Black fashion history

Debutante balls, or cotillions, are a centuries old tradition with roots in Europe as far back as the 1700s. The word “debutante” translates to female beginner in French, and refers to a young woman making her debut into polite society. The first of these lavish events was held by King George III in

Ann Lowe designed Jackie Kennedy's wedding gown and should get credit for her contributions to fashion history.

Helen Williams is the first African American model to cross over into mainstream media.A pioneer in the world of modeling, Helen Williams-Jackson is credited with paving the way for African American fashion models, particularly dark-skinned models, to be featured in major publications and advertising as well as high fashion catwalks, both domestic and international.Born in East Riverton, New Jersey in 1937, Helen was always excited about fashion. Her introduction into the industry came as a…

We're celebrating ESSENCE Fashion House, strutting through Fashion Week, and reflecting on iconic Black style moments that made a statement.

Just like 1920s blouses, skirts during the twenties went from the vogue thing to wear in the early years to out of fashion by mid-decade. Women wore skirt and blouse separates around the house and while visiting friends, traveling, playing sports, and running into town in casual, comfortable attire. In most cases, they were not

The Elegant Senegal of the First Half of the 20th Century is an exhibition on at the Círculo de Bellas Artes, Madrid, until 26 August

Zora Neale Hurston, 1940. ©Van Vechten Trust | Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University Thanks to Carl Van Vechten, we have glorious colour photographs of all the leading Black intellectuals and artists of the 1930s to the 1960s. A wealthy white patron of Black art, Van Vechten

View African American fashion, culture, and clothing at home, church, casual days, work and portrait studios through the lens of the 1930s. Real life photos of 1930s black women and men, with some famous faces too. See More Photos By Decade 1900s-1910s 1920s 1940s 1950s 1960s

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