Zelda Barbour|Visit Franklin County PA From dressing Hollywood darlings, Playboy Bunnies and ballerinas, Zelda's legacy is long and enduring -- a fact that she was certainly proud of. She is most famous for designing the original costumes for the Playboy Bunnies and the Dance Theater of Harlem. She dressed and designed for notable celebrities including the legendary Dorothy Dandridge, Gladys Knight, Josephine Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, and Eartha Kitt. Describing her design process for Fitzgerald in a New York Times feature, Valdes said, "I only fit her once in 12 years. In 1948, she opened up her own shop, thus making her the first Black person to own a store on Broadway in Manhattan. Zelda Wynn Valdes was a designer to the stars who could fit a dress to a body of any size — even if she had to do so just by looking at the client. All interested editors are invited to join the project and contribute to the discussion. Working in and around New York City, the center of the American Fashion Industry, Ms Valdes began her career as an assistant to her Uncle in his White Plains, New York tailoring shop. 2021. Valdes with dancers from Dance Theater of Harlem. Stephen Burrows. Zelda Wynn Valdes. WHO: Zelda Wynn Valdes (or Zelda Barbour Wynn Valdes ), fashion and costume designer Valdes became so popular in the area that by 1948 she opened her own boutique called Chez Zelda in Manhattan located on Broadway and West 158th Street. Her first attempt at design came when she offered to create a dress for her grandmother. Valdes who began her professional career working in her uncle's White Plains, New York tailoring shop became one of the top designers for big name celebrities […] Elizabeth Keckly, Anne Lowe and Zelda Wynn Valdes. Luxury, fashion and costume designer, Zelda Wynn Valdes, began her career by making a dress for her beloved grandmother, which catapulted her into the world of bespoke tailoring for BLACK celebrities!Enjoy our Undeniably Black History Series honoring BLACK luxury fashion and interior designers, and hoteliers! Zelda Wynn Valdes was a designer to the stars who could fit a dress to a body of any size — even if she had to do so just by looking at the client. But if you were a black female entertainer at the height of your fame between the 1940s and 1960s, chances were you found your most legendary looks courtesy of designer Zelda Wynn Valdes. Another underrated designer and costume maker is Zelda Wynn Valdes (1905-2001). From Ebony Magazine, "Fashionable Game-Changer: Zelda Wynn Valdes: She Was The Designer Behind The Original Playboy Bunny Costume, and So Much More," by Nichelle Gainer, on 26 March 2012 -- Before she created the original, legendary Playboy Bunny outfit and stage costumes for the Dance Theater of Harlem, Zelda Barbour Wynn Valdes reinvented us.. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/2Ybi4tM MORE FROM 'THE VIEW':Full episodes: http://abcn.ws/2tl10qhTwitter: http://twitter.com/theviewFacebook. When asked about her many accomplishments in the fashion industry during a 1994 interview with the New York Times, Valdes simply stated, "I just had a God-given talent for making people beautiful.". Zelda Barbour Wynn Valdes was born on June 28, 1905, in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Her designs have been worn by famous entertainers such as Dorothy Dandridge, Josephine Baker,Joyce Bryant, Marian Anderson, Josephine Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, Mae West . Her curve-hugging creations were worn and loved by a host of Hollywood's biggest starletsduring the 1940s and 50s, including Joyce Bryant, Dorothy Dandridge, Josephine… Zelda Wynn Valdes was the first black fashion designer and costumer to open up her own shop in 1948. Since I started blogging in 2013, one of my passions is women's health. Source: br.pinterest.com. Ms. Zelda Wynn Valdes closed the doors of her design business at the age of 83 and retired in 2000. Black History Month: Zelda Wynn Valdes You may not have heard of Zelda Wynn Valdes, but you've certainly seen her designs.The fashion designer is credited with creating the original Playboy bunny costume. Valdes didn't last long at the boutique, starting her own business in White Plains, NY in 1935. Valdes became so popular in the area that by 1948 she opened her own boutique called Chez Zelda in Manhattan located on Broadway and West 158th Street. Zelda Wynn Valdes was a designer to the stars who could fit a dress to a body of any size — even if she had to do so just by looking at the client. South African fashion designer Lukhanyo Mdingi is a. Zelda Wynn Valdes appeared on the American fashion scene in the 1930s and quickly rose to prominence as a designer because of her incredible skill for highlighting the female body. Previous. The 1204 Lounge is a source that acknowledges Black Fashion and Interior Design, and hospitality as the supreme standard, globally. June 28, 1905 - September 26, 2001 . Zelda Wynn Valdes was a fashion legend who was the first African-American designer to open her own shop on Broadway in New York in 1948. She had her own dressmaking business. "I just had a God-given talent for making people beautiful," Zelda said during a 1994 interview with The New York Times. The eldest of seven children, Valdes (born as Zelda Christian Barbour) was raised in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, where she learned to sew from watching her grandmother's seamstress. Black History Month: Zelda Wynn Valdes You may not have heard of Zelda Wynn Valdes, but you've certainly seen her designs.The fashion designer is credited with creating the original Playboy bunny costume. Valdes was born on June 28, 1905, and grew up in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Episode 02: The Fit Queen - Zelda Wynn Valdes. On the first day of Black History Month, L'OFFICIEL honors 30 Black designers who helped shape the narrative of fashion as we know it today. This article is within the scope of WikiProject Biography, a collaborative effort to create, develop and organize Wikipedia's articles about people. Zelda Barbour Wynn Valdes was born in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, on June 28, 1905. It's unclear how Zelda Wynn Valdes and Brown became acquainted — perhaps through the NCNW or a connection from one of Valdes' A-list clients. Zelda Wynn Valdes (June 28, 1905 - September 26, 2001) is best known for designing the original iconic Playboy Bunny costume, as well as her work with the Dance Theater of Harlem. Elizabeth Keckley (left), Zelda Wynn Valdes (bottom), and Ann Lowe (right). How 15-Year-Old Latasha Harlins Was Murdered Over A Bottle Of Orange Juice In 1991. Valdes worked in her uncle's tailoring shop as a child, studying her grandmother's job as a seamstress. The clothing label featured at the top of this post is from a dress worn by Ella Fitzgerald (circa 1940s), designed by Zelda Valdes. Valdes was the first black designer to open her own shop, which was the first black-owned business on Broadway in New York City, New York in 1948. She dressed the likes of Josephine Baker, Dorothy Dandridge, Sarah Vaughn, Marian Anderson, Joyce Bryant and Ella Fitzgerald . As a young woman, Zelda Wynn Valdes started working in her uncle's tailoring shop in outer New York, while also working in a high-end fashion boutique as a salesgirl. Over 12 years of dressing Fitzgerald, Valdes only . Zelda Wynn Valdes (1905 - 2001) was born in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, in an era when segregation was a part-and-parcel of daily life. She will always be remembered as woman who did not allow her race or gender to stop her from the success she desired. Zelda Barbour Wynn Valdes was an African American fashion and costume designer. Valdes' boutique was also the first black-owned business in the area. She dressed some of the most famous people in history such as Josephine Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, Dorothy Dandridge, Ruby Dee, Mae West and many more. May 13. We can't overlook the groundbreaking moment in the fashion industry created by African-American fashion designer Zelda Wynn Valdes. It's also Black History Month and I'd like to celebrate the amazing contributions made by African American visionaries and icons by featuring the brilliant fashion designer, Zelda Wynn Valdes. Zelda Wynn Valdes was a designer to the stars who could fit a dress to a body of any size — even if she had to do so just by looking at the client. Zelda Wynn Valdes (1905-2001) was an iconic American fashion designer and trailblazing business owner. Throughout her storied career, Valdes became one of the first black women to own a shop on Broadway. Zelda Wynn Valdes was the first black designer and costumer to open up her own shop in 1948. Valdes was born on June 28, 1905, and grew up in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Zelda Wynn Valdes, a true innovator of fashion. Episode 03: The Leading Modernist Jeweler of All Time - Art Smith. www.1204Lounge.com Welcome to the 1204 Lounge and Thank you for joining our Black History Series honoring luxury fashion and costume designer, Zelda Wynn Valdes. Known for her sexy sophisticated styles, Ms. Valdes became the go to designer for the stars. One day, her grandmother challenged her to make a dress that could fit her curvy body. Written By Black Fashion History. She dressed the likes of Josephine Baker, Dorothy Dandridge, Sarah Vaughn, Marian Anderson, Joyce Bryant and Ella Fitzgerald . Her shop was the first black-owned business on Broadway in NYC. She dressed some of the most famous people in history such as Josephine Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, Dorothy Dandridge, Ruby Dee, Mae West and many more. Elizabeth Keckley. "She said, 'Daughter, you can't sew for me. She is the first notable fashion designer who made Playboy Bunny costumes. Ruby Bailey. Pin On Zelda Wynn Valdes Pioneer Black Fashion Designer. Zelda Valdes was born on June 28, 1905, in Chambersburg,Pennsylvania. Came across this article about Zelda Wynn Valdes, and I was in awe of this woman and how come I didn't learn about this sooner.Yes, you may not have heard of her, but you've certainly seen her designs. She was the first black designer to do so. Bethune-Cookman appointed Valdes — the woman who designed the Playboy bunny costumes and dressed such Black starlets as Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald, Eartha Kitt, and Mae West — as president of . Zelda Barbour Wynn Valdes was an influential fashion designer perhaps best known for helping to create the iconic Playboy Bunny costume. Zelda Valdes grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, but was born Zelda Christian Barbour in Chambersburg, PA. Came across this article about Zelda Wynn Valdes, and I was in awe of this woman and how come I didn't learn about this sooner.Yes, you may not have heard of her, but you've certainly seen her designs. Valdes was . Fashion legend Zelda Wynn Valdes (1905 - 2001) was the first black designer and costumer to open her own shop, which was the first black-owned business on Broadway in 1948. Marie Couvent died on 28 June 1837, at about 80 years of age. Valdes died at the age of 96 in 2001. African American History. Most February's, I share and encourage you to take a closer look at your heart health. Zelda Barbour Wynn Valdes was an African-American fashion and costume designer. From one of America's first couturiers, Jessie Franklin Turner, to Zelda Wynn Valdes, the book captures the lost histories of the luminaries who paved the way in the world of American fashion design. She is the creator of the original Playboy Bunny costume. Despite some attempts at . •. For haute couture only see the list of grands couturiersFor footwear designers see the list of footwear designers. "Zelda falls in line with some of the most influential designers of the era. Ann Lowe. Zelda Wynn Valdes died at the age of 96 in 2001. We've already introduced you to Ann Lowe , who created the debut look for one of our most beloved fashion icons - Jackie Kennedy. Biography. We've already introduced you to Ann Lowe , who created the debut look for one of our most beloved fashion icons - Jackie Kennedy. Meet Zelda Wynn Valdes, the first african american fashion designer and costumer to open a black owned shop on Broadway in 1948. Hello, Beauties Today's post, I Remember Forgotten Black Fashion History Maker, Zelda Wynn Valdes. Zelda Wynn Valdes Couturier luxury fashion vintage fashion black designer Africa-American designer Play Boy Bunny. Born in. Wynn, Deihl writes, moved easily between costume design and high fashion, too, creating gowns for such A-list . African American History. Her unapologetically sexy, hip-hugging gowns . Zelda Barbour Wynn Valdes was the first Black designer to open her own shop, which was the first black-owned business on Broadway in New York City, New York in 1948. Zelda Barbour Wynn Valdes (June 28, 1905 - September 26, 2001) was an American fashion designer and costumer. Biography Joyce Bryant wearing signature look from Zelda Valdes (Image by Carl Van Vechten) The work of the trailblazing fashion designer/entrepreneur highlighted the coveted hour-glass figure in the 1940s and 1950s. lagonegirl:. Live. Zelda Wynn Valdes is credited with creating the original Playboy bunny costume.The work of the trailblazing fashion designer/entrepreneur highlighted the coveted hour-glass figure in the . Black History Month: Zelda Wynn Valdes You may not have heard of Zelda Wynn Valdes, but you've certainly seen her designs.The fashion designer is credited with creating the original Playboy bunny costume. African American History. The work of the trailblazing fashion designer/entrepreneur highlighted the coveted hour-glass figure in the 1940s and 1950s. Zelda Wynn Valdes is credited with creating the original Playboy bunny costume.The work of the trailblazing fashion designer/entrepreneur highlighted the coveted hour-glass figure in the . Wikipedia. Zelda Wynn Valdes, a dress designer of the stars In a recent edition of The New York Times the special section titled "Overlooked" listed several African-Americans who deserved obituaries but never. She was also the first Black person to open a store on Broadway in New York City, and designed clothing for some of the top stars of the '40's and '50s. Zelda Barbour Wynn Valdes was an African-American fashion and costume designer. Meet Zelda Wynn Valdes, the first african american fashion designer and costumer to open a black owned shop on Broadway in 1948. "I only fit her once in 12 years," Valdes told T he New York Times in 1994 of her long-time client Ella Fitzgerald, "I had to do everything by imagination for her." Valdes would simply . Fashion legend Zelda Wynn Valdes (1905 - 2001) was the first black designer and costumer to open her own shop, which was the first black-owned business on Broadway in 1948. Her shop was the first black owned business on Broadway in NYC. A group of prominent free Black men created L'institution Catholique, and the first School for [Black] Orphans ("Ecole des Orphelins de Couleur") was established. She eventually started working as a stock girl at one of the city's high-end boutiques. "I only fit her once in 12 years," Valdes told T he New York Times in 1994 of her long-time client Ella Fitzgerald, "I had to do everything by imagination for her." Valdes would simply . Having 40 years in the fashion industry, Zelda was a celebrity dressmaker and sole creator of the original Playboy bunny costume. Talk:Zelda Wynn Valdes. Zelda Wynn Valdes. Previous. "I only fit her once in 12 years," Valdes told T. Black History Month: Zelda Wynn Valdes You may not have heard of Zelda Wynn Valdes, but you've certainly seen her designs.The fashion designer is credited with creating the original Playboy bunny costume. The fashion industry, like most industries, historically has been the domain of whiteness. Black Fashion History https://www.blackfashionhistory.com. In celebration of Black History Month we're looking back at groundbreaking moments in fashion, beauty and beyond. "I only fit her once in 12 years," Valdes told T he New York Times in 1994 of her long-time client Ella Fitzgerald, "I had to do everything by imagination for her." The gauge of Zelda's importance is more than her influence on other designers, but more so the niche she occupied and clientele . There are plenty of firsts, little-known facts and milestones that deserve to be highlighted -- so we're doing just that! As successful as Kiviette was downtown, Zelda Wynn Valdes was uptown in Harlem. Zelda Wynn Valdes (1905-2001) is an African American costume and fashion designer. It quickly gained the attention of black Hollywood's elite. Zelda Barbour Wynn Valdes: First Black Designer To Open Black-Owned Business On Broadway In New York City. WHO: Zelda Wynn Valdes (or Zelda Barbour Wynn Valdes ), fashion and costume designerTHE MAJOR MOMENT: Zelda was revered for her design talent and best known for her skill in highlighting the female body. Zelda Barbour Wynn Valdes was born June on 28 th, 1905 in Chambersburg, PA. She was the granddaughter of a seamstress and in her late teenage years she began working in a high-end boutique in the 1920's. With a true love and passion for fashion and design, Zelda opened the first African American boutique in 1948 along with her sister. She did. Black Owned Dapper Brands. "Zelda Wynn Valdes." Elizabeth Keckley (left), Zelda Wynn Valdes (bottom), and Ann Lowe (right). Valdes began working in a high-end boutique as a stock girl in 1920 and rose through the ranks to become the store's first Black sales […] Zelda Wynn Valdes (1905-2001) Zelda Wynn Valdes is a notable American fashion designer and costumer. Zelda Wynn Valdes 1905-2001 Although Zelda is best known for designing the iconic Playboy Bunny costume, she accomplished much more than just this. Zelda Wynn Valdes "Zelda falls in line with some of the most influential designers of the era. Author of "How to Slay: Inspiration from the Queens and Kings of Black Style" and former executive fashion director at Elle Magazine, White speaks of the Phenomenal Legend, Zelda Wynn Valdes. Much is beloved and well-known about Hugh Hefner, the publisher behind the Playboy empire and lavish mansion lifestyle, but in making his signature logo "the Bunny" an American icon, he had some help. Zelda Wynn Valdes Fitting Eartha Kitt. This fully illustrated collection takes us from Hollywood to Broadway, from sportswear to sustainable fashion, and explores important crossovers . According to her obituary in The New York Times, written posthumously as part of a series called 'Overlooked', marking the Black men and women whose deaths had not been reported on when they originally occurred, she started out as a storeroom worker in a . She dressed some of the most famous people in history such as Josephine Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, Dorothy Dandridge, Ruby Dee, Mae West and many . Zelda Wynn Valdes (1905-2001) was an African American fashion and costume designer whose career spanned 40 years. Her work has transformed careers, helped define company's like Playboy, propelled the hip-hugging style of gowns . I had to do everything by imagination for her. From the very childhood, she showed intense love for fashion and started her professional career as a little designer in the tailoring shop of her uncle in White Plains, New York. The Official Website of Beyoncé. #black-history-month #zelda-wynn-valdes Black History Month:Zelda Wynn Valdes It's also Black History Month and I'd like to celebrate the amazing contributions made by African American visionaries and icons by featuring the brilliant fashion designer, Zelda Wynn Valdes. And being able to master both costume design and street wear was remarkable and part of her staying power." said Constance C. R. White, author of "How to Slay: . However, the school she had hoped to establish in her will was not built until twelve years later. Known for her sexy sophisticated styles, Ms. Valdes became the go to designer for the stars. Her designs have been worn by famous entertainers such as Dorothy Dandridge, Josephine Baker,Joyce Bryant, Marian Anderson, Josephine Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, Mae West . Each used her design talents and skills in dressmaking to push through barriers of both race and gender, achieving success and fame in careers that primarily excluded women, especially women of color. Jay Jaxon. The work of the trailblazing fashion designer/entrepreneur highlighted the coveted hour-glass figure in the 1940s and 1950s. 0:00 / 5:54 •. The work of the trailblazing fashion designer/entrepreneur highlighted the coveted hour-glass figure in the 1940s and 1950s. Today, I Remember Forgotten Black Fashion History Maker, Zelda Wynn Valdes. She was the first black designer to do so. Willi Smith. Valdes dressed a host of celebrities and charged near $1,000 for a single gown in the 1950s (that would be about $10,000 US today). Valdes. Patrick Kelly. Zelda Wynn Valdes had a high profile clientele, creating gowns and costumes for Eartha Kitt, Dorothy Dandridge, Marian Anderson, Josephine Baker, and Ella Fitzgerald. These three, African American women from different times in history had much in common. Her shop was the first black owned business on Broadway in NYC. Zelda Wynn Valdes was the first black designer and costumer to open up her own s hop in 1948. In the world of fine jewelry there are few Black names that register . Zelda Barbour Wynn Valdes (June 28, 1905 - September 26, 2001) was an African-American fashion designer and costumer. Wynn was one of the founders of the NAFAD. It's time to revisit the American contribution of Zelda Valdes. Zelda Wynn Valdes was born June 18, 1905, in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Despite some attempts at . And it fit perfectly. Looking back at groundbreaking moments in fashion, beauty, and beyond during Black History Month. Zelda not only designed the costumes, but she also supervised the wardrobe department for the dance group into her late nineties. The fashion industry, like most industries, historically has been the domain of whiteness. Products I used in order: EYEBROWS: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow wiz in color Dark Brown - https://go.magik.ly/ml/175l2/Beauty Blender The Player 3 Way Brow . She started her career as a designer working in her uncle's tailoring shop in White Plains, New York.