Pictured: Barabara Bates
Via: Barbra Bates Foundation
Barbara Bates is a Chicago Westside native born June 27, 1955, and was influenced by her stylish mother and aunt‘s attire to pursue fashion. In 1999, she founded the Bates Foundation to provide custom-made prom dresses to underprivileged misfit young women from inner-city schools in Chicago. But that’s not the only community Bates looked out for! She was one of the first body positivity designers amongst her contemporaries in Chicago. Bates Designs appeals to women of all shapes and sizes, she believes that “women can explore any fashion choice as long as it fits them properly” Over the years she has had the opportunity to design great fashion for some of our favorite icons such as Sinbad, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Mike Tyson, and Lisa Raye. If you looking for celebrity style and quality? Barbra Bates Designs is still open for business in Chicago’s South Loop.
Pictured: Bates Design Fashion Show 2021
Via: Black Fashion Week
Photo Credits
First image (top)
Pictured: Barbara Bates
Via: Barbra Bates Foundation
http://www.barbarabatesfoundation.org/about-barbara-bates/
Second, third, and fourth image
Pictured: Bates Design Fashion Show 2021
Via: Black Fashion Week
https://blackfashionweekusa.com/35-amazing-fall-fashion-from-desinger-barbara-bates/