Black Fashion History

Taniqua Martin shares a replay for her talk at the Historical Symposium hosted by Costumers of Color. Explore the hidden stories of Black fashion designers through archival detective work, highlighting the importance of black media and institutions in preserving cultural history. Key Topics Archival research methods for Black fashion history The role of black media in preserving fashion stories Ca...

Join Taniqua Martin in conversatoin with Dr. Chajuana Trawick Ferguson, a trailblazer in fashion education and history, as she shares her personal story, her work with the Black Design Collective, and her groundbreaking role at Lindenwood University. This episode highlights the importance of mentorship, evolving industry tech, and cultivating spaces for future Black fashion professionals. Resource...

In this conversation, Taniqua Martin speaks with Dr. Dyese Matthews about her journey from a childhood influenced by her mother's fashion sense to her academic pursuits in fashion history. She discusses the importance of recognizing and preserving Black fashion narratives, particularly through her project, Noir Narratives. The conversation also touches on the role of technology in fashion educatio...

In this episode, host Taniqua Martin sits down with Rafael Brauer Gomes, Director of Fashion Exhibitions at SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film, to explore the creative vision behind André Leon Talley: Style Is Forever . We dive into how Rafael brings Talley's legacy to life, the curatorial decisions that shaped this landmark exhibition, and why preserving André Leon Talley's legacy is essential to...

In this special episode, we honor the 51st anniversary of the Battle of Versailles, a groundbreaking moment in Black fashion history that took place on November 28, 1973. Filmmaker Deborah Riley-Draper joins us to discuss her acclaimed documentary Versailles '73 , which brought this iconic event to life on screen. Draper shares how this historic fashion show not only showcased the brilliance of Af...

In this episode, Taniqua Martin sits down with the dynamic sisters Essie Brew-Hammond and Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond, founders of the luxury brand Exit 14! Dive into their journey, discover the inspiration behind their choice of Batakari fabric, and learn about the meaning of Exit 14 and its tagline, "tailored for your journey."   Exit 14 blends traditional West African craftsmanship with contemporary...

In this episode of Black Fashion History, host Taniqua Martin sits down with Charlene Dunbar, the brilliant mind behind Suakoko Betty! From engineering to fashion design, Charlene's journey is a true inspiration. She shares her love for African fashion, the importance of cultural representation, and how African designers can benefit from the global rise of African-inspired fashion. Dive into the c...

In this episode, Taniqua Martin chats with fashion professor Ntebo Lepheana to explore the rich traditions and style history of the Basotho people. Ntebo shares how Basotho cultural heritage has shaped her perspective on fashion and how she brings this unique lens to her work in the classroom. She discusses iconic Basotho garments like the  Seanamarena blanket, revealing the historical significanc...

In this episode of Black Fashion History, host Taniqua Martin sits down with fashion journalist Elvis Kachi to explore his journey into the fashion industry and his mission to tell authentic African fashion stories. They dive into the unique elements of African fashion, the challenges of getting these stories published, and the need for diverse storytelling in major publications. Elvis also shares...

In this episode of Black Fashion History, Taniqua Martin dives into a powerful conversation with Beatrace Angut Oola, the visionary founder of Fashion Africa Now. Beatrace shares her inspiring journey of decolonizing the fashion industry, challenging Western-centric norms, and elevating African voices. Don't miss this transformative discussion on reshaping beauty standards and empowering African d...

Dive into the world of African fashion with Jacqueline Brown in this episode of the Black Fashion History Podcast! From her British-Jamaican roots to her pioneering role with Africa Fashion Guide, Jacqueline discusses the diversity in African fashion and  shares her passion for textiles and sustainable fashion.  Discover how she navigates ethical challenges, empowers artisans, and envisions Africa...

In this episode, Taniqua Martin interviews Tosin Adeosun, the brilliant mind behind the African Style Archive!  Discover Tosin's own style journey, her deep dive into African fashion history, and how she's preserving this rich cultural heritage. Learn about the pioneers of African fashion and the importance of documenting these vibrant stories. For more on Tosin Adeosun and the African Style Archi...

In this episode of the Black Fashion History , Taniqua Martin sits down with Ken Kweku Nimo , an author and expert in African fashion and material culture. From Ghana to South Africa, Ken shares his inspiring journey, discussing how his experiences have shaped his unique perspective on African fashion history.  Dive into the impact of colonization, the resurgence of indigenous practices, and the g...

In this special Black History Month episode, Taniqua speaks with Linda Ann Dixon about the legacy of her great grandmother Ann Lowe.

Dorothea Towles Church spent over five years in Europe during the 1950s, modeling for designers like Christian Dior, Elsa Schiaparelli, Robert Piguet, Jacques Fath, Pierre Balmain and more. As the first Black woman to model for major European fashion houses, Church used her gifts and access to help othe black women learn about the fashion industry and give back to her community. Taniqua dives into...

Donyale Luna is the first Black supermodel to appear on a Vogue magazine cover, yet not much is known about her as a barrier breaking model. Taniqua recaps the recent HBO documentary on the life of Donyale Luna. Share you thoughts here .   Follow us on IG: @ blackfashionhistorypodcast   @taniquarudell 

In 1966, Rosemary E. Reed-Miller followed her interest in fashion and opened Toast and Strawberries,a boutique overlooking Dupont Circle. When Toast and Strawberries opened, she was the only Black woman boutique owner in DC at the time. In this episode, Taniqua dives into her life and career in fashion. Black Fashion Spotlight: Project Runway Winner Bishme Cromartie's Debut NYFW Show Exuded Edgy R...

Audrey Weaver is a designer that creates hand-crafted artisan scarves and hats & accessories located in the New York City area. Over the past years, she has received editorial credits for her designs in publications such as The New York Times, Essence Magazine, Glamour, and Women's Wear Daily as well as being featured in The Oprah Winfrey Show, CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story and more. In past years,...

Fashion shows have a deep rooted history in Black American culture. While we didn't invent fashion shows, we have surely used them to celebrate our beauty, support our causes, make political statements and so much more. In this episode, Taniqua shares a brief overview of the history of these shows in Black communities and how it's impacted the culture.  Follow us on IG: @ blackfashionhistorypodcas...

Many people know Ann Lowe as the designer of gowns for America's most prominent society women, including Jacqueline Kennedy. Winterthur Museum is marking the legacy of Ann Lowe with the largest exhibition of her work to date, featuring 40 iconic gowns, many that have never been on public display. The exhibition will also feature the work of contemporary Black couturiers like B Michael, Tracy Reese...

Gettin' Free! : A Juneteenth Collaboration brought to you by Sistas Who Kill: A True Crime Podcast. We know that history is told from the side of the victors, but that leaves room for misinformation and false narratives.  We are on a mission to change that. 11 Black podcasts have come together to reclaim our history and tell it our way - flavor and all. Welcome to a chronological journey to get fr...

Not many people can claim being one of the great artists of the Harlen Renaissance, personal jeweler of Billie Holiday and the first Black woman to take over the jewelery and art industry in America. Taniqua digs into the life and career of Winifred Mason Chenet, the first Black commercial jewleler in the US and the mentor of many anazing artisans, including Art Smith.  Follow us on IG: @ blackfas...

With 2023 being the 50th anniversary year for hip hop, it was only right to begin the year with an appreciation for hip hop fashion. Taniqua highlights three streetwear brands that shaped hip hop culture in the late 80s and 90s. Follow us on IG: @ blackfashionhistorypodcast   @taniquarudell  Epsiode Sources/Further Reading: www.blackfashionhistory.com/episodes/53-3-streetwear-brands-that-shaped-hi...

In this episode, Taniqua delves a little further into Atlanta Fashion History sharing the career of designer and couturier Ann Jewel Moore and her famous Ubiquisix garment. Follow us on IG: @ blackfashionhistorypodcast   @taniquarudell  Episode Sources/Further Reading: https://www.blackfashionhistory.com/episodes/52-how-fashion-designer-ann-moore-built-a-20-year-long-career-in-the-1950s Episode Sp...

In this episode, Taniqua delves into Atlanta Fashion History and shares the lives and careers of Lilian B. Head and Mae Reeves, two Georgia-born Black women who created couture headwear beginning in the 1940s. Follow us on IG: @ blackfashionhistorypodcast   @taniquarudell  Episode Sources/Further Reading: https://www.blackfashionhistory.com/episodes/51-two-georgia-born-milliners-youve-probably-nev...