In a fashion industry often dominated by the narratives of European design houses and global luxury brands, Black creatives have long shaped the fabric of American fashion—frequently without the recognition they deserve. From February 3 through March 22, 2025, the Pratt Manhattan Gallery on 14th Street will play host to an extraordinary exhibition, “Black Dress II: Homage”, celebrating these overlooked pioneers. The exhibit, free and open to the public, creates a powerful and inclusive space to honor the history and ongoing impact of Black designers, artists, and models.
Curated by Pratt Institute professor Adrienne Jones and co-curator Rachelle Etienne-Robinson, the exhibit builds upon the groundwork laid by its predecessor, 2014’s *“Black Dress”*. But *“Homage”* isn’t just a reprise—it expands the narrative by encompassing several interconnected facets of fashion design, from jewelry (*Black Gold*) to fashion journalism (*Black Book*) and modeling (*Black Face*). At its heart, the exhibit fights against the erasure of Black fashion history, delivering an evocative tribute to the resilience and ingenuity of Black creatives.
Jones’ vision for the original *“Black Dress”* was inspired by her mentor Clara Branch, a former FIT faculty member who scrupulously documented the contributions of Black designers through her personal scrapbooks. These archives, rich with untold stories, became the foundation of a project that has blossomed into a platform for recognition, remembrance, and celebration. As Jones explains, “This is about ensuring that the history of Black fashion is not erased. It’s ensuring we are remembered.”
The exhibit showcases an extraordinary roster of Black designers from history and the present day. Pieces from icons like Patrick Kelly, whose boundary-pushing designs dominated the 1980s, stand alongside the elegant work of Fabrice Simon, known for his decadent eveningwear. Jeffrey Banks, a celebrated CFDA Award winner, returns from the first *“Black Dress”* with more of his extraordinary contributions, emphasizing how Black fashion continues to evolve and inspire.
Modern innovators, too, take center stage. Telfar Clemens, whose namesake brand has redefined luxury as accessible, brings contemporary relevance with a design created for the 2024 Olympics. Emmy-nominated producer Keli Goff contributes a rare Patrick Kelly dress that was serendipitously reunited with its matching jacket—an extraordinary moment of synchronicity, brought full circle by former *Vogue* writer Nell Scovell. These pieces exemplify the connective power of fashion to span generations and geographies, bridging the past with the present.
*“Black Dress II: Homage”* is as much about the future as it is about the past. The organizers have established a digital archive, an interactive website, and a speaker series to ensure the stories of Black fashion endure. Discussions of a potential nationwide tour and permanent installations only hint at the exhibition’s growing influence and ambition. Pioneers like Sarah Boone, the inventor of the modern ironing board and a formerly enslaved woman, are brought to the forefront, offering inspiration for future generations to build upon their legacies.
“This is not an endpoint—it’s the beginning of a much bigger journey,” explained co-curator Rachelle Etienne-Robinson. Already, individuals are reaching out to contribute to the project, eager to see their history reflected in a broader cultural narrative.
