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Harlem’s Fashion Row sheds light on Black history makers

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NewYorkTimes/HarlemFashionRow

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The Harlem’s Fashion Row 3rd Annual Digital Summit kicked off despite the pandemic, to bring awareness to fashion and the impact it has on people of color. Through the event there were many topics discussed that spanned from the importance of allies, representation, and how to navigate the fashion industry while being unapologetically Black.

The founder of HFR, Brandice Daniel, hosted a few engaging fireside chats during the event. She interviewed the founder and CEO of The History Makers, Julieanna Richardson. As well as, Teri Agins, a business fashion journalist. The conversation between them explored many topics but focused on the founding history of fashion.

Black people often times are not given credit when due. Through the conversation that couldn’t be truer of all the unknown history makers that have paved the way and should inspire those wishing to do the same.

Zelda Wynn Valdes was a fashion designer born in the early 1900s. She created the Playboy Bunny costume. She was the first designer to get her design trademarked. Valdes was known for her keen eye for design and making clothing for all sizes. She even made the wedding dress of Nat King Cole’s wife, Maria.

Another amazing designer to know is Jay Jaxon. He was born in 1941. He went on to become the first Black designer to have a French Couture House at the age of 24. Although he hailed from the streets of New York, he made his way to France where he honed his skills and made a name for himself. Prior to solely working for his own company he learned from notable designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, and Christian Dior. He later got into designing for television and worked on ‘Sabrina The Teenage Witch.”  

The HistoryMakers company has dedicated their time and efforts to documenting and showcasing Black history. This just scratches the surface of all there is in their archives. If interested in learning more visit thehistorymakers.org.

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