BLACK DESIGNERS—2000 Shaping The Future - fashion design - Brief Article

Ebony, Feb, 2000 by Eunice W. Johnson

As we move into the new millennium, Black designers are demonstrating that they will have a great impact on what fashionable women will be wearing in the years to come. Taking note of the success of predecessors such as Willi Smith (1948-1987), Patrick Kelly (1954-1990), and Stephen Burrows, Black designers are seizing the opportunities available today and strutting their stuff on the runways of the U.S. as well as Europe.

Among the Black designers making a current fashion statement is Dion Scott, a design house founded by Dion Lattimore and Scott Torrellas. While they have made a name for themselves with their menswear line, they recently introduced their womenswear division, and have brought in veteran husband-and-wife design team of Mikel Kilgour and Celia Sweet. Their collection is inspired by the golden age of Hollywood and the Harlem Renaissance.

Edward Wilkerson, who formerly designed for Donna Karan and Calvin Klein, is the creative force behind Lafayette 148. His designs, which are known for utilizing luxurious European fabrics, have been described as classic, wearable, elegant and exceptional.

The designer Epperson is known for his African-inspired wrapskirts, headwraps and fluid, deconstructed designs that combine earthy, sometimes delicate fabrics. On the other hand, the GiGi Hunter Collection offers sexy, slinky, body-revealing knitwear that appeals to her celebrity clientele. Hunter is a former dancer who knitted while waiting her turn to perform.

Considering the ensembles showcased on these pages, it is clear that today's talented Black designers are overflowing in creativity while offering a wide selection of fashions that appeal to diverse tastes. Many of their creations can be found in upscale department stores.

Silk taffeta evening gown with strapless fitted bodice, full asymmetrical bias draped skirt by Edward Wilkerson of New York.

One-shoulder, side-draped, ankle-length evening gown with high slit skirt exposing thigh, by Wilkerson.

Three-piece embroidered silk cocktail ensemble with long-sleeved bolero jacket over fitted, high-collared halter neck, pointed vest and skirt from Dion Scott Women by Kilgour and Sweet, Beverly Hills.

Epperson Studio in New York designs two-piece, ankle length, high-waist, linen, "new frontier style" wrap skirt with tangerine rayon shawl draped over one arm.

Five-button, "fly front cuff," single-breasted super 120 wool and cashmere striped men's suit by Dion Scott, Beverly Hills. On female: Sweetheart spaghetti-strap ball gown with fitted waist, patchwork bodice embroidered chiffon skirt over silver brocade, by Kilgour and Sweet for Dion Scott Women.

Three-piece "Tarzan"-style knitted and crocheted top, skirt and hooded shrug ensemble. Bottom edge of top and skirt crocheted and pointed to opposite sides by GiGi Hunter, Los Angeles.

Two-piece knitted and crocheted ensemble scoop-neck, long-sleeve, window pane midriff top and double-slit, ankle-length skirt, by GiGi Hunter.

Edward Wilkerson designs strapless sheer chiffon over taffeta midriff top with wrap flowing double-chiffon skirt.

Three-piece, Indian-inspired, knitted ensemble with bare midriff halter top with long hanging tassels. ankle-length skirt and shrug, by GiGi Hunter.

Banded midriff top with wrap skirt treat ties in the front with panel back. worn under matching long-sleeve, buttonless unnotched collar jacket, by Edward Wilkerson.

GiGi Hunter designs knit and crocheted one-piece short "diamond dress" with crocheted midriff, bottom and top edge detail, long sleeves and open back to waist.