012. Ann Lowe: A Trailblazing Black Couturier (w/ Elizabeth Way)

Women Designers You Should Know

Discover the captivating and untold story of Ann Lowe, the brilliant designer behind Jackie Kennedy’s wedding dress, as we delve into her legacy with fashion historian and author, Elizabeth Way.

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Check out the original reel / video this podcast was based on: https://www.instagram.com/p/C6EDEMrLDsn/

Sources:

• Ann Lowe: American Couturier by Elizabeth Way
• Margaret Powell's master's thesis, The Life and Work of Ann Lowe, published in 2012 by the Corcoran School of the Arts & Design (Included in the book above)
• By Her Own Design by Piper Huguley (Fictional Novel based on her life)
• The Mike Douglas Show Interview

About Ann Lowe:

Ann Lowe (1898-1981) was an influential African American fashion designer whose exquisite gowns were sought after by America's social elite. Born in Clayton, Alabama, she learned the art of dressmaking from her mother and grandmother, both skilled seamstresses. Despite facing significant racial barriers, Lowe's talent led her to design dresses for prominent families, including the Rockefellers, the du Ponts, and the Kennedys.

Her most famous creation was Jacqueline Kennedy's wedding dress in 1953, a masterpiece completed under extraordinary circumstances. Lowe’s work was known for its meticulous craftsmanship, hand-sewn details, and elegant designs, yet she received little recognition during her lifetime. Financial struggles and the racial discrimination she faced often overshadowed her achievements. Today, Ann Lowe is celebrated as a trailblazer in the fashion industry, whose contributions continue to inspire and influence designers around the world.

About Elizabeth Way:

Elizabeth Way is a curator who specializes in fashion history, particularly focusing on the intersection of fashion and African American culture. Elizabeth has curated several exhibitions, including "Black Fashion Designers" and "Fabric In Fashion," which highlight the contributions of Black designers and the significance of textiles in fashion. She also co-edited the book "Black Designers in American Fashion," contributing to scholarship and public understanding of the impact of Black designers in the fashion industry. AND authored a book that just came out in 2023 about Ann Lowe
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