African Americans in fashion Archives

February 9, 2016

Another Lesson In Black History…Who Was Considered To Be The First African American Jewelry Designer?

Arthur Smith was labeled as the first African American Jewelry Designer during the mid-20th century. Showing artistic talent at a young age, Arthur received a scholarship to Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. After graduating in 1940, he enrolled in a jewelry-making class at NYU where he learned the basic technique of jewelry making. It wasn't until he met Winifred Mason, that he began to focus and truly develop his true artistic skills. He begin applying the techniques he lea[...]

Lifestyle

February 29, 2012

Another Lesson In Black History…Who Was The First Black Model To Cover W Korea?

Anais Mali Becomes First Black Model To Cover W in Korea Anais Mokngar Mali is a French model who was born in Toulon, France. In 2009, she signed with Wilhelmina Mode modeling agency. Even though Mali is joined by other models Crystal Renn, Hanne Gaby Odiele, Hyoni Kang, Julia Nobis, Maryna Linchuk, and Valerija Kelava she still is the first black model to ever grace W Korea's Cover. Anais has already modeled for some of the top designers like Betsey Johnson, Vivienne Westwood, Marc Jaco[...]

Lifestyle

February 22, 2012

Another Lesson In Black History…Who Is The First Male Albinistic African American Fashion Model?

Shaun Ross is the First African American Albinistic Model to ever walk down a runway. Born May 10,1991 in the Bronx, New York Ross got his "fame" when he was discovered from a youtube video. For five years he trained at the Alvin Ailey School as an amateur dancer and actor, until he crossed over to the fashion industry at the age of 16 and turned his focus to modeling, holding the title as the "First African American Albinistic Model". Ross has been featured in campaigns for major fashi[...]

Lifestyle

February 7, 2012

Another Lesson In Black History…Who Was The First African American Designer To Have A Contract With A Hollywood Film Studio?

// // ]]> As I was doing research for Black History month I came across L’Tanya Griffin, an African American fashion designer, and Stylist. Unable to find a sufficient amount of information on Griffin, I decided to share the little info I was able to find. In 1954, L’Tanya signed a multi-year contract with Edward D. Wood Production company to create gowns for 20 of its films, causing her to become the first African American designer to have a contract with a Hollywood film studio. If y[...]

Lifestyle

February 6, 2012

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 dre[...]