Restoring Recognition

Pictured: Ann Lowe

In light of this powerful movement taking place right now in the world, I wanted to use my blogging platform as a way to discuss and draw attention to the undeniable influence that black women have made in the fashion industry, as well as the psychological impact inflicted on these women. There are so many, incredible, black women who have paved the way for the fashion industry, as well as created lasting trends that we use worldwide. So why are we not talking about these fashion influencers and designers as much as we should be? The history of racism in the fashion industry has been going on for far too long and still continues today. Black women are underrepresented in fashion magazines, the beauty industry, and the runway. I want to tell you about an extraordinary woman who is featured in this blog; a black woman we should all know and celebrate, Ann Lowe.

Did you know that Ann Lowe, the very first black fashion designer made First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding gown? Born in Alabama and the granddaughter of a slave, Lowe designed and created dresses for the high society women in New York City. This is a woman who should be talked about and well-known not only in the fashion industry but in society as whole. What an inspiration- to be born with nothing, to face harsh racism and discrimination, but to have overwhelmingly pure talent and achieve so much.

Pictured: Jacqueline Kennedy

Ann Lowe faced racism and hardships throughout her entire life, continuing when she attended design school and was forced to study in class alone, due to segregation laws. Even after designing and creating Jackie Kennedy’s wedding dress, she did not receive the credit she deserved and was referred to as a “a colored dress maker” rather than “designer Ann Lowe.”

How does this psychologically affect a woman who works hard throughout her entire life, achieves greatness, and is always discriminated against? Psychology research shows that discrimination results in stress, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, it makes it challenging to live a full life and correlates with negative health consequences. Discrimination and racism also creates fear and avoidance behaviors. This can take a toll on a person, especially overtime, and while I do not know how it feels personally, I can certainly spread awareness about the information I learn from research and people I talk with who have experienced this firsthand.

It should not take a movement to recognize the injustice that has and continues to persevere in the fashion industry. Fashion should represent all identities, races, cultures, and sizes. Until we make the changes necessary to get there, there will continue to be inequality and loss of powerful voices in the industry, in addition to mental health concerns. While there are an immense amount of talented black women who have done so much for fashion, I decided to feature Ann Lowe because she inspires me and should be an example to women globally.