Angela Dean: From Pattern Design to Couture Career and Madonna's Cone Bra

The Iconic Essence Magazine Cover

• 💡 Angela Dean, a designer known for her work with jerseys, was featured on the May 2023 30th-anniversary collector's edition of Essence Magazine.
• 🎯 This cover celebrated her work designing coordinated outfits for actresses like Regina King, Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah, and Halle Berry.
• ✨ The cover highlighted the camaraderie among these prominent Black women and was later celebrated again for Essence's 55th anniversary.

Early Career and Design Philosophy

• ✂️ Dean has been sewing since age 7, attended fashion school, and honed her skills in pattern design for various companies.
• 🏠 She has worked in her Mid City showroom, Dean Zin, for over 30 years, describing it as her home and the place where magic happens.
• 👗 Dean is known for her diverse designs, including a jumpsuit and an ensemble for Patty LaBelle, showcasing her versatility.

Madonna's Cone Bra and Design Recognition

• 🎤 A significant turning point in Dean's career involved designing for Madonna, including a cone bra for the "Open Your Heart" music video.
• 🌟 She added gold tassels and trim to a 50s bra for Madonna, and later designed another cone bra corset for the singer.
• 🏆 Dean notes the historical importance of designer names, contrasting her own journey with that of designers like Jean Paul Gaultier, whose cone bra concept also gained fame.

The Black Design Collective

• 🤝 In 2018, Dean co-founded The Black Design Collective with other Black industry insiders like TJ Walker, Kevin Hall, and Ruth E. Carter.
• 🚀 The collective aims to make Black design history relevant and support emerging designers by providing mentorship, scholarships, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
• 🗣️ Dean is now actively sharing her story to ensure her contributions receive proper credit after years of working behind the scenes.

Black Design Collective Initiatives

• 🎓 The Black Design Collective operates as a membership program offering mentorship, sewing classes, and guest speakers.
• 🏆 They host award events, notably honoring Ruth E. Carter, and aim to celebrate achievements within the Black apparel community.