Ann Cole Lowe

Place: Clayton

Born: 1898

Death: 1981

Biography:

Ann Cole Lowe was born in Clayton, Alabama, around 1898 and reared in Montgomery. She was considered one of America’s most significant designers and was influential in paving the way for African Americans in the fashion industry. During her illustrious 50-year career, her extraordinary designs were popular among upper class women for five decades from the 1920s through the 1960s. She was best known for designing the ivory silk taffeta wedding dress worn by Jacqueline Bouvier when she married John F. Kennedy in 1953, she was the first African American to become a noted fashion designer. Lowe's designs were popular among upper class women for five decades from the 1920s through the 1960s. Born in Clayton, Alabama, in 1898, Ann Lowe (née Cole) was the daughter and granddaughter of accomplished seamstresses. 'She learned from them', said curator.