Zelda Barbour Wynn Valdes created the iconic Playboy Bunny costume.
*Beyonce’s mom, Tina Knowles, is well known for her House of Dereon clothing line and the beautiful outfits she has made for Destiny’s Child. But, she may not be so famous if her daughter wasn’t a musical phenom.
Anyone ever heard of Zelda Barbour Wynn Valdes? My point is made. She is the first African American to open a store on New York’s still elite street, Broadway, according to the Huffington Post. In 1948, she opened her boutique “Chez Zelda” in the coveted location.
The entertainment world loved her designs that were known for the uncanny ability to seemingly sculpt women’s bodies and accentuate all of their attributes. Some of the 1940s and 50s biggest celebs to wear her fashions include: Dorothy Dandridge, Josephine Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, and Mae West.
How come I’m just now hearing about Zelda Wynn Valdes? LOL….. I just love reading these types of stories. Keep the stories coming, even beyond ‘black history month’. I salute you too Ms. Valdes.
Typo, I’m sure you meant that she died at the age of 96 not 1996