Introduction

Have you ever heard of the designer behind Jacqueline Kennedy's iconic wedding dress? Her name is Ann Lowe, and chances are, you've never heard of her. Despite her incredible talent and groundbreaking achievements, Ann Lowe has been largely forgotten by history. But today, we're here to give her the recognition she deserves. From humble beginnings in the segregated South to dressing some of the most influential women in American history, Ann Lowe's story is one of resilience, creativity, and true artistry. So sit back, and get ready to be inspired by the amazing life of Ann Lowe.

Ann Lowe was an African American fashion designer who rose to prominence in the mid-20th century, creating elegant and sophisticated designs that were worn by some of the most prominent figures of the era. Despite facing numerous obstacles as a Black woman in a predominantly white industry, Lowe's talent and dedication allowed her to achieve success and recognition for her work. Her most famous creation was Jacqueline Kennedy's wedding dress, but she also designed gowns for other high society clients, as well as working for well-known department stores. In this article, we'll explore the life and career of Ann Lowe, from her early years in rural Alabama to her rise to fame as a designer, and examine her enduring legacy in the world of fashion.

About Ann Lowe

Ann Lowe was an American fashion designer who was born on December 14, 1898, in Clayton, Alabama. She was the granddaughter of a slave and the daughter of a seamstress and grew up learning how to sew and design clothing from her mother and grandmother. In 1914, when Lowe was just 16 years old, her mother passed away and she moved to New York City to pursue her dream of becoming a fashion designer.

Lowe began her career working for several well-known designers, including Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. She eventually opened her own business, designing gowns and dresses for wealthy clients in high society. Despite her talent and creativity, Lowe faced discrimination and racism as a Black woman in a predominantly white industry and often had to work behind the scenes to avoid being overlooked or undervalued.

One of Lowe's most famous creations was Jacqueline Kennedy's wedding dress, which she designed in 1953. The gown was made of 50 yards of silk taffeta and featured a portrait neckline and a bouffant skirt. Although the dress was widely celebrated, Lowe did not receive the credit she deserved at the time, as the Kennedy family did not want to reveal that the designer was Black. It wasn't until many years later that Lowe's role in creating the iconic dress was fully acknowledged.

In addition to her work as a designer, Lowe was also a dedicated teacher and mentor. She trained many young African American women in the art of fashion design and was known for her generosity and willingness to help others succeed.

Design Recognitions

Ann Lowe created many notable designs during her career as a fashion designer, including:

1. Jacqueline Kennedy's wedding dress: One of Lowe's most famous designs, this elegant gown was made of silk taffeta and featured a portrait neckline and bouffant skirt. It has since become an iconic symbol of American fashion.

2. Olivia de Havilland's Oscar dress: In 1947, Lowe designed the dress that Olivia de Havilland wore when she won the Academy Award for Best Actress. The dress was made of ivory satin and featured a delicate floral design.

3. The Rockefellers' gowns: Lowe designed gowns for many members of the Rockefeller family, including Happy Rockefeller's dress for her husband's inauguration as governor of New York in 1959.

4. The Logan's debutante dress: In 1947, Lowe designed a debutante dress for Barbara "Babe" Cushing, who would go on to become Barbara Walters. The dress was made of pink silk and featured a dramatic cape.

5. The Mayor Daley's wife dresses: In 1960, Lowe designed a dress for the wife of Mayor Richard J. Daley of Chicago to wear to the presidential inauguration of John F. Kennedy.

Lowe's designs were known for their elegance, sophistication, and attention to detail. She often worked with luxurious fabrics and incorporated intricate beadwork and embroidery into her creations. Her designs were worn by some of the most prominent figures of her time, and continue to inspire and captivate audiences today.

Legacy

Ann Lowe's legacy as a fashion designer is marked by her talent, dedication, and the numerous barriers she overcame to achieve success. Despite facing discrimination and racism as a Black woman in the fashion industry, she persevered and created designs that were worn by some of the most prominent figures of her time.

Lowe's most enduring legacy is her impact on the world of fashion. Her elegant and sophisticated designs continue to inspire designers today, and her influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary designers. In addition, Lowe's commitment to mentoring young African American women in the art of fashion design has paved the way for future generations of Black designers and artists.

Lowe's most famous creation, Jacqueline Kennedy's wedding dress, has become an iconic symbol of American fashion and a testament to her talent and creativity. Although she did not receive the recognition she deserved at the time, her legacy has been recognized in recent years through exhibitions and retrospectives of her work.

Ann Lowe's legacy is one of resilience, creativity, and true artistry. Her life and career serve as a reminder of the power of talent and determination in the face of adversity, and her enduring influence on the fashion industry continues to inspire and captivate audiences today.