JACKIE KENNEDY WEDDING DRESSMAKER ANN LOWE | Sewing & Design
Ann Lowe: The Hidden Couturier Who Shaped American Fashion
Some of the most iconic fashion moments in history were crafted by women whose names the world almost forgot. One of those women is Ann Lowe — a visionary designer whose elegance, craftsmanship, and resilience shaped American couture long before she ever received recognition.
Born in Alabama in 1898, Ann came from a long line of skilled dressmakers. By the age of 16, she was already creating gowns with a level of detail and refinement that rivaled established designers. Her talent carried her from the South all the way to New York, where she designed for society’s elite and crafted pieces that were nothing short of breathtaking.
Lowe’s gowns were soft, sculptural, and impossibly precise. Every pleat, every petal, every stitch reflected a woman who never compromised on quality—no matter the cost, no matter the obstacles.
Of all her achievements, her most famous creation was Jacqueline Bouvier’s 1953 wedding gown—an extravagant ivory masterpiece worn during her marriage to John F. Kennedy. The dress became a cultural symbol, but Ann’s name was never mentioned publicly. For decades, the world celebrated the gown while the woman behind it remained unrecognized.
Yet Ann Lowe’s story is not one of defeat. Despite financial struggles, discrimination, and countless setbacks, she kept creating. She opened her own salon, trained apprentices, and built a legacy rooted in grace, determination, and Black excellence in couture.
Here at House of Lady J, I honor Ann Lowe not as a “forgotten” designer, but as a trailblazer whose artistry continues to inspire my own sewing journey. Her work reminds us that stories stitched in silence still deserve to shine.
To learn more about her life and influence, watch my full Ann Lowe video below.
👉🏼 PRESS PLAY and help amplify the legacy of this extraordinary sewist and designer.
