Black In Fashion: Day 2 Ann Lowe

Pictured: Anne Lowe,
circa late 1950s- early 1960s

     Fancy pearls, a ladylike smile, her wide-brim hat tilted to the side. That’s Ann Lowe! Ann Lowe was born the granddaughter of a slave and slave owner on December 18, 1898, and was inspired to go into dressmaking on account of her mother and grandmother, Janey and Georgia. In the 1950s and 1960s, Ann Lowe worked on commissions for fashion giants like Henri Bendel, Montaldo’s, Saks Fifth, etc. This list is somewhat short compared to the many famous families who had the honor of being blessed by her threads, including the Rockefellers, and Roosevelts to name a few.

     If you are reading this and you haven’t heard of the name “Ann Lowe” before, well let us tell you that she is a pioneering black designer most famous for designing Jackie Kennedy’s wedding dress when she married President John. F Kennedy. She was a successful black designer during her time and despite her many accolades like owning three stores and being featured at The MET and the Museum of African American History and Culture Ann Lowe received a lot of pushback as a fashion designer in her time.  Ms. Lowe died at her daughter’s home on February 25, 1981, at the age of 82.

Alice Baker and Ann Lowe

Pictured: Jackie Kennedy

Pictured: dress worn by Patricia Schieffer

Pictured: Dress worn by Florance Colgate Rumbough Trevo