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By her own design : a novel of Ann Lowe, fashion designer to the social register / Piper Huguley.

Huguley, Piper, (author.).

Summary:
The incredible untold story of how Ann Lowe, a Black woman and granddaughter of slaves, rose above personal struggles and racial prejudice to design and create one of America's most famous wedding dresses of all time for Jackie Kennedy. 1953, New York City. Less than a week before the society wedding of the year where Jacqueline Bouvier will marry John F. Kennedy, a pipe bursts at Ann Lowe's dress shop and ruins eleven dresses, including the expensive wedding dress, a dress that will be judged by thousands. A Black designer who has fought every step of the way, Ann knows this is only one struggle after a lifetime of them. She and her seamstresses will find the way to re-create the dresses. It may take all day and all night for the next week to accomplish the task, but they will do it. 1918, Tampa. Raised in Jim Crow Alabama, Ann learned the art of sewing from her mother and her grandmother, a former slave, who are the most talented seamstresses in the state. After Ann elopes at twelve with an older man who soon proves himself to be an abusive alcoholic, her dreams of becoming a celebrated designer seem to be put on hold. But then a wealthy Tampa socialite sees Ann's talent and offers her an amazing opportunity--the chance to sew and design clothing for Florida's society elite. Taking her young son in the middle of the night, Ann escapes her husband and embarks on the adventure of a lifetime. Based on the true story of one of the most famous designers of the twenties through the sixties who has since been unjustly forgotten, By Her Own Design is an unforgettable novel of determination despite countless obstacles and a triumph celebrated by the world.

Record details

  • ISBN: 9780063059740
  • ISBN: 0063059746
  • Physical Description: 367, 7 pages ; 21 cm
  • Edition: First edition.
  • Publisher: New York, NY : William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, [2022]

Content descriptions

General Note:
Includes P.S. Insights, Interviews & More...
Subject: Lowe, Ann Cole, 1898-1981 > Fiction.
African American fashion designers > Fiction.
Wedding costume > Fiction.
Women dressmakers > Fiction.
Onassis, Jacqueline Kennedy, 1929-1994 > Marriage > Fiction.
Genre: Historical fiction.
Biographical fiction.

Available copies

  • 22 of 26 copies available at SPARK Libraries.

Holds

  • 2 current holds with 26 total copies.
Show Only Available Copies
Location Call Number / Copy Notes Barcode Shelving Location Status Due Date
Abington Community Library FICTION HUGULEY (Text) 50687011783563 Adult Fiction Available -
Albright Memorial Library FICTION HUGULEY (Text) 50686016183597 Adult Fiction Available -
Altoona Area Public Library F HUG (Text) 33240004730365 Adult Fiction Available -
Bernville Area Community Library HUG (Text) 33249023893062 Fiction Available -
Dillsburg Area Public Library Adults HUG Fiction (Text) 34001001422193 Adult Area Available -
Exeter Community Library HUG (Text) 33249025338942 Fiction Available -
Fleetwood Area Public Library HUG (Text) 33249024382214 Fiction Available -
Harbaugh-Thomas Library (Biglerville) HIST FIC HUGULEY PIPER (Text)
Endowment: Betty Barnes Named Endowment, 2022
35740635849466 Historical Fiction Available -
Juniata County Library F HUG (Text)
Reason for purchase: Patron Requested
39640100654365 JUNM Non-Fiction Available -
Kreutz Creek Valley Library Adults HUG Fiction (Text) 34261000571727 Adult Area Available -


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