Black Fashion’s Fairy Godmother

Name:
Zelda Wynn Valdes

Born:
June 28, 1905

Died: 
Jun September 26, 2001

Occupation:
Fashion designer and costumer

What Makes Her Bitchin’:
A designer and costumer, Zelda created the original Playboy Bunny outfits and costumes for the Dance Theater of Harlem. Among her superstar clientele were entertainers like Dorothy Dandridge, Josephine Baker, and Joyce Bryant. Reflecting on her decades of success, Zelda summed up her career thusly, “I just had a God-given talent for making people beautiful.”

Betcha’ Didn’t Know:
Zelda became the first African-American to own a store on Broadway in New York City when she opened her boutique, "Chez Zelda," in 1948.

For more about black fashion’s fairy godmother, check-out :

Fashionable Game-Changer: Zelda Wynn Valdes

Zelda Wynn Valdes: Black Fashion Designer Who Created The Playboy Bunny Outfit