A former enslaved woman from Virginia, Elizabeth Keckley carved out an incredible path for herself in the 1860s that led straight to the White House.

After enduring a difficult journey, she was able to purchase her freedom from her St. Louis enslavers and build a name for herself as a highly sought-after seamstress. Her talents caught the attention of Washington D.C.’s elite, ultimately landing her the role of personal dressmaker and trusted confidante to Mary Todd Lincoln, the wife of President Abraham Lincoln. 

However, Keckley’s impact didn’t stop at fashion—she was also a dedicated civil activist and author, using her voice and platform to make a difference.

A pioneer of sensual silhouettes, Zelda Wynn Valdes designed for icons like Ella Fitzgerald and Maria Cole, Nat King Cole’s wife. She was also the mind behind the original Playboy Bunny costume, cementing her place as a visionary in fashion and entertainment.

Harlem’s own Dapper Dan revolutionized street fashion by remixing luxury logos into bold, custom pieces that became a staple in hip-hop culture. 

Despite facing legal pushback in the ‘80s, his influence ultimately led to an official collaboration with Gucci in 2017, proving that true visionaries always get their flowers.

Known for his playful, bold designs and signature heart buttons, Patrick Kelly became the first American to join the Chambre Syndicale du Prêt-à-Porter, the governing body of the French fashion industry. His work joyfully celebrated Black culture while challenging fashion’s exclusivity.

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Kimora Lee Simmons is a powerhouse. She made her mark in the fashion world in 1999 with the launch of Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons, a womenswear brand that defined the early 2000s with its signature baby tees and bedazzled denim. The brand became a billion-dollar empire, solidifying its place in fashion history.

As the founder of Pyer Moss, Kerby Jean-Raymond fuses fashion with activism, using his runway shows to tell Black stories often overlooked in history.

Telfar Clemens turned fashion into a movement with his genderless designs and the now-iconic Telfar Shopping Bag—dubbed the “Bushwick Birkin.” His ethos of inclusivity and accessibility has reshaped the luxury market and redefined what it means to be a fashion disruptor.

The creative force behind Brother Vellies, Aurora James, has made it her mission to preserve traditional African craftsmanship while advocating for economic equity through the 15 Percent Pledge, which calls on retailers to dedicate shelf space to Black-owned businesses. 

Her efforts have transformed the retail landscape, creating space for a new wave of Black entrepreneurs.

Before haute couture was synonymous with exclusivity, Ann Lowe quietly crafted gowns for America’s elite, including Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding dress. As the first Black designer to gain widespread recognition, Lowe’s legacy is stitched into the fabric of fashion history.

As the founder of Off-White and the first Black artistic director of Louis Vuitton menswear, Virgil Abloh redefined luxury by blending high fashion with streetwear. His multidisciplinary approach and boundary-pushing designs continue to inspire the next wave of creatives.