Chocolate City: The Best African American Blog

ChocolateCity.cc is grateful to Mr. Stephen Burrows (SB) for taking time out of his very busy schedule to chat with us. We are also grateful to Mr. John Robert Miller, managing director for making this interview possible.

If you recognize the names Halston, Bill Blass, Anne Klein and Oscar de la Renta, then you should recognize Stephen Burrows’ name as well. He along with the four American designers went to Versailles in November 1973 to represent the United States in an elaborate fund raiser benefiting the palace’s restoration. Stephen Burrows; is the first African American designer to achieve international acclaim.

Mr. Burrow’s footprints can be seen all over the fashion industry. He did not only cleared the path for up-and-coming designers, he also cleared the path for outstanding designers such as Willi Smith and Patrick Kelly. Two decades later, designers such as Patrick Robinson, Tracy Reese and Lawrence Steele walk in his footprints. Recently, the world-renowned fashion designer, received the Shenandoah University, Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business 2007 Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Specifically, the award was an acknowledgment of the groundbreaking path that he carved not only for African-American designers, but for all American designers as well as developing a model of creativity and perseverance that is at the heart of entrepreneurship. He originated a finishing touch – the "lettuce edge" – that became a signature and remains in the collection today. His designs became a foundation for signature American style. A New Jersey-native, he graduated from Fashion Institution of Technology (FIT) in 1966.

After graduating from the FIT in 1966, he began making clothing for the O Boutique, opposite Max’s Kansas City in New York. Stephen’s window displays literally stopped traffic, and the young designer was soon besieged with orders. With friend Roz Rubenstein, he launched a ready-to-wear collection for Bonwit Teller in 1969. Later that year Joel Schumacher, Henri Bendel’s visual director (now film director), introduced Burrows to Bendel’s legendary fashion director Geraldine Stutz and he was hired on the spot.

Burrows, influenced by music, dance, and the body, produced revolutionary clothing that was soft, comfortable and chic. His innovative designs which made use of color and technique were revolutionary during a time when American fashion was strongly influenced by the European design houses; very structured, heavy and lined. With the advent of stretch fabrics such as wool and rayon jersey, Burrows crafted a close fit and slim silhouette. The year 2007 marks Stephen Burrow’s 41st. year as a designer. Mr. Burrows was honored with the CFDA’s Board of Directors Special Tribute Award. Currently, Stephen Burrows’ collections are available at fine stores in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.

Although Mr. Burrows was busy with his next collection, he did find the time to briefly chat with Chocolatecity.cc. Following is Chocolatecity.cc’s interview with Mr. Burrows:

 

CC: How did you get into fashion design?

SB: I decided in 1961 to try fashion design at FIT in NYC. I loved fashion illustration but decided to try designing instead.

 

CC: Being successful in Fashion requires both the creative and the business aspect. You have both of those qualities. How did you acquire the business skills?

SB: Through experience since 1966 when I graduated from FIT.

CC: Who are some of your clients?

SB: Some of the people who have worn Burrows’ design since 1963 include:

Jasmine Guy, Vivica A. Fox, Oprah, Gabrielle Union, Heidi Klum, Naomi Campbell, Iman, Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis, Betty Davis, Barbara Streisand, Cher, Lauren Bacall, Hilary Duff, Diana Ross, Sanaa Lathan, Zela Ante, Vanessa Williams, Pat Cleveland, Alva Chinn, Lauren Hutton, Patti Hanson, Mick Jagger, Bethann Hardison, Elsa Peretti, Antonia Bennett, Johnanna Bennett, Lisa Raye, Angelica Houston, Karen Bjornson, Mrs. John Ryan lll, Geraldine Stutz, Anna Garner, Eve, The Supremes, Naomi Watts, Aretha Franklin, Jerry Hall, Renee Cox, Kate Moss, Alexandra Richards, Anna Cleveland, Debra Shaw, Eva Longoria, Jimena Gallego, Grace Jones, Michele Paradise, Joan Rivers, Farrah Fawcett, Constance White, Mindy Kaling (TVs "the Office"), Mica Ertegun, Ricky Lauren, Meryl Friedman

CC: Describe your philosophy about the art of fashion. SB: Make it sexy and colorful and a perfect fit.

CC: Since you certainly pay attention to women’s fashion, do you have any preferences? SB: Clean lines and comfort – hence I love knits and color.

CC: What inspire your design and when or where do you go to think of your designs and projects? SB: Mainly people and the human body inspire me.

CC: Which fashion designers have been important points of reference for you? SB: James Galanos, Issey Miyake, St. Laurent, and Jean Paul Gaultier.

CC: If you could do anything else, what would it be? SB: Teaching art and design at a college somewhere.

CC: What advice do you have for young Black or African-American male who wants to be a fashion designer? SB: Go to school and learn the craft of fashion design. Plus take some basic business courses.

CC: Mr. Burrows , it was truly an honor to talk with you and good luck.

 

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