Photo: B Michael & Mark-Anthony Edwards

Iconic Black designer dresses Bon Appetit’s Editor-in-Chief Dawn Davis

By Audrey J. Bernard

  Shame on the folks behind the Met Gala for never extending an invitation to top Black Fashion Designer B Michael to attend fashion’s biggest night out! Oh, the hypocrisy of it all especially in light of this year’s theme “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.” The black-tie extravaganza honored the 75th anniversary of the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and was Part One of a two-part mega-show marking the relevancy and power of American Fashion. “It was an American theme and my expectation was there would be more Americans participating, but that’s subjective,” said B Michael who has dressed the who’s who of Black Elegance including his beloved friend and muse Cicely Tyson.

 The gala has become an exclusive showcase for select designers and a playground for the richly famous oftentimes eluding the participation of young Black and Brown designers. “Many of the young designers reweaving the fabric of American fashion could not afford to compete on the Met’s red carpet platform either, which speaks to how much work needs to be done, and is being done on the financial side thanks to James and her 15 Percent Pledge, the Black in Fashion Council and other new initiatives,” expressed B Michael.

Michael, who has never been invited to show at the event, was contacted by Bon Appetit’s editor-in-chief Dawn Davis to design an outfit for the occasion. Michael was honored by the request and the two collaborated to design a two-piece gold metallic top and trumpet skirt whereupon the designer took this pivotal fashion moment to pay homage to several American Black fashion designers “who contributed to the tapestry of American fashion.”

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  Michael designed Davis’s masterpiece look in gold to symbolize luxury, achievement, accomplishment and triumph. He then did something very unselfish and charismatic. Knowing that many of his fellow Black designers have also been shunned by this event, he decided to share this opportunity afforded him to include them. So he embroidered their names at the rim of the skirt. “As Dawn Davis ascends the steps of the Met Gala, Elizabeth Keckley, Anne Lowe, Arthur McGee, Willi Smith, Patrick Kelly, Scott Barrie, Jay Jaxon and B Michael will make fashion history together,” Michael divulged with pride.

  Details: 2-piece Evening Masterpiece, fabricated in gold-metallic silk lame completely embroidered with gold paillettes; top with collar-draped cap-sleeve, matching trumpet-skirt bordered with brightly colored embroidery of the names of Iconic Black American Fashion Designers: Elizabeth Keckley, Scott Barrie, Ann Lowe, Arthur McGee, Willi Smith, Patrick Kelly, & Jay Jaxon. Accessories: Earrings: diamond and gemstone sunburst. Bracelet: wave cuff in yellow gold and pave diamonds. Ring: daisy ring in yellow gold and white diamonds. All jewelry created by Black American Fine Jewelry Designer, Sheryl Jones. @sheryljonesjewelry.

  Handbag: “The Rodeo” designed by Emm Kuo @emmkuony. Shoes: Satin burgundy sling back by Chanel. Make-up: Theo Kogan using Pat McGrath Labs. Hair: David Kemp.

  B Michael and his husband Mark-Anthony Edwards Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of B Michael Global are grateful to Dawn Davis for this tremendous opportunity to share the fashion stage at the Met Gala with seven-fashion industry trailblazers. (Photo Credit: Getty Images