Another lesson in Black History…Who Was The First African-American Designer To Gain World Recognition?
The Iconic Stephen Burrows
Burrow’s signature palette of vibrant colors and approach to cut and modern silhouettes brought him world recognition as the first African-American designer.
Graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 1966, Burrows got his start designing for the rich and famous during the Studio 54 era. His clients included Cher, Diana Ross, Lauren Bacall, Liza Minnelli, Naomi Campbell, Iman, and Barbara Streisand among others. He was well-known for his matte jersey dresses with his famous “lettuce hem” in bright hues. His talents were recognized in France where he was invited, alongside American designers Bill Blass, Halston, and Anne Klein, to show his collection among French couturiers and received glowing reviews. In 1971 -1972 he was nominated for fashion’s highest honor, Coty Award.
After his twenty-year absence from the fashion world in 1982, Burrows launched one of the biggest comebacks in the industry in 2002. The designer has been showing at Fashion Weeks ever since. His designs defined American fashion in the ’70s. He is truly an Iconic Designer.
Visit STEPHENBURROWS for more information.
Arjana
Zelda Wynn Valdes