Meet Designer Stephen Burrows

“I make colorful adult toys because I think fashion should have a sense of humor, and I want people to be happy in my clothes,”

Stephen Burrows was born on September 15, 1943, in Newark, New Jersey. He learned how to sew at a young age when he started making clothes with his grandmother. Realizing that fashion was something he wanted to do, he attended the Philadelphia Museum College of Art but later he went to New York City to study at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT).

After graduating from FIT in 1966, he began making clothes for the O boutique that he’d co-founded along with a friend. The store’s window display caught the attention of people that would pass by, which caused an increase in sales. He had orders coming in left and right. Stephen along with a friend launched a ready-to-wear line for Bonwit Teller in 1969. Later that year he was hired to work for Henri Bendel after being introduced to Bendel’s legendary fashion director Geraldine Stutz. While there he designed clothing that made him “the quintessential fashion expression of the 1970s.”

Stephen eventually left Henri Bendel and opened his namesake business, quickly licensing products such as fragrances, sunglasses, and furs.

With all his success, Stephen was recognized with Coty Awards in 1973, 1974, and again in 1977.

During the 1980s Stephen took a break from the fashion scene, only to return in the 1990s. He made his comeback with a line of dresses that were both comfortable and sensual. In 1993 he returned to Henri Bendel to design evening wear. Stephen was one designer that when he left the spotlight he was missed.

His signature palette of vibrant colors and approach to cut and modern silhouettes brought him world recognition as the first African-American designer. His designs defined American fashion in the ’70s. He is truly an Iconic Designer.

For more information on this designer visit Stephen Burrows