Black Fashion History

Dandyism or the dandy style is defined as a man who pays great attention to fashion and overall appearance. The modern practice of this style first appeared in the 1970s in London and Paris. However, Black communities around the world, like the Sapeurs and sapeuse of the Congo and the rude boys of Jamaica, adopted this style and made it what it is today. Listen as Taniqua describes how Black peopl...

Models like Donyale Luna, Pat Cleveland, Beverly Johnson and more paved the way for models today. In episode 49 of #BlackFashionHistory, Taniqua discusses Black models accomplished many "firsts" and changed the fashion industry. Follow us on IG: @ blackfashionhistorypodcast   @taniquarudell  And if you haven't done so already, please take a moment to rate and review the show. We love hearing your...

Liberian model Yahne Sangare covered the June 1967 issue of Jet magazine where she was named "Africa's Famous Model." In episode 48 of #BlackFashionHistory, Taniqua discusses how Liberian journalist, model, designer and UN correspondent broke into fashion and the influence of African models on the industry. Follow us on IG: @ blackfashionhistorypodcast   @taniquarudell  And if you haven't done so...

In episode 47 of #BlackFashionHistory , Taniqua discusses the Basic Black fashion show of 1969 and its impact on fashion history. Follow us on IG: @ blackfashionhistorypodcast   @taniquarudell  Episode sponsor: Visit ofuure.com and use code BLACKFASHIONHISTORY for 10% off And if you haven't done so already, please take a moment to rate and review the show. We love hearing your feedback! #BlackFash...

Originally from Boston, MA where she got her start in fashion, Therez started designing clothes at the age of 12 and sold her first dress on the famed Newbury Street at the age of 15. This was quite an accomplishment at that age as Newbury Street was home to Giorgio Armani, Chanel, and Diane Von Furstenberg, just to name a few. Therez moved to New York to attend The Fashion Institute of Technology...

Cassandra Bromfield began her fashion career in the 1980's. Simultaneously working for herself, Ms. Bromfield also worked freelance for a number of years with Audrey Smaltz and the Ground Crew. That company did backstage management for fashion shows which included 7th on 6th, Fashion Week, MTV and more. Her signature style includes patchworked fabrics and one of these garments has been exhibited a...

Shaka King has made a strong impression in the fashion industry since 1991. He's designed for countless athletes, artists and more. He has been praised by both national and international press.  Fairchild Publications-Daily News Record, the New York Times, VIBE, Essence and E! are just a few of the media outlets that have hailed King as a pioneer of the upscale urban chic style, dubbing him the "K...

Lisa McFadden is a New York City designer with over 20 years of experience in the fashion industry. She was critiqued by French couturier Pierre Cardin who, upon seeing her student work,   said she was a designer who 'knows her job'. Her headpieces entitled 'Golden Child' and 'Bird of Paradise' have been displayed with the group at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Mezzanine Gallery for the 2018 'Hol...

With over two decades of experience in the fashion and beauty industry, New Jersey native Douglas Says is often referred to as "one of the most important, yet under-exposed designers around." Listen to his story.  Follow us: @ blackfashionhistorypodcast   And if you haven't done so already, please take a moment to rate and review the show. We love hearing your feedback! Guest Info Instagram : http...

Tainqua discusses four (4) vintage Black magazines that provided fashion and style inspiration from the 1950's to the 2000s.  Follow us on IG: @ blackfashionhistorypodcast @taniquarudell  And if you haven't done so already, please take a moment to rate and review the show. We love hearing your feedback! #BlackFashionHis tory

Professor Adrienne Jones holds the honor of being the first Black woman to achieve tenured professor status at  Pratt Institute. Jones has taught in the  Fashion Design department at Pratt for over 25 years. In 2014, Professor Jones conceived and co-curated the landmark exhibition  Black Dress, which honors Black designers and addresses the lack of diversity in the fashion industry. The exhibition...

Tony Dennis, co-founder of Tote&Carry, is affectionately known as "The Stitch Doctor" or "Stitch" for his decades-long career "stitching" custom, quality fashion pieces for high profile clients. The popular designer, who stitched his first items using a worn-out sewing machine in his basement in 1992, has amassed nearly 30 years of experience. With a strong background and humble beginnings under h...

Carol Collins Miles is a supermodel, musician and restaurateur. She is one of the original members of Huber t de Givenchy 's all Black Cabine in the 1970s, the collection of Black models that ushered in an era of diversity and the first time a French couturier had this many Black models in its mainstay. She's also modeled for other designers like Theirry Mugler and  Chantal Thomass . Listen to her...

Beau McCall is a creative artist most known for his use of buttons. Drawing inspiration from the vast button collection of his mother and aunts, he crafts wearable and visual art images combining various types of buttons. McCall uses his art to communicate themes from pop culture to social justice. Taniqua speaks with Beau McCall about some of his work and career in fashion and art.    Listen to h...

Coreen Simpson began her career as a photojournalist and became one of a handful of female photographers on regular assignment covering the Fashion  Collections  in Paris and New York.  Her images have appeared in  Vogue,   Essence,   Ms. Magazine ,  Paris Match ,  The New York Times ,  The Village Voice  and numerous books and periodicals. She began designing and creating one of a kind jewelry in...

Coreen Simpson began her career as a photojournalist and became one of a handful of female photographers on regular assignment covering the Fashion Collections  in Paris and New York.  Her images have appeared in  Vogue,   Essence,   Ms. Magazine ,  Paris Match ,  The New York Times ,  The Village Voice  and numerous books and periodicals. She began designing and creating one of a kind jewelry in...

African civilizations have been well acquainted with luxury before what we know as the modern fashion industry today. In this episode, Taniqua discusses luxury fashion in early Black/African civilizations such as the Kush Empire. Sources/Further Reading: www.blackfashionhistory.com

Sources/Further Reading: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/05/business/amsale-aberra-dies.html https://fashionweekdaily.com/bridal-amsale-aberra-died/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x44SUJz4ggw  

Chris Seydou is known for his pioneering design work with the traditional Malian textile bogolan, also known as the mud cloth. He is referred to as the "Father of African Fashion" and inspired the concept of African couture. Listen to his story. More at www.blackfashionhistory.com Sources/Further Reading: https://www.instagram.com/africanstylearchive/ https://www.protochic.com/stories/2017/2/24/fa...

Sean John was founded in 1998 by Sean "P. Diddy, Puff Daddy, Brother Love" Combs and has maintained its relevance into 2020. With the launch of the brand's first-ever womenswear collection debuting on September 29, Taniqua discusses how Sean John changed the face of streetwear and disrupted the fashion industry in the best way possible.  Sources/ Further Reading: "They laughed when Diddy launched...

Elaine "Jae" Jarell is an artist, fashion designer and one of the co-founders of the African Commune of Bad Relevant Artists (AFRICOBRA) best known for her one-of-a-kind pieces during the Black Arts Movement. She used her designs to celebrate Black culture and provide positive imagery of and for African Americans. Listen to her story. More at www.blackfashionhistory.com . Sources/Further Reading:...

Lois Alexander Lane dedicated her life's work to highlight the role of African Americans in fashion since the beginning of the 19th Century. She created the Black Fashion Museum which housed the largest and rarest Black fashion collection of all time. Listen to her story.  Sources/Further Reading:  https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/21/AR2010052101654_3.html?sid=ST201005...

In this episode, Taniqu discusses how Black women have been the muses for luxury designers and how Black women have increased the popularity and desirability of luxury fashion throughout history. More at https://www.blackfashionhistory.com/ Sources/Further Reading: https://garage.vice.com/en_us/article/qvqde3/lil-kim-louis-vuitton-david-lachapelle https://www.anothermag.com/fashion-beauty/10129/jo...