8legs: Zelda wynn valdes

#1 out of 1

A Rare Find Reminds A Vintage Dealer of a Forgotten 20th Century Designer

A black satin gown bearing Zelda Wynn Valdes's label was found in an estate sale by vintage curator Brie Zabierek.
Z Wynn Valdes designed for stars like Ella Fitzgerald and Eartha Kitt, shaping iconic stage costumes.
The designer helped create the signature looks that boosted the images of Black performers on stage and screen.
Her influence extended to later fashion moments, with gowns echoing Wynn Valdes designs seen at major events in 2025 and 2026.
The gown's provenance highlights the broader effort to recognize and preserve forgotten Black designers.
The store founder described Wynn Valdes as a mythical figure whose work had not been widely available or exhibited.
Zabierek emphasized the value of vintage and archival fashion education over chasing well-known brands.
The gown's current status is unsold, seen as worthy of a special home or exhibition rather than casual sale.
The discovery underscores the ongoing narrative of forgotten designers influencing modern fashion discourse.

Vote 0