Born on 1898 into a family of dressmakers, Ann Lowe was one of the first notable African American designers.

After moving from Alabama to New York City she captured the gaze of the elite with her beautiful, haute couture gowns.

She is best known for designing Jacqueline Bouvier’s wedding dress when she married John F. Kennedy. 

In 1964, The Saturday Evening Post said that she was "Society's best-kept secret".

“Society’s Best-Kept Secret.” 

Like many designers, Ann was careful about who she designed for. She was 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 the families of the Social Register.”

“to prove that a negro can become a major dress designer.”

Despite designing for a number of high society women, her work was often undervalued and discredited.

Recently, her work from the 1920s-1960s was exhibited at the Winterthur Museum from Sept 9, 2023–Jan 7, 2024.

I hope there will be more opportunities for Ann Lowe's work to be showcased. I would love to see her beautiful gowns in person!