On Tuesday, August 11, 2020, MODECANADAROCKS x MELANI Beauty presented the digital Zoom event – BLACK CANADIAN STYLE: HERE’S THE THING… A discourse on the importance of Black Canadian identities in fashion, design, culture and media. (more…)
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Welcome to Miami!
Brill Communications created a chic
beach environment —complete with floor to ceiling 🌴palm trees—to preview and highlight their multi brand client roster. Held at the equally chic SOHO Hotel Penthouse suite.
🌴🦩😎
@brillcomm
#welcometomiami
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RIP Japanese fashion designer Issey Miyake. I never wore your clothes, but I LOVED and lived in your L'eau D'issey Women’s fragrance, launched in 1992! What an icon!
#isseymiyake
#leaudissey #shiseido
Winston Kong - Designer to the Stars
(Part 1 of3)
WordsTrevor Carter, Jhanvi Bhaskar
🔗
Winston Kong was a pivotal name in the Toronto fashion design scene for over 30 years. Couture evening and bridal wear were his specialty, and he crafted dresses for various Canadian and international socialites including Sherry Eaton, Mila Mulroney and, at one point, the Princess of Japan.
Kong was born in Ipswich, Jamaica, in 1934. He was raised by his Jamaican mother and father of Chinese descent. He later moved to the United States to continue his education and studied hotel management at Cornell University.
While working at a hotel, Winston had a fortuitous encounter with a famed editor of the International Herald Tribune who, after several conversations on style, film and fashion, gave him the advice to pursue a career in fashion.
Kong took this advice to heart and went on to study at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
According to an article written by Tony Wong in Caribbean Life, Kong moved to Canada in 1964 to “work for a year,” and was designing dresses for a Toronto boutique owned by David Smith. He decided to stay and by 1966, Kong opened his own couture boutique in Toronto, initially on Gerrard Street, then relocating in 1970 to Cumberland Street in Yorkville.
Kong’s boutique was known for its salon-like atmosphere that resembled the couture houses of Paris, where clients would come to discuss their problems, relationships and personal lives while having their dress made. For Kong, the business of design was much greater than the purchasing of merchandise, it was the connection created between him and his customers.
Despite being a minority in a field known for a lack of diversity, Kong never felt as though his ethnicity kept him from achieving his goals.
“He was really handsome and had such charisma and charm,” says Fernanda Raposo, his right-hand person for 17 years. “He’d come up and say, ‘Fernanda, I’ve just had this vision,’ and start sketching. ‘Let’s get this dress done, let’s bring it to life. I want this dress in the window by tonight.’ The boutique was always filled with fresh white gladiola flowers and music.”
#blackfashioncanadadatabase
Bombshell Bijette - Her Strut Beyond the Runway (Part 1 of 3)
Canadian fashion in the ‘70s was an exclusive industry. Bijette Spencer challenged its status quo.
Words by Alina Snisarenko and Jasmine Afnan Al-Kholani
🔗Bio
It was the late ‘70s, and Bijette Spencer had just finished walking the runway for Canadian designer, Wayne Clark.
As she hurried to catch the 11:30 train back to Montreal for another booking, the show’s producer stopped her. “Somebody here wants to see you,” he said.
That somebody was the assistant editor for Vogue magazine, who bluntly told her that she had “the face of the ‘80s”. She gave Spencer an offer aspiring models only dream of. “I’d like to take you to Paris to do the collections.”
Where most models would jump at the opportunity, Spencer simply told the editor that she wasn’t interested. “Why not? It’s every girl’s dream,” the editor persisted. “I know, but it’s not mine,” said Spencer.
EARLY LIFE AND CAREER
Bijette Spencer was part of the first generation of Black models who started to make their mark in the fashion industry, especially in Toronto.
Her laid-back, spiritual approach to life is what made the Kingston, Jamaica-born beauty spend 27 years in the industry without a single regret.
Known in the industry as just “Bijette” and as “Bibi” to her close friends, Spencer knew from the age of four that she was destined to be a model.
The ambition was fuelled by her grandmother, who she describes as “the most beautiful, elegant, sophisticated woman that I’ve ever seen in my life.”
Spencer moved to Toronto when she was 7, and started “dabbling” in modelling from around the age of 16. But Toronto’s fashion industry in the early ‘70s saw Black models as “too exotic,”according to Spencer.
“Nobody would have me, nobody. I was too tall; most of the models were five foot seven, five foot eight, blue eyes, and blonde and I was naturally a brunette.”
Rejection after rejection ensued, and Spencer was prompted, with encouragement from modelling agency owner Judy Welch, to pack her bags and move to Montreal, the epicentre of Canadian fashion at the time. She was only 20.
#blackfashioncanadadatabase
#blackfashioncanada
Caribana 2022 vibes!! A beautiful sunny day of Caribbean culture, costumes, colours and total body positivity. People so ready to let loose!
#caribana2022 #carribbeanculture
#caribanaintoronto
#the6ix
#islandgirl
#jamaican
Scenes from last night’s VIP Party at @stacktmarket for @sheamoistureca SheaMoisture's Carnival Pop-up BE YOUR BEAUTIFUL!
🎉☀️
An excellent evening celebrating the beauty and culture of Canada’s accomplished and inspiring Black Community. 🎶Reggae set performed by Ammoye Evans! Delicious Caribbean inspired bites and drinks.
#beyourbeautiful #hotsheasummer
#shaemoistureca
#blackfashioncanadadatabase
Multi-Media Trailblazer Donna Holgate
(Part 3 of 3)
Words by Samira Balsara and Tamia James
🔗Bio
In 1994, she joined the Life Network as a regular on-air lifestyle commentator/expert on Real Life. In 1995, she hosted Just Ask with Donna Holgate, a one-hour national weekly, prime-time interactive show on fashion and style.
With her growing popularity, Holgate was offered her own daily talk show, Images with Donna Holgate in 1998.
It was with this show that she made history as the first Black woman to host her own daily nationally televised show in Canada. Holgate used her position to promote many Black models, hairstylists, designers and makeup artists. “I wanted young Black kids to be able to see themselves on television being valued for their talent,” says Holgate.
In 1998, the W Network recruited Holgate to be co-host and segment producer of a national daily talk show, WTN Weekday. This project allowed her to broaden her range as a journalist and utilize her skills as an interviewer through such topics as fashion, politics, and entertainment.
Holgate’s next role was in radio. In 2002, as host and producer, she launched Voices, a weekly interactive current affairs program on FLOW 93.5, Canada’s urban music station.
INFLUENCE AND LEGACY
Holgate’s versatile career allowed her to experiment with different forms of journalism at a time when opportunities for Black women weren’t readily available.
She was finally able to help contribute to the diverse beauty standard she wished she had access to as a child. Her impact on Canadian fashion and lifestyle media helped open doors for women of colour.
#blackfashioncanada
#blackfashioncanadadatabase
#fashionjournalist
#fashioneducation
Multi-Media Trailblazer Donna Holgate
(Part 2 of 3)
Words by Samira Balsara and Tamia James
🔗in Bio
📸Courtesy of Holgate
BREAKING BARRIERS
Holgate’s work in publishing includes writing, styling and producing feature stories in the areas of fashion, beauty and lifestyle for national and community publications.
As the fashion and beauty editor for Excellence, a Black national magazine, she was able to showcase Black talented creatives in the fashion and beauty space, including designers such as Winston Kong.
She went on to become the fashion and beauty editor for Modern Woman magazine, a Canadian national publication.
While Holgate didn’t often see diversity represented in the media, she made it a mission to use her position at Modern Woman to create an inclusive environment. “I always tried to present very inclusive images on my pages. Visibility was very important to me.”
Holgate fondly remembers the icons who supported her, including Beverly Mascoll, who was a trailblazer in the beauty industry. Among others Sandra Whiting, Madge Azan, and Arnold Auguste, offered guidance and opportunities that gave Holgate the confidence to pursue jobs in the “so-called” mainstream media.
TV AND RADIO
As Holgate was making a name for herself in magazine journalism, she was also pursuing work in television. In the 80s and 90s, there were very few people of colour on camera.
Holgate credits the tenacity of her agent, Robyn Friedman, along with timing and preparedness for her success in Canadian television at that time.
She remembers being told that if the network already had one person of colour on camera, they would not consider hiring another one. “Can you believe that?” Holgate scoffs.
Nonetheless, Holgate’s career in television was stellar. She has appeared on CFTO, The Comedy Network, CTV and Global.
Her credits include guest host of CFTO’s Eye on Toronto, host/reporter/segment producer for Upfront, a weekly magazine show on Omni, and host of CHTV’s daily entertainment programs, Spotlight and Quick Takes.
#blackfashioncanadadatabase
#blackfashioncanada
#fashionjournalist
#fashioneducation
Multi-Media Trailblazer Donna Holgate - Her career includes publishing and broadcast, hosting and producing.
(Part 1 of 3)
Words by Samira Balsara and Tamia James
🔗in Bio
📸Courtesy of Holgate
From not seeing herself represented in the media growing up, to becoming the first Black woman to host a daily national television program on style, fashion and beauty in Canada, Donna Holgate made a name for herself in the pre-digital age of fashion journalism.
Holgate credits her mother, Dorothy, the “original fashionista” for her love of all things fashion. “My mother did not kid around when it came to her appearance. I remember being quite young and admiring the fabric of her dresses, her hats, gloves, high-heeled shoes, all on point.”
EARLY LIFE AND CAREER
Born in St. Georges, Grenada in 1957, Holgate was the fourth of five children. Her parents, Eukley and Dorothy Holgate, raised her and her sisters Maureen, Paula and Claudette and brother Phil.
In the early 60s, the family moved to Jamaica. A few years later, they relocated to Ithaca, New York.
Following her father’s passing in 1968, she, her mother and four siblings immigrated to Toronto in 1969.
“I was lucky to grow up in Toronto at a time when the Black community had a thriving and creative base that nurtured and supported us,” Holgate says. “We may not have been as included in the mainstream, but our community provided us with opportunities to showcase our talents.”
Holgate remembers her talented peers, “Jean Fleming, Linda Carter, Tonya Williams, Len Henry and Denise McCleod, and so many more.”
She dabbled in modelling, but her eyes were on becoming a fashion and beauty journalist.
She was able to gain valuable experience as a fashion writer for several community publications, including Spear magazine and Contrast and Share newspapers.
#blackfashioncanadadatabase
#fashionjournalist
#blackfashioncanada
#fashioneducation
A beautiful summer evening with jazz artist Kyla Charter @kycharter at the BAND Gallery Garden Concert❤️.
🎹
#blackartistnetworksinaialogue
David Cardoza - Handsome and Humble (Part 3 of 3)
One of Toronto’s first Black male models made strides in the fashion and entertainment industries for Black representation and modelling opportunities.
Words by Rachel Ecker & Olivea Loo Folkes
🔗in Bio
📸Courtesy Donna Cardoza
Often, Cardoza was not given speaking roles in commercials because of his accent.
His wife feels that he had the skills and potential to achieve more lucrative jobs, but was locked out of these opportunities because of his biracial identity and the fashion world’s resistance to representing a wide array of people at the time.
INFLUENCE AND LEGACY
As a result, Cardoza’s advocacy and influence did not take the form of targeted speech and obvious action, but materialized through his kindness, respect and teamwork.
Donna says that Cardoza knew many people recognized him for his modelling work, and used his platform to model compassion, uplifting the client, and giving a voice to the voiceless.
Donna goes on to say that he deconstructed barriers “very silently with grace and elegance.”
Sipidias reflects on the fact that in Toronto during the early 1980s, Black models struggled to get work because of the systemic barriers the fashion industry and the discriminatory mindset of fashion leaders.
However, David Cardoza’s presence in the fashion industry smashed layers of prejudice held towards Black models becasue he pushed his colleagues to view him as a human being rather than as a token of the group he represented.
Cardoza passed away July 12, 1997.
“He connected with people on set. He was a person first, before he was a model,” says Cardoza’s son [who would like to remain anonymous]. “His best advice: be comfortable, don’t force anything, be humble, and let it come naturally.”
#blackfashioncanadadatabase
#fashionjournalism
#fashioneducation
David Cardoza - Handsome and Humble (Part 2 of 3)
Words by Rachel Ecker & Olivea Loo Folkes
🔗in Bio
📸Courtesy Donna Cardoza
BREAKING BARRIERS
Cardoza spent the majority of his career with the modelling agency, Bookings Inc., now known as B&M Models. Bookings helped to establish and steadily build his reputation as a hard worker, a relationship builder, and someone who led with humility, humanity and empathy.
“He was genuinely a happy guy. I don’t ever remember him coming to a shoot where he wasn’t going to give it his all. He never came in flustered or down about anything” says Evangeline (Vangie) Sipidias, a former fashion coordinator in the advertising department at Eaton’s, who booked Cardoza for jobs.
Adds Diana, “He was always pleasant, respectful, kind, and he just loved what he did. He laughed a lot. He considered his good looks as a gift and never took it for granted, but was never puffed up and pompous about it. Speak to the people that booked and dressed him back in the day, they’ll always tell you.”
Vangie Sipidias described that David Cardoza’s energy would shine through each piece of work he participated in. On the runway, Cardoza’s spirited walk would bring the clothing to life. In print, his positivity would beam through the photograph, adding a dimension of liveliness to each still.
Sipidias adds, “His joy and ease while working with others was a major contributor to his continuous influx of modelling gigs. Cardoza was booked by Eaton’s and featured in Christmas catalogues, newspaper ads, weekly flyers, direct mail pieces, and commercials.”
While his modelling career primarily took place in Toronto, he travelled to Montreal multiple times and also toured around Europe.
However, for all the great career opportunities that came his way, there were many others that Cardoza missed because he did not fit into the modelling categories that were predetermined by fashion’s gatekeepers.
As Donna explains, “They didn’t see him as Black. They didn’t see him as white. At the time, biracial intersectionality wasn’t on the table.”
#blackfashioncanadadatabase
#fashionjournalism
#fashioneducation
David Cardoza - Handsome and Humble (Part 1 of 3)
One of Toronto’s first Black male models made strides in the fashion and entertainment industries for Black representation and modelling opportunities.
Words by Rachel Ecker & Olivea Loo Folkes
🔗in Bio
📸Courtesy Donna Cardoza
David Cardoza was a fashion influencer and model who helped change the way Canada’s fashion and entertainment industries hired individuals of colour. He advocated for Black models to receive work in predominantly white spaces.
By carefully choosing jobs that aligned with his morals and goals, Cardoza influenced how Black models were seen and used in fashion campaigns and on runways, and that broke the stereotypes in which black male models were often portrayed.
EARLY LIFE AND CAREER
David Cardoza was born in 1949 in Kingston, Jamaica. His father was Portuguese and Scottish, and his mother was descended from Maroons, who were the enslaved Africans of Jamaica. He lived in an expansive family of 11 siblings: nine boys and two girls.
Cardoza moved to Canada in his early 20s, but didn’t and start modelling until later in life. His primary source of income was from his full-time job at the aerospace manufacturing company, McDonnell Douglas.
As life went on, he married and had two children, who also became child models. He used to bring his children with him for seasonal campaigns such as the Bay’s Christmas Catalogue, where he often made appearances.
David Cardoza’s career in the fashion industry happened by chance. Donna explains that while taking his sister to a model casting, the agency offered to sign him instead, kickstarting Cardoza’s career as one of the first black male models in Toronto. Donna states, “He was a humble man with great depth that just happened to be outstanding in his looks.”
She explained that David was more connected to the African side of his identity. “He did not call himself biracial, but declared his identity as a Black man. He didn’t identify as BIPOC or mixed; he was black” said his wife Donna.
#blackfashioncanadadatabase
#fashionjournalism
#fashioneducation
@secondcupcanada at Danforth and Hampton Ave. Courtesy of Winston!! Thank you!!
#secondcup
#latteart
#latteartist
#coffeeshop
Happy to announce that our Black Fashion Canada database has joined the directory listing of the @fashionandracedatabase founded by @kimberlymjenkins in 2017.
Tap 🔗 in bio to see this amazing online platform filled with tools that expand the narrative of fashion history and challenge mis-representation within the fashion system.
We are honoured and encouraged to be invited into this community and thereby contribute to the larger conversation on fashion and race.
Another milestone achieved and promise kept to the fashion journalism students, that their work would be part of this trailblazing website.
#blackfashioncanada #blackfashioncanadadatabase #fashionjournalist #fashioneducation
#fashionandrace
![The Wonderful World of Ethné Grimes-de Vienne
🔗in Bio
BREAKING BARRIERS
Her style differed from that of her colleagues. Ethné’s unique approach to her modelling career was that of an interpreter of sorts. A link of sorts between designers, stylists, show runners and the public.
The idea that “you [could] be the interpreter of someone else’s dream or even your own, for that matter, could potentially [give] women and especially young women of color, a hell of a lot of power – maybe even too much power.”
Ethné always worked to simply “sell the damn clothes” and her style and walk were applauded by designers and the public alike.
Her status in the industry was further anchored when legendary fashion editor, Iona Monahan regularly featured her in the pages of the Montreal Gazette.
“Of course, I knew that I was treated differently, maybe because I was taller, or skinnier, blacker, or maybe even because I didn’t have much hair!” says Ethné.
“In fact, I applaud being treated differently, after all, each and every one of us is a unique, singular individual,” she adds. “There should, however clearly be an important and implicit distinction between being treated differently and being treated equally!”
INFLUENCE AND LEGACY
In spite of the many challenges that modelling oftentimes presented, Ethné remained focused.
“It was a wonderful profession that provided me with many advantages and a great deal of independence. It also afforded me a wonderful lifestyle that enabled me to enjoy a fulfilling life, embark on other business adventures, travel extensively and meet amazing, talented people, from all over the world; what’s not to love?”
Ethné eventually moved on from her career in fashion to owning and operating Épices de Cru, a spice company she founded with her husband Philippe de Vienne. She has co-authored five books on spices and spice hunting and is a Taste Canada laureate.
When contacted for this interview, she was relaxing at home with a glass of wine, dressed in a royal blue Salwar or traditional drop crotch slacks, from Urfa,Turkey, paired with a hand dyed, block print indigo top she bought in Shanghai.
#blackfashioncanadadatabase](http://charmainegooden.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
The Wonderful World of Ethné Grimes-de Vienne
🔗in Bio
BREAKING BARRIERS
Her style differed from that of her colleagues. Ethné’s unique approach to her modelling career was that of an interpreter of sorts. A link of sorts between designers, stylists, show runners and the public.
The idea that “you [could] be the interpreter of someone else’s dream or even your own, for that matter, could potentially [give] women and especially young women of color, a hell of a lot of power – maybe even too much power.”
Ethné always worked to simply “sell the damn clothes” and her style and walk were applauded by designers and the public alike.
Her status in the industry was further anchored when legendary fashion editor, Iona Monahan regularly featured her in the pages of the Montreal Gazette.
“Of course, I knew that I was treated differently, maybe because I was taller, or skinnier, blacker, or maybe even because I didn’t have much hair!” says Ethné.
“In fact, I applaud being treated differently, after all, each and every one of us is a unique, singular individual,” she adds. “There should, however clearly be an important and implicit distinction between being treated differently and being treated equally!”
INFLUENCE AND LEGACY
In spite of the many challenges that modelling oftentimes presented, Ethné remained focused.
“It was a wonderful profession that provided me with many advantages and a great deal of independence. It also afforded me a wonderful lifestyle that enabled me to enjoy a fulfilling life, embark on other business adventures, travel extensively and meet amazing, talented people, from all over the world; what’s not to love?”
Ethné eventually moved on from her career in fashion to owning and operating Épices de Cru, a spice company she founded with her husband Philippe de Vienne. She has co-authored five books on spices and spice hunting and is a Taste Canada laureate.
When contacted for this interview, she was relaxing at home with a glass of wine, dressed in a royal blue Salwar or traditional drop crotch slacks, from Urfa,Turkey, paired with a hand dyed, block print indigo top she bought in Shanghai.
#blackfashioncanadadatabase
The Wonderful World of Ethné Grimes-de Vienne
A glimpse into the life of Montreal’s ‘it girl’ during the 80s and 90s
Words by Jenna Winger and Ruth Young
🔗in Bio (English/French)
📸Courtsey Ethné
EARLY LIFE AND CAREER
Born in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, Ethné Grimes-de Vienne grew up surrounded by the ever changing worlds of fashion.
She remembers friends of her mother – a civil servant and fashion hobbyist – traipsing through the house, coming in for fittings, dropping off fabrics, or casually flipping through fashion magazines for their desired looks.
Ethné feels fortunate to have a mother like Lorna, as well as the upbringing that she provided, as both proved fundamental to her life, her style and her lifelong appreciation of fashion.
Beyond sewing outfits featured magazines from the patterns she made herself, Lorna would modify styles in an effort to compliment the individual; moving a bow here or dropping the waistline there.
“She was adamant about the precision of the fit, the neatness and efficacy of the finish, but more importantly, she was uncompromising when it came to fashioning things that suited the wearer” says Ethné.
This understanding and mindfulness of clothing and style eventually translated to her job on the runway.
“If I was trying to hide the bad cut of a coat, I would put my hand in the pocket of the pant underneath, for example, because that would potentially hide the flaws of how the ugly, badly made coat would fall,” she explains.
“But, on the other hand, don’t expect me to turn left or right automatically, or to even pivot at all – despite the implicit chorography of any show – especially if it would impact precisely what I’m trying to camouflage about the coat!” jokes Ethné.
After graduating from college, Ethné found herself at a crossroad, she spontaneously enrolled in a modelling course which eventually led to the career that had been pitched to her since adolescence.
However, before the course was over, Ethné’s 18-year modelling career officially kicked off. Her first appearance on a runway was for the newly established Fashion Designers Association in Québec in 1978.
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#blackfashioncanada
Miles Tyler Roberts – A Singular Sensation (Part2)
Words by Nathan Kennedy
⭐️🖤🤌🏾🤌🏾
INFLUENCE AND LEGACY
The idea of a career of missed opportunities is something Roberts isn’t familiar with at all. In fact, fashion, personal style and fulfillment are things that have been in his blood his whole life.
“In Black culture, clothes were a big deal.” Roberts recounts a time when he looked at his parents 50th wedding anniversary pictures, saying, “When my family was getting a picture taken, everyone knew how to stand. I saw all the women in that model pose, and none of them were even models.” His family’s innate fashion sense is something Roberts holds very close and is something money can’t buy.
Says Roberts “Maybe I wasn’t the most successful financially, but I really really had a great time, and I got to be creative, which was the most important thing for me. More than anything, it’s my pleasure. Its not for anyone else what I do, it’s for me.”
Roberts offers the following advice to aspiring models and creators at large. “Nowadays, you have to know who you are marketing to, whereas back then you could sort of just throw yourself into the stream and see where you end up.”
Roberts also shares this idea of how to pursue your passions within the fashion realm: “Everything that you wear has a backstory, and the way you dress evokes a feeling. Whenever something appeals to you or inspires you to wear it, it will give you a feeling or a story that you want to tell.”
👏🏾👏🏾🤌🏾🤌🏾
🔗 The full story at link in Bio!
#blackfashioncanada
#blackfashioncanadadatabase
#fashionjournalism
#fashioneducation
#fashionicon
Miles Tyler Roberts – A Singular Sensation
Words by Nathan Kennedy
👇🏾
Tap photo for more about Miles @blackfashioncanada
⭐️🖤
EARLY LIFE AND CAREER
For as long as he can remember, Miles Tyler Roberts has always been tied at the hip to fashion. He recalls that at the age of four, he received shoes from his mother’s cousin who lived in England at the time.
“Growing up, I loved clothes, period,” Roberts says, reminising about his his upbringing. In part, his love for clothes stemmed from his grandmother who was a seamstress.
Roberts’s interest in pop culture and fashion originated around the time, when he went to see Diana Ross and the Supremes at the age of four.
From singing in front of 15,000 at the Festival of Canadian Fashion, to teaching modelling classes at Judy Welch, and instructing boys and girls how to work the runway, Roberts’s reach within the Canadian fashion industry is impressive.
👏🏾👏🏾🤌🏾🤌🏾
🔗 in Bio
#blackfashioncanada
#blackfashioncanadadatabase
#fashionjournalism
#fashioneducation
#fashionicon
Sharmain Beddoe-Howard - Queen of Cool
👇🏾
🔗 Bio
⭐️❤️👑
THE CAMERON HOUSE
Following her time spent abroad, Beddoe-Howard returned to Toronto in her early 20s. While juggling fashion shows, she began waitressing at the Queen Street West treasure and funky neighbourhood hotspot, The Cameron House.
Eventually, Beddoe-Howard bought into the music venue and became an operating owner alongside friend Cindy Matthews.
In Beddoe-Howard’s opinion, The Cameron House was unlike any other bar in Toronto. The venue walls were constantly being dressed in new art.
During the day, World War II vets filled the bar seats, and in the evenings, chatter and live music filled the air while an entirely new crowd consumed the dance floors. “We were the one club that had gay nights, Black nights and constantly changing art.”
It wasn’t until the 1980s that Black creatives received the acknowledgment they deserved, said Beddoe-Howard. It was a time of significant expansion, “suddenly people of color were appearing in magazines other than Ebony magazine.”
⭐️🖤👑
INFLUENCE AND LEGACY
In 1998, Beddoe-Howard met her husband, Daniel Howard. “It was love at first sight,” says Beddoe-Howard. And 22 years later, we’re still in love. You know I’m lucky.”
Beddoe-Howard went on to work in PR with the jewellery company Erickson Beamon (now Vicki Sarge). She has a deep appreciation for jewelry, particularly Tuareg jewelry created by the Tuareg, a nomadic tribe from North Africa. After seven seven years she left Erickson Beamon to spend more time with her son, Luke.
Currently, Beddoe-Howard resides in Peckham,a district in southeast London, England, which Daniel, Luke her and two border terriers Lola and Jet. She is completing a Master’s while simultaneously working at an outreach program.
Beddoe-Howard appreciates that fashion is taking strides towards greater inclusivity.
“There are people that years ago would never be considered to be beautiful that are now on the forefront of beauty,” says Beddoe-Howard. “It’s your generation that’s melting the walls of all the cultural taboos, where people are recognizing the relevance of culture.”
👏🏾👏🏾🤌🏾🤌🏾
#blackfashioncanadadatabase
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