Black History Month: African Americans And The Fashion Industry

African Americans have significantly influenced American fashion. Their impact is evident in various historical and contemporary contributions, including: Defying the Tignon Law of 1786 Elizabeth Keckley’s designs for Mary Todd Lincoln Ann Lowe’s creation of Jackie Kennedy’s wedding dress Mary McLeod Bethune’s establishment of the National Association of Fashion and Accessory Designers Dapper Dan’s fusion of couture and Hip-Hop styles These milestones underscore the undeniable contributions of Black individuals to the fashion industry. Join us for a discussion featuring industry insiders and experts who will share their practices, processes, and sources of inspiration. Our Panelists include: Dr. Dyese Matthews, PhD, historian and Assistant Professor of Fashion Management and Social Justice, Parsons School of Design Cassandra Bromfield and Douglas Says, clothing designers. Lisa McFadden, milliner Candace Prince-Modeste, President of Southeast Queens NAACP.