Ann Cole Lowe

Ann Cole Lowe

When it comes to style and art, African Americans have always had their imprint in this space. I guess you might say that we are the blueprint. Whether it’s fashion, dance, music, or creativity no other culture does it better. As we continue through Black History Month, we’re going to take a stroll down memory lane to recognize one of the many African Americans who left their footprint in the fashion industry.

Ann Cole Lowe

Ann Cole Lowe, born December 14, 1898, in Clayton, AL, was the first African American to become a noted fashion designer. Lowe’s exemplary reputation spanned across five decades ranging from the 1920’s through the 1960’s. Lowe’s designs were very sought after among upper class women. Born the great granddaughter of an enslaved woman and an Alabama plantation owner, Lowe also had an older sister named Sallie. Lowe’ sense of sewing, fashion, and design was passed on from her grandmother Georgia Thompkins and mother Janie Cole Lowe who both were seamstresses. Lowe’s mother and grandmother both ran a successful dressmaking business and when Lowes mother passed away when she was 16 years old, she took over the business.

 

Ann would later marry, have a son, and move to New York City. Upon moving to New York Ann enrolled in the S.T. Taylor Design School. Although faced with segregation and having to sit in a room alone for classes, Lowe never allowed this to deter her from pursuing her dreams. Lowes designs were so wonderful that her work was often shown to her white peers for inspiration. Upon graduating Lowe and her son moved to Tampa, FL and not long after she would open a salon. Ann tailored her designs to the elite and high class and was once quoted saying, “I love my clothes and I’m particular about who wears them. I am not interested in sewing for café society or social climbers. I do not cater to Mary and Sue. I sew for families of the Social Register.” During her career, Lowe would design pieces for notable names such as Rockefeller, Roosevelt, Lodge, Du Pont, Janet Lee Auchincloss, Jacqueline Kennedy, and many others.

 

Ann Cole Lowe

As with the times of segregation, Lowe sometimes was not given the proper recognition for her work. It was not until after the death of John F. Kennedy that Lowe received recognition for the wedding dress design for Jacqueline Kennedy. She would also design a dress for Olivia de Havilland only to have another name listed on the dress when Havilland accepted her Academy Award in 1946. Ann’s magnificent gowns would go on to be featured in Vogue and Vanity Fair magazines. Lowe would also open many fashion salons including: The Annie Con Boutique, Ann Lowe, Inc, Ann Lowes Gowns, A.F. Chantilly, and Ann Lowe Originals (which was located on the fashion retail strip).

 

Dresses designed by Ann Cole Lowe

Lowe would go on to admit that because wealthy clientele would encourage her not to charge high prices for her designs, she most often did not make any profits for her work. Although Lowe would go on to suffer many health and personal issues, such as the loss of one eye, having to undergo cataract surgery, and filing for bankruptcy, she was able to open a new store in 1968 and would eventually retire in 1972. In the last years of her life, Lowe would live with her daughter Ruth and in 1981 passed away at the age of 82 from an extended illness.

Ann Cole Lowe left her mark in the fashion world. Her intricate designs continue to inspire notable names today such as Christian Dior and Edith Head. You can find some of her work at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Jessica Jones

Jessica Jones is a designer, fitness and fashion enthusiast, visionary, and art creator. This space was uniquely created to share Jessica’s love for music, art, and fashion. When you truly believe in yourself, do the work, and stay focused you can achieve anything you set your mind to do.

https://www.jjonescollection.com
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