Lois K. Alexander-Lane in evening wear (ca. 1955) by Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-LaneSmithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Lois K. Alexander-Lane
Lois K. Alexander-Lane, fashion designer and founder of The Black Fashion Museum, was photographed in 1955 in this gorgeous evening ensemble.
She originally founded the Black Fashion Museum in Harlem in 1979, but the collection was donated to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture after Alexander-Lane's death in 2007.
Ball gown in Chantilly lace over silver-white duchesse silk satin (1957) by Ann LoweMuseum of the City of New York
Ann Lowe
Legendary African American designer Ann Lowe created this ornate ballgown in 1957.
It features Chantilly lace over duchesse silk satin, embellished by large, crimson roses.
Dress Dress (1980) by Patrck KellyThe Museum at FIT
Patrick Kelly
Patrick Kelly was a pioneering African American designer whose work often incorporated bold colors and bright buttons.
This black wool dress was sewn in 1980.
Evening dress in pieced, striped synthetic single knit jersey (1960/1969) by Stephen BurrowsMuseum of the City of New York
Stephen Burrows
Stephen Burrows, inventor of the curly-edged "lettuce hem," is a groundbreaking high-fashion designer.
This evening dress features the dramatic asymmetry and unique colors for which he became known.
Jewel By Lisa, Spring / Summer 2013 (2012) by Lisa FolawiyoOriginal Source: Lagos Fashion Week
Lisa Folawiyo
Nigerian designer Lisa Folawiyo creates contemporary looks with traditional West African textiles.
This ankara dress is from her Spring / Summer 2013 collection.
Ensemble (2015) by Ozwald BoatengLos Angeles County Museum of Art
Ozwald Boateng
Ozwald Boateng is a British designer of Ghanaian descent who encapsulates international elements in traditional London tailoring.
His career, spanning several decades, has included designing many looks for prestigious celebrities and costumes for major motion pictures.
"Red Dashiki Prom Dress" (2015) by Kyemah McEntyreParsons School of Design
Kyemah McEntyre
Kyemah McEntyre is a young American designer who first went viral with this African-inspired prom dress she made in 2015.
Since then she's started her own label, Mind of Kye, and garnered international acclaim for her striking designs.
Brown satin halter top gown with gold music themed embellishments designed by Peter Davy (1985/1990) by Peter Davy, designer and Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-LaneSmithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Peter Davy
Peter Davy began his career in the Caribbean, but emigrated to New York and quickly became one of the industry's leading designers.
This elegant brown dress features gold-beaded musical notes on a sequined staff.
Want to learn more about fashion and craft? Discover the fabrics and fashions of the Kenyan Massai.
