African American Trendsetters..Past & Present

In honor of Black History Month 2009 I figured I would pay homage to those African Americans who have been trendsetters in the Fashion & Beauty industry, both past and present.

Drum Roll Please........

Diana Ross: Miss Ross was known for her svelte figure and skin hugging outfits and dresses. She maintained a perfectly kempt coiffe and always kept a sense of mystery and sexiness to her without overdoing it. I have to say, I personally find her the most intriguing..

Iman: Iman revolutionized the fashion & cosmetic industry when she stepped on the scene in 1976 gracing the cover of Vogue Magazine. Iman has been a supermodel and now operates a successful cosmetic line for women of color. I might add that the foundations are fabulous for darker skin tones!

Beyonce: Beyonce is a true fashion icon and diva at that! She keeps us constantly guessing with her ever evolving style, hair styles, and hair colors. She can go from Boho to Hollywood Glam without skipping a beat and looking completely flawless in the transition. She now is also a partner in the couture & urban fashion lines Dereon and House of Dereon. For that she has been deemed as a true *Style Star* by the fashion Gods.

Michelle Obama: Mrs. Obama or as I like to affectionatly call her Michelle-O' has not only stepped up to play leading lady to Mr. President but she has taken the office of Chief of Style. Ever since we were introduced to Michelle Obama on the campaign trail she has had the fashion world buzzing about her keen fashion sense. She has an amazing ability of understanding silhouettes and how they fit her and what colors work well with her skin tones. She has also taught budding fashionistas or in this down economy "Recessionistas" how to take a simple ensemble and make it look like a million bucks dripping in diamonds! (J.Crew sundress). For that we say thank you Mrs. President!

There were many more influential African Americans who impacted the fashion industry but I think I would have shut down the blog trying to comment on all of them! So for Black History Month 2009 be thankful for all the contributions that have been made to the fashion industry by these African American pioneers & trendsetters.

As Always: Be Fashionable, Be Fabulous!

Just like you can buy grades of silk, you can buy grades of justice.-- Ray Charles