As Black History Month comes to a close, it’s important to reflect on the ways activism continues to shape our culture including through fashion. Slogan tees have long been a powerful tool in Black activism, turning everyday clothing into statements of resistance and solidarity. From the Civil Rights Movement to Black Lives Matter, these simple yet bold shirts have carried messages of justice, unity, and resilience. In the 1960s, activists wore shirts emblazoned with phrases like “I Am a Man” during the Memphis sanitation workers’ strike, demanding dignity and fair treatment. Decades later, slogans like “Black Lives Matter” and “I […]
Read MoreAmerican Businesswoman: Annie Malone
Annie Malone went on to become a pioneering African American businesswoman, philanthropist, and one of the earliest Black female millionaires in America. Born in 1877, she established Poro College, a school devoted to beauty and cosmetology that provided Black women with educational and economic opportunities. Her groundbreaking hair care products, such as a scalp treatment to promote hair growth, transformed the African American beauty market. Malone also charitably donated to charities, schools, and historically Black colleges, leaving a legacy of empowerment and success. Despite facing competition and losses, Annie Malone was dedicated to improving Black communities. She employed thousands of […]
Read MoreHair as Fashion and Identity
Hair has always been a powerful symbol of identity and cultural expression within the Black community. From Afros to braids, locs, and twists, Black hairstyles are not just fashion statements but declarations of heritage, pride, and resistance against oppressive beauty standards. During the Civil Rights Movement, the Afro became a political symbol of Black power and solidarity, challenging Eurocentric ideals of beauty. In the 1990s, cornrows and locs were popularized by hip-hop culture, continuing the legacy of cultural pride and self-expression. Despite their cultural significance, Black hairstyles have often faced discrimination in schools, workplaces, and mainstream media. However, the natural […]
Read MoreModels of Color
Black models have long challenged industry norms, breaking barriers on runways and redefining beauty standards worldwide. Trailblazers like Dorothea Towles and Donyale Luna, the first Black model to appear on the cover of British Vogue in 1966, showcased their skill and determination despite widespread discrimination. Naomi Sims, credited as the first Black supermodel, revolutionized beauty advertising in the 1960s, paving the way for icons like Beverly Johnson, who became the first Black woman on the cover of American Vogue in 1974. Their perseverance opened doors for today’s stars, including Adut Akech, who champions refugee representation, and Precious Lee, celebrated for […]
Read MoreFashion & Activism: Black Liberation
Throughout history, fashion has been a powerful tool of activism and cultural expression within the Black community. From the Civil Rights Movement to the present-day Black Lives Matter protests, clothing has served as a bold statement of identity, resistance, and solidarity. In the 1960s, activists like the Black Panthers redefined political fashion by wearing black leather jackets, berets, and afros, symbolizing power, pride, and unity. Their iconic look was a deliberate rejection of societal norms and an assertion of Black identity and self-determination. Similarly, during the Civil Rights era, leaders and protesters wore their Sunday best—sharp suits, dresses, and polished […]
Read MoreFashion Visionaries
This blog is dedicated to highlighting Black individuals’ rich history, culture, and achievements. One designer that I would love to mention is Virgil Abloh. Virgil, born in 1980 but sadly passed away in 2021, was a visionary designer and cultural icon who redefined fashion, art, and design. Born in Illinois to Ghanaian parents, he studied engineering and architecture before entering the creative world. Abloh founded Off-White in 2012, merging streetwear with luxury, and became the first Black artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear in 2018, where he broke barriers and reshaped fashion norms. Another great designer would be Dapper Dan, […]
Read MoreFashion Catalyst: Elizabeth Keckley
During the days of slavery in the United States, agricultural labor was the majority of the workload on plantations, however, this was not the only work enslaved people were forced into doing. Textile work and the craft of sewing were amongst several of the other roles in which enslaved people were involved. On various occasions enslaved women crafted fine fashion and intricate designs for the elite southern white women. These women were highly skilled in their artisan understanding of the complex techniques of being a seamstress. One of these brilliant seamstresses was Elizabeth Keckley. Keckley was born into slavery in […]
Read MoreBlack History Month
Happy Black History Month! This month (and every month), we’re celebrating Black history and honoring the Black community. To kick off the month, Madame Butterfly Too would like to highlight three visionary Black fashion designers. The first designer we would like to bring to light is Tolu Oye, a West African design powerhouse and creator of Meji Meji. Oye’s creations seamlessly blend the iconic trends of African American culture and the opulent heritage of West Africa in her designs, while also celebrating the profound heritage that exists beneath her brand name. Next, we’d also like to acknowledge Jerry Lorenzo, the […]
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Elevated Daywear: For Every Part of Your Day
This fall, the trend of elevated daywear is redefining how women dress for every part of their day. Whether you’re heading to work, meeting friends for lunch, or running errands, the focus is on pieces that blend sophistication, comfort, and ease. These are clothes that work as hard as you do — stylish enough for any occasion, yet effortlessly comfortable. It’s about creating a wardrobe that can transition seamlessly from morning to night, without compromising on elegance or practicality. Here are five ways to style the fall 2024 trend of elevated women’s daywear: Elevated daywear for fall 2024 is all […]
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Spotlight: Willy Chavarria
Willy Chavarria’s rise to prominence in the fashion world is nothing short of inspiring. A native of California’s Central Valley, Chavarria grew up in a working-class family, which influenced his strong sense of identity and cultural pride. After studying at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles, Chavarria moved to New York to pursue his dreams, eventually becoming a key player in the city’s fashion scene. His early years working at some of the most iconic American labels, including Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren, sharpened his technical skills and honed his design sensibilities. But it was […]
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