First Lady Michelle Obama wore Sophie Theallet to the unveiling of the bust of Sojourner Truth in Emancipation Hall of the US Capitol. This is interesting for several reasons.
Sophie Theallet made headlines with her Fall 2009 show because she elected to use all black models. And, just so you know it wasn't a stunt, she seems to be genuinely interested in the fate of black models in the fashion industry. Last fall, just after fashion week ended in New York, I attended a discussion about Diversity in the Fashion Industry hosted by veteran model and former agency owner Bethann Hardison. Sophie Theallet (above left, with a model from her Spring 2009 show and at right in a picture I snapped at Bethann's diversity discussion) and Rachel Roy were the only designers in attendance.
The most interesting aspect of this entire story to me, the best aspect actually, is Sojourner Truth herself. This is from a 2006 post on the first version of my Anovelista blog about a visit I made to the New York Historical Society to see the amazing (and not at all depressing) Slavery in New York exhibit:
The most famous slave from New York is surely the legendary Sojourner Truth. She was born with the name Isabella in Ulster County, New York around 1797 and her first language was Dutch! Yes, Sojourner Truth uttered her immortal phrase, "Ar'n't I a woman?" with a Dutch accent. Nell Irvin Painter's definitive biography of her does a good job of dispelling a lot of myths.
The first lady remarked, "I hope that Sojourner Truth would be proud to see me, a descendant of slaves, serving as the first lady of the United States of America."
I think she would be beaming.
What a wonderful story! I'm glad to hear about Sophie Theallet. I'll be going to check out your links and learn more about her fashion.
Posted by: Anali | 29/04/2009 at 17:07