Dance Theater of Harlem Costumes designed by Zelda Wynn Valdes . Zelda Wynn Valdes "Zelda falls in line with some of the most influential designers of the era. Zelda was 96 years old at the time of death. Zelda Barbour Wynn Valdes was an African-American fashion and costume designer. She closed her business in 1989 but continued to work with the Dance Theater of Harlem until her death in 2001 at the age of 96. Valdes created what later became Bryant's signature sexy look, which earned her the nickname 'The Black Marilyn Monroe. Zelda Wynn Valdes was a designer to the stars who could fit a dress to a body of any size — even if she had to do so just by looking at the client. Zelda Wynn Valdes died at the age of 96 in 2001. Born Zelda Wynn Valdes on June 28, 1905 in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Zelda Wynn Valdes Birthday and Date of Death. Birthday: June 28, 1905 Date of Death: September 26, 2001 Age at Death: 96 Ask him about his shoes to start the quest. In 1948, Valdes opened her first boutique called “Zelda Wynn” on Broadway which is now Washington Heights on Broadway and West 158th Street. Zelda Wynn Valdes (1905 - 2001) was born in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, in an era when segregation was a part-and-parcel of daily life. From the very childhood, she showed intense love for fashion and started her professional career as a little designer in the tailoring shop of her uncle in White Plains, New York. Valdes went on to sell many dresses for movies stars and opera singers since her style was very appealing to these socialites. If yes, share in the comments section. Read on to learn more about one of the first African American fashion designers: 1. She was the first black owned business on Broadway. Zelda Wynn Valdes Death Fact Check, Birthday & Date of Death. Lowe passed away in 1981 at the age of 83. In 1989, Chez Zelda, then located in midtown Manhattan, would close, but Wynn Valdes would continue to design for the Dance Theatre of Harlem until her death in 2001, at the age of 96. Zelda Wynn Valdes was born on June 28, 1905 and died on September 26, 2001. Valdes kept designing until her death at the age of 96. In 1970 Arthur Mitchell asked Valdes to design costumes for his new company, the Dance Theater of Harlem. As always, thank you for reading. Sources: Momodu, S. (2017, June 09) Zelda Barbour Wynn Valdes (1901–2001). "I just had a God-given talent for making people beautiful," Zelda said during a 1994 interview with The New York Times. Valdes who began her professional career working in her uncle’s White Plains, New York tailoring shop became one of the top designers for big name celebrities in the entertainment business. And being able to master both costume design and street wear was remarkable and part of her staying power." Valdes was born on June 28, 1905, and grew up in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Zelda Wynn Valdes –Fashion Designer (1901-2001) ... (1958) and Aurthur Mitchell’s Dance theatre of Harlem company. From dressing Hollywood darlings, Playboy Bunnies and ballerinas, Zelda's legacy is long and enduring -- a fact that she was certainly proud of. Are you familiar with forgotten Black History Maker Zelda Wynn Valdes? Valdes would continue to work with the Dance Theater of Harlem until her death on September 26, 2001, at age ninety-six.