting black history.
Carin Kilby Clark
I’d never heard of Zelda… that’s so cool that she was the one to design so many great, iconic fashion pieces. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Valerie robinson
I love the history lesson. Beautiful images and designs!