By Her Own Design is the compelling fictionalized biography of Anne Lowe, a talented designer who didn’t receive public acclaim because of her skin color.
By Her Own Design by Piper Huguley
Genre/Categories/Setting: Historical Fiction, Biographical, Fashion, Family Life, Racism/Prejudice, Diverse Read, Own Voices, African-American, Southern Fiction, Alabama/Florida/New York
Welcome to #ThrowBackThursday where I highlight an older review or post a current review of a backlist title. This week I’m featuring biographical historical fiction, By Her Own Design by Piper Huguley.
I’m linking up with Davida @ The Chocolate Lady’s Book Review Blog for #ThrowbackThursday.
My Summary:
By Her Own Design is the fictionalized biography of fashion designer, Anne Lowe, an incredible woman forgotten by history. Until now. Taught to sew by her mother and grandmother, Anne demonstrated an interest in fashion design from a young age. As a youngster, her special talent involved making fabric flowers (which she turned into a little business). In an effort to grow up quickly and be taken seriously by her family, she married at twelve. Sadly, this was an abusive marriage and Anne along with her baby left and ended up in Florida as a result of significant encouragement from a wealthy white woman. In Florida,, Anne sewed for the family and gained a reputation with the wealthy society ladies. The story follows Anne’s professional and personal life through many ups and downs as she persevered through a few difficult circumstances and setbacks. Anne was “society’s best kept secret” but this also meant that she didn’t receive the recognition or financial rewards that she deserved. Even designing Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding dress didn’t bring the notoriety she yearned for. Anne’s faith in God sustained her, and designing dresses brought her immense pleasure and filled her heart with joy. It’s tragic that she didn’t receive the recognition she deserved in her lifetime because of the color of her skin.
“It took one person, one lady with a good heart, to see who I was and what I could do in this world…”
Continue here for my full review of By Her Design…
QOTD:
Do you love biographical historical fiction?