Black Fashion History

In this special episode, we honor the 51st anniversary of the Battle of Versailles, a groundbreaking moment in Black fashion history that took place on November 28, 1973. Filmmaker Deborah Riley-Draper joins us to discuss her acclaimed documentary Versailles '73, which brought this iconic event to life on screen. Draper shares how this historic fashion show not only showcased the brilliance of African American models and designers but also introduced the world to the powerful message on an international stage. Tune in to celebrate this monumental anniversary and learn more about the cultural and historical significance of the Battle of Versailles. To learn more about Deborah Riley Draper and her work, visit https://www.coffeebluffpictures.com/

In this episode, Taniqua Martin sits down with the dynamic sisters Essie Brew-Hammond and Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond, founders of the luxury brand Exit 14! Dive into their journey, discover the inspiration behind their choice of Batakari fabric, and learn about the meaning of Exit 14 and its tagline, "tailored for your journey." Exit 14 blends traditional West African craftsmanship with contemporary flair, redefining luxury through skill, artisanship, and timeless design. Learn more about Exit 14: Website: exit14apparel.com Instagram: @shopexit14 Catch the full interview on www.blackfashionhistory.com, YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform!

In this episode of Black Fashion History, host Taniqua Martin sits down with Charlene Dunbar, the brilliant mind behind Suakoko Betty! From engineering to fashion design, Charlene's journey is a true inspiration. She shares her love for African fashion, the importance of cultural representation, and how African designers can benefit from the global rise of African-inspired fashion. Dive into the challenges, opportunities, and the luxury of African fashion in this insightful conversation! Check out Suakoko Betty: www.suakokobetty.com Follow on Instagram: @suakokobetty Wacth now on www.blackfashionhistory.com or YouTube.

In this episode, Taniqua Martin chats with fashion professor Ntebo Lepheana to explore the rich traditions and style history of the Basotho people. Ntebo shares how Basotho cultural heritage has shaped her perspective on fashion and how she brings this unique lens to her work in the classroom. She discusses iconic Basotho garments like the Seanamarena blanket, revealing the historical significance and symbolism. Ntebo also explains how she encourages her students to draw from their own cultural histories, empowering them to infuse their designs with a sense of identity and legacy. Tune in on www.blackfashionhistory.com, YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform!

In this episode of Black Fashion History, host Taniqua Martin sits down with fashion journalist Elvis Kachi to explore his journey into the fashion industry and his mission to tell authentic African fashion stories. They dive into the unique elements of African fashion, the challenges of getting these stories published, and the need for diverse storytelling in major publications. Elvis also shares insights on his platform, Style Pen Memoir, and offers valuable advice for aspiring fashion professionals. Don't miss out! Learn more at https://elviskachi.com/ and https://thestylepenmemoir.beehiiv.com/ Tune in on www.blackfashionhistory.com, YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform!

In this episode of Black Fashion History, Taniqua Martin dives into a powerful conversation with Beatrace Angut Oola, the visionary founder of Fashion Africa Now. Beatrace shares her inspiring journey of decolonizing the fashion industry, challenging Western-centric norms, and elevating African voices. Don't miss this transformative discussion on reshaping beauty standards and empowering African designers! Learn more: https://fashionafricanow.com/ https://www.instagram.com/fashionafricanow Watch now: www.blackfashionhistory.com or on YouTube!

Dive into the world of African fashion with Jacqueline Brown in this episode of the Black Fashion History Podcast! From her British-Jamaican roots to her pioneering role with Africa Fashion Guide, Jacqueline discusses the diversity in African fashion and shares her passion for textiles and sustainable fashion. Discover how she navigates ethical challenges, empowers artisans, and envisions Africa as a global leader in fashion sustainability. Don't miss her insights on preserving traditional fabrics and the storytelling power of African fashion. For more on Jacqueline Brown, visit www.jacquelineshaw.co.uk. Join Taniqua Martin on the Black Fashion History Podcast for this enlightening conversation on www.blackfashionhistory.com , YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform.

In this episode, Taniqua Martin interviews Tosin Adeosun, the brilliant mind behind the African Style Archive! Discover Tosin's own style journey, her deep dive into African fashion history, and how she's preserving this rich cultural heritage. Learn about the pioneers of African fashion and the importance of documenting these vibrant stories. For more on Tosin Adeosun and the African Style Archive: www.tosinadeosun.com & @africanstylearchive on Instagram. Join the conversation on www.blackfashionhistory.com, YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform!

In this episode of the Black Fashion History, Taniqua Martin sits down with Ken Kweku Nimo, an author and expert in African fashion and material culture. From Ghana to South Africa, Ken shares his inspiring journey, discussing how his experiences have shaped his unique perspective on African fashion history. Dive into the impact of colonization, the resurgence of indigenous practices, and the global potential of African fashion. Don't miss this enlightening conversation! For more on Ken: https://africainfashion.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kwekunimo/ Watch now on www.blackfashionhistory.com, YouTube, or your favorite platform!

In this special Black History Month episode, Taniqua speaks with Linda Ann Dixon about the legacy of her great grandmother Ann Lowe.

Dorothea Towles Church spent over five years in Europe during the 1950s, modeling for designers like Christian Dior, Elsa Schiaparelli, Robert Piguet, Jacques Fath, Pierre Balmain and more. As the first Black woman to model for major European fashion houses, Church used her gifts and access to help othe black women learn about the fashion industry and give back to her community. Taniqua dives into the career of Dorothea Church. Black Fashion Spotlight: Invisible Beauty Film Episode Sources/Further Reading: Blazing the Way One Runway Turn at a Time Dorothea Church, 83; First Black Model to Work for French Designers 1950s Fashion Model | Dorothea Church Church, Dorothea Towles (1922-2006) Dorothea Towles: Christian Dior's Choice for the "New Look" Follow us on IG: @blackfashionhistorypodcast @taniquarudell www.blackfashionhistory.com

Donyale Luna is the first Black supermodel to appear on a Vogue magazine cover, yet not much is known about her as a barrier breaking model. Taniqua recaps the recent HBO documentary on the life of Donyale Luna. Share you thoughts here. Follow us on IG: @blackfashionhistorypodcast @taniquarudell

In 1966, Rosemary E. Reed-Miller followed her interest in fashion and opened Toast and Strawberries,a boutique overlooking Dupont Circle. When Toast and Strawberries opened, she was the only Black woman boutique owner in DC at the time. In this episode, Taniqua dives into her life and career in fashion. Black Fashion Spotlight: Project Runway Winner Bishme Cromartie’s Debut NYFW Show Exuded Edgy Romance Watch the full show here. Episode Sources: Black Dress TV Rosemary Reed Miller The artist as entrepreneur / Rosemary E. Reed Miller ; interviewed by Elaine Heffernan. Rosemary Reed Miller, Washington boutique owner, dies at 78 BUSINESS EXCHANGE: Late D.C. Entrepreneur Leaves Sterling Legacy

Audrey Weaver is a designer that creates hand-crafted artisan scarves and hats & accessories located in the New York City area. Over the past years, she has received editorial credits for her designs in publications such as The New York Times, Essence Magazine, Glamour, and Women’s Wear Daily as well as being featured in The Oprah Winfrey Show, CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story and more. In past years, the scarves have been sold in boutiques and departments stores across the country. Taniqua speaks with Audrey Weaver about her career as a scarf designer, technical designer and tailor to the stars.

Fashion shows have a deep rooted history in Black American culture. While we didn’t invent fashion shows, we have surely used them to celebrate our beauty, support our causes, make political statements and so much more. In this episode, Taniqua shares a brief overview of the history of these shows in Black communities and how it's impacted the culture. Follow us on IG: @blackfashionhistorypodcast @taniquarudell Episode Sources/Further Reading: 1. African Americans and Consumerism 2. Socialite Mollie Moon Used Fashion Shows to Fund the Civil Rights Movement 3. Irvin C. Miller's Brown Skin Models Big Hit in Cleveland 4. The Great Migration and Fashion Shows in Black Communities 5. The History Behind Harlem's Fashion Shows 6. Dorothea Church, 83; First Black Model to Work for French Designers 7. Fashion and Consciousness 8. The Fashion Show that Helped Launch a Movement 9. A Lesson in Black Fashion History 10. Black Power Dressing

Many people know Ann Lowe as the designer of gowns for America's most prominent society women, including Jacqueline Kennedy. Winterthur Museum is marking the legacy of Ann Lowe with the largest exhibition of her work to date, featuring 40 iconic gowns, many that have never been on public display. The exhibition will also feature the work of contemporary Black couturiers like B Michael, Tracy Reese, Amsale Aberra, and Bishme Cromartie. Taniqua speaks with Elizabeth Way, associate curator at The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology and guest curator of the exhibition, and Director of Collections Alexandra Deutsch. The exhibition will run from September 9, 2023 to Januray 7, 2024. Meet the Guests: Winterthur Museum Elizabeth Way Alexandra Deutsch Follow us on IG: @blackfashionhistorypodcast @taniquarudell

Gettin’ Free! : A Juneteenth Collaboration brought to you by Sistas Who Kill: A True Crime Podcast. We know that history is told from the side of the victors, but that leaves room for misinformation and false narratives. We are on a mission to change that. 11 Black podcasts have come together to reclaim our history and tell it our way - flavor and all. Welcome to a chronological journey to get free. Learn where we’ve come, what we’ve overcome, and how much further we need to go. Sistas Who Kill IG: @SistasWhoKillPod 22:16 Hoodrat to Headwrap IG: @ihartericka 42:25 Black Millennial Marriage IG:@blackmillennialmarriage 54:03 Journey to Launch IG: @JourneyToLaunch 1:05:36 So what are you reading IG: @sowhatareyoureadingpodcast 1:22:28 Chile, Please IG: @itshoneychile 1:34:36 The Professional Silly Podcast IG: @itsprosilly 1:47:00 Jokes on You IG: @JokesOnYouPod 2:04:07 Black Fashion History IG: @blackfashionhistorypodcast 2:15:31 Zora’s Daughters IG: @zorasdaughters 2:26:35 Black True Crime IG: @blacktruecrimepodcast

Not many people can claim being one of the great artists of the Harlen Renaissance, personal jeweler of Billie Holiday and the first Black woman to take over the jewelery and art industry in America. Taniqua digs into the life and career of Winifred Mason Chenet, the first Black commercial jewleler in the US and the mentor of many anazing artisans, including Art Smith. Follow us on IG: @blackfashionhistorypodcast @taniquarudell

With 2023 being the 50th anniversary year for hip hop, it was only right to begin the year with an appreciation for hip hop fashion. Taniqua highlights three streetwear brands that shaped hip hop culture in the late 80s and 90s. Follow us on IG: @blackfashionhistorypodcast @taniquarudell Epsiode Sources/Further Reading: www.blackfashionhistory.com/episodes/53-3-streetwear-brands-that-shaped-hip-hop

In this episode, Taniqua delves a little further into Atlanta Fashion History sharing the career of designer and couturier Ann Jewel Moore and her famous Ubiquisix garment. Follow us on IG: @blackfashionhistorypodcast @taniquarudell Episode Sources/Further Reading: https://www.blackfashionhistory.com/episodes/52-how-fashion-designer-ann-moore-built-a-20-year-long-career-in-the-1950s Episode Sponsor: https://www.hemsandbrims.com/