The Weddings Designer
Wedding gowns are one of histories biggest mirrors of the times throughout history. Few, if any, faces of African Americans spring to mind when thinking about renowned wedding dress designers. There is no shortage of skill in the mainstream wedding industry, but there is a scarcity of diversity. Take a look back at four of the most famous wedding gowns created by Black designers.
Ann Lowe. The Presidency of designers
Ann Lowe designed Jacqueline Bouvier’s wedding gown for her 1953 wedding to John F. Kennedy in Rhode Island. When asked who created the outfit, Jacqueline Kennedy responded it was made by a “colored woman”, omitting any recognition for Ann Lowe all together. Jacqueline’s mother, Janet Lee Bouvier, commissioned Lowe as well to design and create dresses for the entire whole bridal party. Lowe had designed Bouvier’s bridal gown for her marriage to Hugh Auchincloss. The Kennedy family requested that the garment be made in a highly traditional style, as per their desires. The ivory silk taffeta bridal gown has a portrait neckline and a large circular skirt. The skirt was embellished with interlaced tucking bands and small wax flowers. Jacqueline Bouvier’s lace veil belonged to her grandmother, and she wore it with a ornage-lace-blossom tiara. She is said to have afterward told friends privately that she did not like the portrait neckline of the dress since it accentuated her tiny breast, as well as that the skirt appeared “like a lampshade” to her.
Tina Lawson
Despite marrying Jay Z in 2008, Beyonce Knowles has kept every element of her wedding ceremony private, even her outfit. Sean Carter and Beyonce married in April in New York, with the ceremony being one of the most intimate events in celebrity history. Beyoncé revealed small wedding snippets in songs and tour videos in the years following the big day, but none were substantial enough to divulge important information. Tina Knowles, Beyoncé’s mother, was the first to release the photo of the iconic singer’s wedding gown on their ninth anniversary in 2017. Beyoncé was dressed in a strapless white gown with a sweetheart neckline and a multi-tiered train designed by her mother (and House of Dereon partner) Tina. Tina Knowles has made numerous unique clothes and theatrical costumes for her daughter over the years, and over course the legendary group Destiny Child.
Hailey Bieber’s Off-White
The gown worn by Hailey Bieber was one of the most anticipated celebrity wedding gowns of 2019, and it did not disappoint. After officially marrying singer Justin Bieber in 2018, the couple held a second ceremony in Bluffton, South Carolina. Off-White designer Virgil Abloh created the bride’s bespoke, long-sleeve lace mermaid gown. Her veil was embroidered with “TILL DEATH DO US PART” in Abloh’s trademark typeface across the bottom for a delightful blast of uniqueness. Mrs. Bieber subsequently changed into a slinky high-neck Ralph & Russo gown with a high slit for the reception and threw on a bespoke leather jacket with the word “Wifey” scribbled on the back at the end of the night. Hilaria Baldwin’s wedding to Alec Baldwin on June 30, 2012, had a unique Spanish flair to it. The pair married at Manhattan’s Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, with readings in both English and Spanish. They made their wedding so low-key and intimate that when Hilaria Thomas (now Baldwin!) was planning her wedding, she did not have a vision for a “dream wedding gown” since she did not even want to wear a wedding gown. She was dressed in a long white veil with lace embroidering the crown of her head, similar to a mantilla, a traditional Spanish lace worn over the head. Amsale Aberra created Hilaria’s stunning wedding gown. The late Aberra also designed wedding dresses for a variety of celebrities, including Halle Berry, Heidi Klum, Salma Hayek, Vivica Fox, Gayle King, and Bethenny Frankel. Hilaria shared that Amsale listened to her clothing wishes and carefully considered what would look best on her physique and make her feel the most attractive.
‒ By Keren Beya
@Kerebear_520