What will we be doing as Designers in Residence?
On the weekends and for special events (Members Mondays, College Night, etc), one of us will be inside the Designer Studio in the exhibition working. We are each designing and creating a piece in response to the exhibition that utilizes hand dressmaking and embroidery skills. Our time in the Designer Studio will allow visitors to see some of the techniques used to create the garments that the exhibition so beautifully displays.
What will my piece be?
Through this Designer in Residence, I wanted to highlight the work of the African American fashion designer, Ann Lowe. Ms. Lowe created beautiful evening and social gowns for high society women starting in Montgomery, Alabama and moving her way up to a studio on Madison Avenue. Her clientele included the highest of American society of the mid-20th Century including the Post's, the Vanderbilt's, the Auchincloss' and the Dupont's. Sadly few people have heard of Ms. Lowe and her beautiful gowns, many incorporating exquisite handmade flower and embroidery embellishments.
NY Post: Why Jackie Kennedy's Dress Designer Was Fashion's Best Kept Secret |
Vogue: "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Jackie Kennedy's Wedding to JFK" with a slideshow of photos |
Ann Lowe from Ebony December 1966 |
Resources About the Inspiring Beauty Exhibition:
Website for the Exhibition
NPR: The Ebony Fashion Fair: Changing History on the Catwalk (great article, photo and audio!)
Resources About Ann Lowe:
Margaret Powell's Blog about Ann Lowe
Fancy Party Gowns: The Story of Fashion Designer Ann Cole Lowe children's book
Here's the Amazon link |
More to come on my piece soon!
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