Fashion History: Eliza Ann Gardner

Fashion History: Eliza Ann Gardner

For years I wondered, “Why can’t I find any fashion history books that featured black and brown people”?  In school, I studied Apparel Merchandising and now I’m taking design courses and I can count on one hand (actually, I don’t even need a hand) how many times we’ve mentioned a black or brown designer from the past, something inspired by the culture, etc in our books. So I dedicate this series to the rarely mentioned fashion paragons.

Today we will start with Eliza Ann Gardner.

Who is she? Eliza Ann Gardner was born in New York City on May 28, 1831 to free parents James and Dorothy Gardner.  After years of living in New York Eliza’s parents decided to move to Boston to open up a business selling sails to large ships and with the success of the business they were able to afford education for Eliza at Boson Public school for colored children, which was the only school for blacks at the time.

What did she do? Gardner was a dressmaker, activist, church leader, fundraiser and overall community server.  Her parents taught her to be a forward thinker from a young age and to fight for her people. Her house was a stop on the Underground Railroad and I imagine that experience is what inspired her antislavery work, activism and overall dynamic character.
 

Gardner is #R8tedB for BOSS, it’s in her bloodline. I admire Eliza Gardner because of her activism and what her family stood for. Her family was full of excellent entrepreneurs in a time where so many black people were slaves. They taught her to give back to her community and she did through several acts of service and organizations. Her family made a way for her and she kept the legacy alive in her endeavors and still inspires people like me today.