Hi! For our last Art & Fashion Spotlight we're going back to fashion and showcasing one of the first African-Americans to receive some success for their work with Hollywood stars. For the times, this was an accomplishment in itself as the majority of Hollywood was still very much a white-ruled industry. She was able to make an impact and use her position to keep the door open for other Black artists trying to break through, and for that she deserves her moment. Let's get to our entrant!
Name: Mildred Blount, 1907-1974
Profession: Milliner and costume designer
Why is the Spotlight on her today? For the lasting impact of her designs and her efforts to help other Black artists enter the industry through her example
Notables:
--Was the first Black designer to create hats for Hollywood stars, creating pieces for Gone With the Wind and Easter Parade, for which she was largely uncredited
--Was a recipient of the Julius Rosenwald Fellowship
--Was the first Black designer to be admitted to the Motion Picture Costumers' Union
--Designed her own 87-piece exhibit of miniature hats, which she displayed at the New York World's Fair
--Co-owned her own dress and hat shop alongside her sister
--Worked with John Fredericks, Inc. (the company credited for the hat design in Gone With the Wind) before starting her own design company in Los Angeles
--Designed custom hats for society women and celebrities alike
--Designed a hat that was later worn by the model on the cover of Ladies' Home Journal
--Was known for refusing to adhere to discrimination standards of the time by not entering public spaces or any of her work sets through the back entrance, as was custom
--Used her position to fight for the inclusion of other Black artists in the industry
--Has three hats in the permanent collection of the African-American Museum in Los Angeles
Further reading links:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4
Quote of the Day:
"“It took courage for her to ring the bell at John Frederics in answer to their ad for a learner, for this was the royalty of America’s hatters. They were taken aback. No Negro had ever applied before. Yes, she assured them she had talent. All she asked was a chance. P.S.—She got the job.”
--Ebony profile of Mildred Blount, 1946
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