Monday, February 28, 2011

Black History in Fashion: Zelda Wynn Valdes



Zelda Wynn Valdes, was a fashion and costume designer that dressed Black Beauties from Dorothy Dandridge to Marian Anderson, Ella Fitzgerald, and even famed singer Gladys Knight. Valdes was also the owner of the first Black business on Broadway in NYC back in the 1940′s. She got her start by making patterns out of newsprint, studying her grandmother’s seamstress, and working in her uncle’s tailoring shop. Zelda’s work was catching to all the right eyes including Hollywood and even Hugh Hefner. Zelda designed the first Playboy Bunny uniforms (WOWZERS)! She also designed the uniforms for the Dance Theater of Harlem.  And she created the National Association of Fashion and Accessory Designers! Zelda Wynn Valdes is definitely legendary and I'm very proud to say she represented for Black Women breaking into the Fashion Industry. 

images & info via: Sparkleshock.com 


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