Ann Lowe
Who she is:
Ann Lowe was a pioneering Black American couturier who began training in the craft at a young age and built a clientele among high society. She designed Jacqueline Bouvier’s 1953 wedding dress and bridal party gowns, executing intricate work under tight deadlines after a studio flood. Lowe ran her own salon and taught dressmakers while navigating a segregated industry. Exhibitions and books now highlight her mastery and story.
Why she matters:
Lowe’s career shows that excellence can thrive even when credit lags behind talent. Her handwork—precise cutting, floral appliqué, and impeccable finishing—set a technical standard for couture in America. She reminds students that fashion is engineering in fabric: structure, stress points, and time management. Restoring her name to the record models fairness and the importance of telling complete histories.