Macy’s Salutes Eras of Black Style in Celebration of Black History Month 2014

(L-R) Supermodel Beverly Johnson, editor Constance White and actress Tracee Ellis Ross.
(L-R) Supermodel Beverly Johnson, editor Constance White and actress Tracee Ellis Ross.

This February, culture-defining trends take center stage as Macy’s examines the influence of Black style in celebration of Black History Month 2014. From the Harlem Renaissance to urban wear and high-fashion glamour, Black style has influenced popular culture for decades.

Through special events and panel discussions at select Macy’s stores across the country, style experts and thought leaders, such as famed fashion editor Constance White, supermodel Beverly Johnson and actress Tracee Ellis Ross, will highlight the uniqueness of Black fashion and how many of these styles have been adopted, reinterpreted and reinvigorated by new generations, inspiring countless fashion-savvy ladies and gentlemen of today.

“As a retailer with more than 150 years of fashion history, Macy’s has seen the evolution of Black style firsthand and we are thrilled to examine and celebrate the style icons and trends that have defined generations, in honor of Black History Month,” said Martine Reardon, chief marketing officer for Macy’s. “As part of our annual celebration of the cultural and historical contributions made by African-Americans, these series of events will take a meaningful fashion journey through time, highlighting Black style influences past, present and future.”

For more than 15 years, Constance White has defined her legacy as a fashion reporter and style guru for women, especially African-American women. She has served as a fashion reporter for the “New York Times” and editor-in-chief of “Essence”. Now consulting editor for Silicon Valley start-up Ozy.com, White also made history as the first and only black executive fashion editor at a major fashion magazine, “Elle”. With her new guest role as lead panelist at select Macy’s stores, White will share her insight into popular trends originating in the African-American community, current style leaders shaping the fashion landscape and her advice for pulling off some of the most popular trends seen on the sidewalk and the catwalk.

“Black culture has impacted style around the world from the rich Holland cloth of Nigeria to the cool turbans young women and men are wearing in every American city. It’s a style that’s rich, innovative and cool. I’m excited to join Macy’s in giving it its due,” said Constance White.

Macy’s Black History Month Celebration 2014 also coincides with the 40th anniversary of Beverly Johnson’s historic “VOGUE” cover. In August 1974, Beverly became the first black model to grace the cover of the iconic magazine. This event broke the color barrier in the fashion world, forever changing the beauty ideal in the fashion world and paved the way for future Black women in the fashion industry. A long-time entrepreneur and hair and fashion influencer, the “New York Times” has named her to their “20th Century’s 100 Most Influential People in the Fashion Industry” list.

“I was very excited to learn that Macy’s is devoting a great deal of time and energy to the subject of Black style and how it influences pop culture,” Johnson commented. “Tracee Ellis Ross and Constance White always have something insightful and entertaining to offer, and I look forward to appearing with them.”

Following the panel discussion, Macy’s will host a reception for its customers along with an informal fashion show highlighting recreated trends from different style eras.

From Feb. 1-28, visit macys.com/celebrate to enter for a chance to win a Delta Vacations trip for two to New York City and a $1,000 Macy's shopping spree. (Please visit www.macys.com/celebrate for complete entry rules or visit the event store for more information).

Macy’s – Eras of Black Style event:

Macy’s State Street – Chicago – Feb. 19 at 5:30 p.m.

For a complete listing of Macy’s Black History Month events, please visit www.macys.com/celebrate.

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