Black History Month: Ann Lowe

Today's Black History Month illustration is of Ann Lowe, the first African American to become a noted fashion designer.

Lowe was responsible for generations of NYC socialite fashion. She created designs for high society families such as the Rockefellers, Du Ponts, Roosevelts, Posts, Biddles, and Auchinclosses. In 1953, she designed Jackie Kennedy's ivory silk taffeta wedding dress, but she didn’t receive public credit until after JFK’s assassination.

In 1964, she was referred to as “society’s best kept secret.” Unlike her competitors, she was undervalued and unable to build a sustainable business and fashion house because of discrimination. Here’s a clip of a vintage Ann Lowe interview with Mike Douglas:

She’s now recognized as a pioneering Black couturier. Her pieces are preserved in museum collections including the Costume Institute at the Met and the NMAAHC.

My illustration of Ann Lowe is available as an art print here.

I’ll be back tomorrow with another illustration and story!

-Alleanna

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Further reading and watching:

Picture Book: Fancy Party Gowns: The Story of Fashion Designer Ann Cole Lowe by Deborah Blumenthal and illustrated by Laura Freeman

Picture Book: Only the Best: The Exceptional Life and Fashion of Ann Lowe by Katie Messner and Margaret E. Powell and illustrated by Erin K. Robinson

Video: New exhibit showcases the creations of forgotten fashion designer Anne Lowe - CBS Mornings

Sources:

Ann Lowe

Considered one of America’s most significant designers, Ann Lowe was born in Clayton, Alabama, around 1898 and reared in Montgomery. Her mother, Janie Cole Lowe, and her grandmother, Georgia Thompkins, were skilled dressmakers who sewed for wealthy white families in the state. And they taught Lowe to sew as early as age five.

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Ann Lowe: Fashion Icon

Considered one of America’s most significant designers, Ann Cole Lowe was influential in paving the way for African Americans in the fashion industry. During her illustrious 50-year career, her extraordinary garments earned her prominent clientele, including Jacqueline Kennedy, Marjorie Merriweather Post, and the Rockefellers. But her journey to success was fraught with challenges—it reflected decades of resilience and perseverance.

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Ann Lowe’s Fashion Legacy | Whipstitch

Ann Lowe designed Jackie Kennedy’s wedding gown and should get credit for her contributions to fashion history.

Whipstitch | modern sewingDeborah