Ep. 76: What My Mother Wore: A Conversation on Style, Memory & Heritage

Black fashion history is full of icons hiding in plain sight—and Linda Page is one of the most important names you have not heard enough. In this episode, Taniqua shares how a milliner from Columbus, Ohio, built a career that crossed celebrity, community leadership, and Black women's style. From creating cardboard hats as a child to opening Linda's Millinery Shop in Columbus's Black business district, Page turned millinery into a powerful form of self-expression and entrepreneurship. Her designs earned her the nickname "the Hat Designing Wizard" and attracted notable clients including Marva Lewis, Etta Moten, Dorothy Donegan, Marguerite Belafonte, and Coretta Scott King. Shop Black Fashion History Fact Cards (+ Exclusive Listener Discount!) Explore Volume 1 and celebrate unsung fashion trailblazers: https://www.blackfashionhistory.com/shop Use code PODCAST for 15% off your purchase. 🌐 Learn more about Black Fashion History Website: https://www.blackfashionhistory.com 📲 Follow Black Fashion History on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackfashionhistory_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackfashionhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackfashionhistory Substack: https://blackfashionhistory.substack.com/

In this heartfelt conversation, Taniqua Martin sits down with her mother to explore the roots of personal style, Liberian fashion history, and the creativity that shaped her upbringing. From hand-me-downs and "bend down boutique" shopping to custom-made African outfits and styling for the modern day, this episode reflects on how fashion is shaped by culture, resourcefulness, and identity. More than that, this conversation also highlights how fashion and be a source of memory and connection between mother and daughter. The discussion also highlights Liberian Independence Day, the evolution of African fashion, and timeless advice on dressing for your body, your personality, and the occasion.   Shop Black Fashion History Fact Cards (+ Exclusive Listener Discount!) Explore Volume 1 and celebrate unsung fashion trailblazers: https://www.blackfashionhistory.com/shop Use code PODCAST for 15% off your purchase. 🌐 Learn more about Black Fashion History Website: https://www.blackfashionhistory.com 📲 Follow Black Fashion History on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackfashionhistory_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackfashionhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackfashionhistory Substack: https://blackfashionhistory.substack.com/

Taniqua Martin shares a replay for her talk at the Historical Symposium hosted by Costumers of Color. Explore the hidden stories of Black fashion designers through archival detective work, highlighting the importance of black media and institutions in preserving cultural history. Key Topics Archival research methods for Black fashion history The role of black media in preserving fashion stories Case studies of forgotten Black designers like Gus and Lucy, Booker T. Felder, Harry Young The importance of documenting and archiving Black fashion work Challenges in uncovering Black designers' stories Shop Black Fashion History Fact Cards (+ Exclusive Listener Discount!) Explore Volume 1 and celebrate unsung fashion trailblazers: https://www.blackfashionhistory.com/shop Use code PODCAST for 15% off your purchase. 🌐 Learn more about Black Fashion History Website: https://www.blackfashionhistory.com 📲 Follow Black Fashion History on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackfashionhistory_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackfashionhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackfashionhistory Substack: https://blackfashionhistory.substack.com/

Join Taniqua Martin in conversatoin with Dr. Chajuana Trawick Ferguson, a trailblazer in fashion education and history, as she shares her personal story, her work with the Black Design Collective, and her groundbreaking role at Lindenwood University. This episode highlights the importance of mentorship, evolving industry tech, and cultivating spaces for future Black fashion professionals. Resources & Links: Black Design Collective Lindenwood University Fashion Program Connect with Dr. Ferguson: LinkedIn Shop Black Fashion History Fact Cards (+ Exclusive Listener Discount!) Explore Volume 1 and celebrate unsung fashion trailblazers: https://www.blackfashionhistory.com/shop Use code PODCAST for 15% off your purchase. 🌐 Learn more about Black Fashion History Website: https://www.blackfashionhistory.com 📲 Follow Black Fashion History on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackfashionhistory_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackfashionhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackfashionhistory Substack: https://blackfashionhistory.substack.com/

In this conversation, Taniqua Martin speaks with Dr. Dyese Matthews about her journey from a childhood influenced by her mother's fashion sense to her academic pursuits in fashion history. She discusses the importance of recognizing and preserving Black fashion narratives, particularly through her project, Noir Narratives. The conversation also touches on the role of technology in fashion education and the responsibility of educators to prepare students for a rapidly changing industry. Dr. Matthews emphasizes the need for more representation of Black stories in fashion history and the importance of community engagement in academia. Learn more about Dr. Matthews & Noire Narratives: https://www.instagram.com/noirenarratives/  Shop Black Fashion History Fact Cards (+ Exclusive Listener Discount!) Explore Volume 1 and celebrate unsung fashion trailblazers: https://www.blackfashionhistory.com/shop Use code PODCAST for 15% off your purchase. 🌐 Learn more about Black Fashion History Website: https://www.blackfashionhistory.com 📲 Follow Black Fashion History on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackfashionhistory_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackfashionhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackfashionhistory Substack: https://blackfashionhistory.substack.com/

In this episode, host Taniqua Martin sits down with Rafael Brauer Gomes, Director of Fashion Exhibitions at SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film, to explore the creative vision behind André Leon Talley: Style Is Forever. We dive into how Rafael brings Talley's legacy to life, the curatorial decisions that shaped this landmark exhibition, and why preserving André Leon Talley's legacy is essential to understanding global fashion history. Whether you're a curator, designer, student, historian, or simply a lover of Black style, this episode will deepen your appreciation for the artistry and cultural impact of André Leon Talley. 🎟 Get tickets to the André Leon Talley: Style Is Forever exhibition: SCAD FASH Atlanta — https://www.scadfash.org/visit 🛍 Shop Black Fashion History Fact Cards (+ Exclusive Listener Discount!) Explore Volume 1 and celebrate unsung fashion trailblazers: https://www.blackfashionhistory.com/shop Use code PODCAST for 15% off your purchase. 🌐 Learn more about Black Fashion History Website: https://www.blackfashionhistory.com 📲 Follow Black Fashion History on Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackfashionhistory_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackfashionhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackfashionhistory Substack: https://blackfashionhistory.substack.com/

In this special episode, we honor the 51st anniversary of the Battle of Versailles, a groundbreaking moment in Black fashion history that took place on November 28, 1973. Filmmaker Deborah Riley-Draper joins us to discuss her acclaimed documentary Versailles '73, which brought this iconic event to life on screen. Draper shares how this historic fashion show not only showcased the brilliance of African American models and designers but also introduced the world to the powerful message on an international stage. Tune in to celebrate this monumental anniversary and learn more about the cultural and historical significance of the Battle of Versailles. To learn more about Deborah Riley Draper and her work, visit https://www.coffeebluffpictures.com/ 

In this episode, Taniqua Martin sits down with the dynamic sisters Essie Brew-Hammond and Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond, founders of the luxury brand Exit 14! Dive into their journey, discover the inspiration behind their choice of Batakari fabric, and learn about the meaning of Exit 14 and its tagline, "tailored for your journey."   Exit 14 blends traditional West African craftsmanship with contemporary flair, redefining luxury through skill, artisanship, and timeless design. Learn more about Exit 14: Website: exit14apparel.com Instagram: @shopexit14 Catch the full interview on www.blackfashionhistory.com, YouTube, or your favorite streaming platform!

In this episode of Black Fashion History, host Taniqua Martin sits down with Charlene Dunbar, the brilliant mind behind Suakoko Betty! From engineering to fashion design, Charlene's journey is a true inspiration. She shares her love for African fashion, the importance of cultural representation, and how African designers can benefit from the global rise of African-inspired fashion. Dive into the challenges, opportunities, and the luxury of African fashion in this insightful conversation! Check out Suakoko Betty: www.suakokobetty.com Follow on Instagram: @suakokobetty Wacth now on www.blackfashionhistory.com or YouTube.

In this episode, Taniqua Martin chats with fashion professor Ntebo Lepheana to explore the rich traditions and style history of the Basotho people. Ntebo shares how Basotho cultural heritage has shaped her perspective on fashion and how she brings this unique lens to her work in the classroom. She discusses iconic Basotho garments like the Seanamarena blanket, revealing the historical significance and symbolism. Ntebo also explains how she encourages her students to draw from their own cultural histories, empowering them to infuse their designs with a sense of identity and legacy.    Tune in on www.blackfashionhistory.com, YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform!