Pictured: Stevie Edwards
Via: Chicago Defender
With iconic silhouettes and luxurious use of fabrics, you really couldn’t help but love Stevie! Born and raised on the Southside of Chicago in 1965, Stevie Edwards got his start in fashion by attending Dunbar Vocational High School in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, majoring in tailoring. After discovering his fashion talent, he attended the Illinois Institute of Art majoring in Fashion Design. During a student fashion show at the institution, he caught the eye of the Eunice Johnson of Ebony and Jet Magazine. Impressed by his one-of-a-kind pieces, she bought his designs to show in the Ebony International Fashion Show. That same year Ebony named him “Designer on the Rise.”
With the support of such a major black publication, Stevie was able to walk into a lot of fashion doors. He followed the momentum with apprenticeships under experienced Chicago designers like Barbra Bates and Reginald Johnson. Soaking up all the wisdom, Stevie worked with many iconic public figures and publications, including Diana Ross, Patti LaBelle, Whitney Houston, D’Angelo, Lisraye McCoy and recent publications such as The Hyde Park Herald, Vogue Magazine, and W Magazine. Throughout his career Stevie’s brand “I Luv Stevie” had multiple locations throughout Chicago. As of Last year, we Chicagioans are still mourning the lost of our super star designer on August 13th, 2023after his short battle with Colon Cancer. With a legacy that impacts so many it’s going to be challenging to not forever “luv” Stevie.
Pictured: model wearing Stevie Edwards, 2017
Via: Black Fashion Week
Pictured: Lisa Raye in Stevie Edwards Harper Bazaar
Via: Black PR Wire
Photo Credits
First image (top)
Pictured: Stevie Edwards
Via: Chicago Defender
Second, third, and fourth image
Pictured: model wearing Stevie Edwards, 2017
Via: Black Fashion Week
Fifth image (right)
Pictured: Lisa Raye in Stevie Edwards Harper Bazaar
Via: Black PR Wire