Celebrating African American Fashion Designers Who Shaped the Industry

Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible contributions of African Americans across all fields. One such field is the fashion industry, where trailblazing Black designers have not only broken barriers but have also reshaped the cultural landscape. We want to highlight some of the African American designers who have shaped the fashion world, celebrated for their raw talent.

1. Often called the “first African American couturier,” Ann Lowe’s work has been largely overshadowed, but she was undeniably a fashion trailblazer. She became famous for designing Jacqueline Kennedy's wedding dress, which she created in secret after the original designer's work was deemed unsuitable. Lowe’s designs embodied sophistication and grace, creating stunning gowns and bridal wear that were worn by society’s elite from the 1920’s to the 1960’s. Despite facing racial prejudice and limited opportunities, Lowe’s legacy remains influential today.

2. Known for his groundbreaking use of color, fluidity, and a distinctly American aesthetic, Stephen Burrows graduated from FIT and worked his way up to working closely with luxury department store Henri Bendel. Burrows made history in 1969 when he became the first African American designer to show at New York Fashion Week. His work was embraced for its vibrant energy, particularly his signature use of stretch fabrics, which revolutionized the way clothes moved with the body. Burrows played an instrumental role in the development of 1970s fashion and became known for designing for supermodels like Naomi Sims and Pat Cleveland.

3. With his innovative fusion of high-end luxury brands and street style, Dapper Dan, changed the face of urban fashion. In the 1980s, he gained fame by creating custom pieces using logos from luxury brands in his Harlem store, Dapper Dan’s Boutique. There he saw clients like Salt-N-Pepa, LL Cool J, and Jay-Z. Today, Dapper Dan is celebrated for his ability to blend luxury and street culture. In 2017, he launched a line with Gucci with which he opened a second store and atelier, Dapper Dan’s of Harlem in 2018.

4. Tracy Reese is known for her vibrant, feminine designs that incorporate bold colors and prints. She uses fashion as a platform for social change, advocating for sustainability and environmental responsibility. Reese is also recognized for her commitment to promoting diversity on the runway and supporting young designers. Her collections have graced red carpets and the wardrobes of influential women, from Michelle Obama to Kerry Washington, helping to redefine what it means to dress confidently while embracing cultural heritage and modernity.

5. Virgil Abloh’s name became synonymous with boundary-pushing fashion that bridges the gap between streetwear and luxury. As the founder of Off-White, Abloh became one of the most influential designers of the 21st century. In 2018, he made history as the first African American artistic director of Louis Vuitton's men's wear division. Known for his incorporation of industrial aesthetics and elevated street fashion, Abloh’s work resonated with both high fashion elites and the youth culture. He tragically passed away in November 2021 from a rare cancer, but is remembered as bringing a new voice to fashion and merging the worlds of art, fashion, and culture.

These designers, along with many others, have had an undeniable impact on the fashion industry, helping to shape and redefine what it means to be stylish, creative, and influential. Their creativity, resilience, and determination continue to inspire generations of designers and fashion enthusiasts alike to dream big and break barriers. As Black History Month comes to a close, we celebrate their achievements and appreciate their work that left a permanent mark on history.