FIT Brings Black Fashion Designers And Models To Forefront With Upcoming Exhibit

Source: Fashion Designer Duro Olowu with models in his collection / Photograph by Ben Hider for Getty Images

Black fashion designers account for just one percent of designers covered by Vogue Runway and largely unrepresented and under showcased within the fashion industry. This has led to Hello Beautiful creating, #NYFWNoir, a celebration of Black people in fashion, who are excelling, paving paths, and breaking barriers. Well, the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City is shining some light and recognition on Black fashion designers and models within the industry from past and present.


One of the features includes Anne Lowe, the couturier that is responsible for creating Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding dress; however, was just credited as the “colored woman.” When she passed in 1981, she was largely unknown within the fashion industry, despite being recognized by high fashion designers, like Christian Dior.

Source: Pascal Le Segretain / Getty

The “Black Fashion Designers” exhibition will focus on over 30 designers and approximately 70 fashion objects, paying particular attention to the late 1960’s and the 1970’s when Black fashion was extremely influential on the culture. The exhibition will also focus on models, movements and events, including the infamous Ebony Fashion Fair.
The exhibit focuses not only on the past but also on the present, highlighting modern-day Black fashion designers like Tracy Reese, Pyer Moss, and more. The exhibit is organized by Ariele Elia, assistant curator of Costume and Textiles, and Elizabeth Way, curatorial assistant. It will be on view at The Museum at FIT from December 6th, 2016 through May 16th, 2016.
Find out more, here.