My tastes always turn that little bit more vintage on a Sunday. On a good day this might include some Ella Fitzgerald accompanying a leisurely bake-athon in my kitchen but on other busier days like today, it’s reduced a quick rummage through the internet for vintage inspiration…
So imagine my delight to discover not only this super smoking picture of Dorothy Dandridge but also that the gown was made by an African-American fashion designer, Zelda Wynn Valdes.
A brief bio of the fabulous Ms Valdes:
Zelda Wynn Valdes (June 28, 1905 – September 26, 2001) was an African-American fashion designer and costumer. In 1948, she opened her own shop on Broadway in New York City which was the first in the area to be owned by an African-American. Some of her clients included other notable black women of her era, including Dorothy Dandridge and Marian Anderson. She is also most famous for designing the original costumes for the Playboy Bunnies and the Dance Theater of Harlem. – Wikipedia
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Carole
May 2, 2011
As an aspiring African American designer, you could only imagine my delight to see such a beautiful gown made and designed by a black entrepreneur and worn by a beautiful talented black woman. Its so amazing to see the manifestation of what happens when dreamers and visionaries come together. It makes me even more excited for my future.