Saint Louis Fashion Fund event gives agency to area designers
Last month Women’s Wear Daily released the book Black in Fashion: 100 Years of Style, Influence and Culture. And while Tonya Blazio-Licorish and Tara Donaldson cover Black culture’s contribution to fashion in the 20th century – our impact on the industry goes back even further.
Elizabeth Keckley, who famously made dresses for First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln, is a prime example – but not the only one.
Inspired by the book, Saint Louis Fashion Fund (SLFF), Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) and GENT Men’s Fashion Week are hosting “A Celebration of Black In Fashion.” The red carpet event and panel discussion will feature trailblazing St. Louis Black Designers Yosh Dafney, Brandin Vaughn and Theresa Wangia on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at Hearth & Soul in Clayton. The talk will touch upon the rich legacy of Black ingenuity within the fashion industry.
“We set the trends – and it’s always been that,” Vaughn said.
He points to St. Louis’ own Josephine Baker, whom he rightfully declares as the first Black pop star for reference.