The young ladies of Madame X had such a great time during our Black Fashion Experience! Our little Madame X’ers learned about Black fashion designers and models, past and present, and their global influence on pop culture. Our Madame X’ers learned about industry and societal gatekeepers, and the many challenges that models of color experienced in the early days of contemporary modeling. They also learned about breakthrough trailblazers like Eunice and John Johnson, founders of Johnson Publishing and Ebony Fashion Faire, Beverly Johnson, the first Black model to grace the cover of Vogue in 1974, and Miss Bethann Hardison, who championed diversity in the modeling world, among her many accomplishments. Oh, yes, we talked about Pat Cleveland, Grace Jones, Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Iman, Alek Wek, Naomi Sims, Veronica Webb, Beverly Peele, Gail O’Neill, Lana Ogilvie, Cynthia Bailey and so many others! We chatted it up about fashion from a historical perspective, and discussed Ann Lowe, Willi Smith, Carly Cushnie and other great fashion designers. Oh, we’re not done! They then had a live video conference with Madame X’s dear friend, Bonnie Flesland, a celebrity wardrobe designer and stylist (Prince, Janet Jackson, Lenny Kravitz, Tina Turner, Pink, etc..), who discussed how and where to find creative inspiration, offered fashion design tips, and also mentioned various types of jobs and opportunities available within the fashion industry. Most importantly, she encouraged them to create! Finally, they sketched and made their own “couture” gowns (without requiring a “stitch” of sewing …see what we did there?). You can find red carpet photos of their final creations right here. Early registrants received an African-themed collector’s issue of UK Vogue; and all of our Madame X’ers received a framed and autographed black and white photo of the fabulous model and icon, Beverly Johnson. Thank you, Miss Beverly! XOXOX

Yeah, it was cool, we know…..but that’s the Madame X way!