Black Fashion History
A fashion history podcast celebrating the past and present contributions of black people around the world to the fashion industry. It's black history, but make it fashion! Hosted by Taniqua Martin.
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Ep. 65: Diversity in African Fashion with Jacqueline Brown
10/03/2024
Ep. 65: Diversity in African Fashion with Jacqueline Brown
Dive into the world of African fashion with Jacqueline Brown in this episode of the Black Fashion History Podcast! From her British-Jamaican roots to her pioneering role with Africa Fashion Guide, Jacqueline discusses the diversity in African fashion and shares her passion for textiles and sustainable fashion. Discover how she navigates ethical challenges, empowers artisans, and envisions Africa as a global leader in fashion sustainability. Don't miss her insights on preserving traditional fabrics and the storytelling power of African fashion. For more on Jacqueline Brown, visit . Join Taniqua Martin on the Black Fashion History Podcast for this enlightening conversation on , YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform.
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Ep. 64: Preserving the Rich Legacy of African Style History with Tosin Adeosun
09/26/2024
Ep. 64: Preserving the Rich Legacy of African Style History with Tosin Adeosun
In this episode, Taniqua Martin interviews Tosin Adeosun, the brilliant mind behind the African Style Archive! Discover Tosin's own style journey, her deep dive into African fashion history, and how she's preserving this rich cultural heritage. Learn about the pioneers of African fashion and the importance of documenting these vibrant stories. For more on Tosin Adeosun and the African Style Archive: & on Instagram. Join the conversation on , YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform!
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Ep. 63: The Evolution of African Fashion: Past, Present and Future with Ken Kweku Nimo
09/19/2024
Ep. 63: The Evolution of African Fashion: Past, Present and Future with Ken Kweku Nimo
In this episode of the Black Fashion History, Taniqua Martin sits down with Ken Kweku Nimo, an author and expert in African fashion and material culture. From Ghana to South Africa, Ken shares his inspiring journey, discussing how his experiences have shaped his unique perspective on African fashion history. Dive into the impact of colonization, the resurgence of indigenous practices, and the global potential of African fashion. Don't miss this enlightening conversation! For more on Ken: Watch now on www.blackfashionhistory.com, , or your favorite platform!
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Black History Month Special : Interview with Linda Ann Dixon, the Great Granddaughter of Ann Lowe
02/29/2024
Black History Month Special : Interview with Linda Ann Dixon, the Great Granddaughter of Ann Lowe
In this special Black History Month episode, Taniqua speaks with Linda Ann Dixon about the legacy of her great grandmother Ann Lowe.
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Ep. 61: How Dorothea Towles Church Became the First Black Woman to Model for Major European Fashion Houses
09/28/2023
Ep. 61: How Dorothea Towles Church Became the First Black Woman to Model for Major European Fashion Houses
Dorothea Towles Church spent over five years in Europe during the 1950s, modeling for designers like Christian Dior, Elsa Schiaparelli, Robert Piguet, Jacques Fath, Pierre Balmain and more. As the first Black woman to model for major European fashion houses, Church used her gifts and access to help othe black women learn about the fashion industry and give back to her community. Taniqua dives into the career of Dorothea Church. Black Fashion Spotlight: Episode Sources/Further Reading: Follow us on IG: @
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Ep. 60: "Donyale Luna: Supermodel" - HBO Max Documentary Recap
09/21/2023
Ep. 60: "Donyale Luna: Supermodel" - HBO Max Documentary Recap
Donyale Luna is the first Black supermodel to appear on a Vogue magazine cover, yet not much is known about her as a barrier breaking model. Taniqua recaps the recent HBO documentary on the life of Donyale Luna. Share you thoughts . Follow us on IG: @
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Ep. 59: How Rosemary E. Miller Reed Became the Only Black Woman Boutique Owners in DC in 1966
09/14/2023
Ep. 59: How Rosemary E. Miller Reed Became the Only Black Woman Boutique Owners in DC in 1966
In 1966, Rosemary E. Reed-Miller followed her interest in fashion and opened Toast and Strawberries,a boutique overlooking Dupont Circle. When Toast and Strawberries opened, she was the only Black woman boutique owner in DC at the time. In this episode, Taniqua dives into her life and career in fashion. Black Fashion Spotlight: Watch the full show . Episode Sources:
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Ep. 58: How Audrey Weaver's Career Blossomed as a Scarf and Technical Designer
09/07/2023
Ep. 58: How Audrey Weaver's Career Blossomed as a Scarf and Technical Designer
Audrey Weaver is a designer that creates hand-crafted artisan scarves and hats & accessories located in the New York City area. Over the past years, she has received editorial credits for her designs in publications such as The New York Times, Essence Magazine, Glamour, and Women’s Wear Daily as well as being featured in The Oprah Winfrey Show, CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story and more. In past years, the scarves have been sold in boutiques and departments stores across the country. Taniqua speaks with Audrey Weaver about her career as a scarf designer, technical designer and tailor to the stars.
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Ep. 57: The History and Impact of Fashion Shows in the Black American Community
08/24/2023
Ep. 57: The History and Impact of Fashion Shows in the Black American Community
Fashion shows have a deep rooted history in Black American culture. While we didn’t invent fashion shows, we have surely used them to celebrate our beauty, support our causes, make political statements and so much more. In this episode, Taniqua shares a brief overview of the history of these shows in Black communities and how it's impacted the culture. Follow us on IG: @ Episode Sources/Further Reading: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
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Ep. 56: [NEW SEASON] Behind the Scenes of Winterthur Museum's "Ann Lowe: American Couturier" Exhibit with Elizabeth Way and Alexandra Deutsch
08/17/2023
Ep. 56: [NEW SEASON] Behind the Scenes of Winterthur Museum's "Ann Lowe: American Couturier" Exhibit with Elizabeth Way and Alexandra Deutsch
Many people know Ann Lowe as the designer of gowns for America's most prominent society women, including Jacqueline Kennedy. Winterthur Museum is marking the legacy of Ann Lowe with the largest exhibition of her work to date, featuring 40 iconic gowns, many that have never been on public display. The exhibition will also feature the work of contemporary Black couturiers like B Michael, Tracy Reese, Amsale Aberra, and Bishme Cromartie. Taniqua speaks with Elizabeth Way, associate curator at The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology and guest curator of the exhibition, and Director of Collections Alexandra Deutsch. The exhibition will run from September 9, 2023 to Januray 7, 2024. Meet the Guests: Follow us on IG: @
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Ep. 55: Gettin’ Free! : A Juneteenth Collaboration of Your Favorite Black Podcasts
06/19/2023
Ep. 55: Gettin’ Free! : A Juneteenth Collaboration of Your Favorite Black Podcasts
Gettin’ Free! : A Juneteenth Collaboration brought to you by Sistas Who Kill: A True Crime Podcast. We know that history is told from the side of the victors, but that leaves room for misinformation and false narratives. We are on a mission to change that. 11 Black podcasts have come together to reclaim our history and tell it our way - flavor and all. Welcome to a chronological journey to get free. Learn where we’ve come, what we’ve overcome, and how much further we need to go. 22:16 42:25 54:03 1:05:36 1:22:28 1:34:36 1:47:00 2:04:07 2:15:31 2:26:35
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Ep. 54 | How Winifred Mason Chenet Became the First Black Commercial Jeweler in the US
01/23/2023
Ep. 54 | How Winifred Mason Chenet Became the First Black Commercial Jeweler in the US
Not many people can claim being one of the great artists of the Harlen Renaissance, personal jeweler of Billie Holiday and the first Black woman to take over the jewelery and art industry in America. Taniqua digs into the life and career of Winifred Mason Chenet, the first Black commercial jewleler in the US and the mentor of many anazing artisans, including Art Smith. Follow us on IG: @
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Ep. 53 | 3 Streetwear Brands that Shaped Hip Hop
01/10/2023
Ep. 53 | 3 Streetwear Brands that Shaped Hip Hop
With 2023 being the 50th anniversary year for hip hop, it was only right to begin the year with an appreciation for hip hop fashion. Taniqua highlights three streetwear brands that shaped hip hop culture in the late 80s and 90s. Follow us on IG: @ Epsiode Sources/Further Reading:
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Ep. 52 | How Fashion Designer Ann Moore Built a 20 Year Long Career in the 1950s
09/26/2022
Ep. 52 | How Fashion Designer Ann Moore Built a 20 Year Long Career in the 1950s
In this episode, Taniqua delves a little further into Atlanta Fashion History sharing the career of designer and couturier Ann Jewel Moore and her famous Ubiquisix garment. Follow us on IG: @ Episode Sources/Further Reading: Episode Sponsor:
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Ep. 51 | Two Georgia-Born Milliners You've Probably Never Heard Of
09/12/2022
Ep. 51 | Two Georgia-Born Milliners You've Probably Never Heard Of
In this episode, Taniqua delves into Atlanta Fashion History and shares the lives and careers of Lilian B. Head and Mae Reeves, two Georgia-born Black women who created couture headwear beginning in the 1940s. Follow us on IG: @ Episode Sources/Further Reading:
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Ep. 50 | How the SAPES of the Congo and Other Diaspora Subcultures Reinvented Dandyism
08/29/2022
Ep. 50 | How the SAPES of the Congo and Other Diaspora Subcultures Reinvented Dandyism
Dandyism or the dandy style is defined as a man who pays great attention to fashion and overall appearance. The modern practice of this style first appeared in the 1970s in London and Paris. However, Black communities around the world, like the Sapeurs and sapeuse of the Congo and the rude boys of Jamaica, adopted this style and made it what it is today. Listen as Taniqua describes how Black people in the diaspora became the face of dandyism. Follow us on IG: @ Episode Sources/Further Reading: ...
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Ep. 49 | How Black Models Changed the Fashion Industry
07/18/2022
Ep. 49 | How Black Models Changed the Fashion Industry
Models like Donyale Luna, Pat Cleveland, Beverly Johnson and more paved the way for models today. In episode 49 of #BlackFashionHistory, Taniqua discusses Black models accomplished many "firsts" and changed the fashion industry. Follow us on IG: @ And if you haven't done so already, please take a moment to rate and review the show. We love hearing your feedback!
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Ep. 48 | How Yahne Sangare Became Africa's Famous Model
05/16/2022
Ep. 48 | How Yahne Sangare Became Africa's Famous Model
Liberian model Yahne Sangare covered the June 1967 issue of Jet magazine where she was named "Africa's Famous Model." In episode 48 of #BlackFashionHistory, Taniqua discusses how Liberian journalist, model, designer and UN correspondent broke into fashion and the influence of African models on the industry. Follow us on IG: @ And if you haven't done so already, please take a moment to rate and review the show. We love hearing your feedback!
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Ep. 47 | The Night Fashion Ate Chitlins
05/02/2022
Ep. 47 | The Night Fashion Ate Chitlins
In episode 47 of , Taniqua discusses the Basic Black fashion show of 1969 and its impact on fashion history. Follow us on IG: @ Episode sponsor: Visit and use code BLACKFASHIONHISTORY for 10% off And if you haven't done so already, please take a moment to rate and review the show. We love hearing your feedback! #BlackFashionHistory
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Ep. 46 | Therez Fleetwood, The Queen of Afrocentric Design
03/22/2022
Ep. 46 | Therez Fleetwood, The Queen of Afrocentric Design
Originally from Boston, MA where she got her start in fashion, Therez started designing clothes at the age of 12 and sold her first dress on the famed Newbury Street at the age of 15. This was quite an accomplishment at that age as Newbury Street was home to Giorgio Armani, Chanel, and Diane Von Furstenberg, just to name a few. Therez moved to New York to attend The Fashion Institute of Technology studying Fashion Design. She launched her fashion career designing Afrocentric attire under the PheZula Collection label where she sold to specialty boutiques throughout New York City, created custom designs for private clientele and designed for celebrities including EnVogue, Vanessa Williams, Angela Bassett, Queen Latifah, Yolanda Adams, Kim Fields, Sheri Headly, and Shanice. Listen to her story. Follow us on IG: @ And if you haven't done so already, please take a moment to rate and review the show. We love hearing your feedback! Guest Info [email protected] #BlackFashionHistory
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Ep. 45 | How Designer Cassandra Bromfield Broke into the Fashion Industry
02/28/2022
Ep. 45 | How Designer Cassandra Bromfield Broke into the Fashion Industry
Cassandra Bromfield began her fashion career in the 1980’s. Simultaneously working for herself, Ms. Bromfield also worked freelance for a number of years with Audrey Smaltz and the Ground Crew. That company did backstage management for fashion shows which included 7th on 6th, Fashion Week, MTV and more. Her signature style includes patchworked fabrics and one of these garments has been exhibited at the Museum of the City of New York. Listen to her story. Follow us on IG: @ And if you haven't done so already, please take a moment to rate and review the show. We love hearing your feedback! Guest Social Media Info IG: FB: #BlackFashionHistory
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Ep. 44 | The King of Chic with Menswear Designer Shaka King
01/06/2022
Ep. 44 | The King of Chic with Menswear Designer Shaka King
Shaka King has made a strong impression in the fashion industry since 1991. Fairchild Publications-Daily News Record, the New York Times, VIBE, Essence and E! are just a few of the media outlets that have hailed King as a pioneer of the upscale urban chic style, dubbing him the “King of Chic.” Listen to his story.
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Ep. 43 | Creator of the Crush Cap, Milliner Lisa McFadden
12/09/2021
Ep. 43 | Creator of the Crush Cap, Milliner Lisa McFadden
Lisa McFadden is a New York City designer with over 20 years of experience in the fashion industry. Her headpieces entitled ‘Golden Child’ and ‘Bird of Paradise’ have been displayed with the group at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Mezzanine Gallery for the 2018 ‘Holiday’ and 2019 ‘Camp’ themed exhibits, respectively. Listen to her story.
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Ep. 42 | The Industry's Best Kept Secret with Designer Douglas Says
11/11/2021
Ep. 42 | The Industry's Best Kept Secret with Designer Douglas Says
With over two decades of experience in the fashion and beauty industry, New Jersey native Douglas Says is often referred to as "one of the most important, yet under-exposed designers around.” Listen to his story.
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Ep. 41 | 4 Vintage Black Magazines You Never Heard of But Need to Know
11/04/2021
Ep. 41 | 4 Vintage Black Magazines You Never Heard of But Need to Know
Tainqua discusses four (4) vintage Black magazines that provided fashion and style inspiration from the 1950’s to the 2000s.
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Ep. 40 | Fighting for Equality in Fashion and Academia with Adrienne Jones
10/04/2021
Ep. 40 | Fighting for Equality in Fashion and Academia with Adrienne Jones
Professor Adrienne Jones holds the honor of being the first Black woman to achieve tenured professor status at Pratt Institute. In 2014, Professor Jones conceived and co-curated the landmark exhibition Black Dress, which honors Black designers and addresses the lack of diversity in the fashion industry. Listen to her story.
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Ep. 39 | Becoming "The Stitch Doctor" with Tony Dennis
09/02/2021
Ep. 39 | Becoming "The Stitch Doctor" with Tony Dennis
Tony Dennis is affectionately known as “The Stitch Doctor” for his 30-year career “stitching” custom, quality fashion pieces for high-profile clients. Listen to his story.
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Ep. 38 | Givenchy's Black Cabine: Carol Collins-Miles
08/12/2021
Ep. 38 | Givenchy's Black Cabine: Carol Collins-Miles
Carol Collins Miles is a supermodel, musician and restaurateur. She is one of the original members of Hubert de Givenchy’s all Black Cabine in the 1970s, the collection of Black models that ushered in an era of diversity and the first time a French couturier had this many Black models in its mainstay. She’s also modeled for other designers like Theirry Mugler and Chantal Thomass. Listen to her story. Join our email list to receive exclusive notes and updates by texting your name and email to (864) 539 -2284 Email us: [email protected] Follow us: @ And if you haven't done so already, please take a moment to rate and review the show. We love hearing your feedback! Guest Social Media Info Caroll Collins Miles - #BlackFashionHistory
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Ep. 37 | Connecting the World One Button at a Time with Wearable Artist Beau McCall
03/25/2021
Ep. 37 | Connecting the World One Button at a Time with Wearable Artist Beau McCall
Beau McCall is a creative artist most known for crafting wearable and visual art images combining various types of buttons.
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Ep. 36 | Creating the First Modern Black Cameo with Photographer and Jewelry Designer Coreen Simpson Part II
02/12/2021
Ep. 36 | Creating the First Modern Black Cameo with Photographer and Jewelry Designer Coreen Simpson Part II
Coreen Simpson began her career as a photojournalist and became one of a handful of female photographers on regular assignment covering the Fashion Collections in Paris and New York.
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