Emily Miles facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Emily Miles
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | July 31, 1910 Chattanooga, Tennessee
|
| Died | June 11, 1999 Newark, New Jersey
|
Emily Miles (1910-1999) was an amazing African American fashion designer. She was also a successful businesswoman. People called her "the first lady of fashion" in Newark, New Jersey. She was also known as "the grand dame of black style in Newark." In 1998, she joined the New Jersey Women's Hall of Fame. This recognized her great achievements.
Growing Up and Learning
Emily Miles was born Emma Rollins on July 31, 1910. She was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She was the second of ten children in her family.
She finished Central High School in Newark in August 1929. Later, Emily Miles went to Howard University. After college, she traveled and worked as a model. She even filled in for the famous performer Josephine Baker. During her travels, she married businessman Milton Miles.
Emily then studied at several fashion schools in New York City. These included Pratt Institute, Parsons School of Design, and the Fashion Institute. She started her career by designing hats. In 1952, she won a special "Paper-Dress Ball" in Newark. This event was sponsored by the NAACP.
Belle Meade Charm School
After finishing fashion school, Emily Miles bought a large house in Newark. It had 22 rooms and a small design studio. She opened her own school there, called "Belle Meade Charm School."
This Charm School taught over 1,000 young women and girls. One famous student was the singer Whitney Houston. The school stayed open for almost 50 years. People called it "one of the most enduring establishments" in the New York City area. The Charm School also worked as a modeling agency starting in 1950.
A Career in Fashion
Besides her charm school, Emily Miles kept designing clothes. She also organized many fashion shows. She was especially famous for her beautiful hats. By 1983, her traveling fashion shows were so popular. They were booked up to two years in advance! She believed that "a woman's outfit was always incomplete without a...hat."
She showed her designs many times at the Ebony Fashion Fair. This was a very well-known fashion event. She also held yearly shows in Newark. These took place at grand ballrooms like The Robert Treat Hotel.
Emily Miles also produced fashion shows with other famous people. In 1962, she co-hosted an event with the legendary singer Ella Fitzgerald. Her work was featured in several books. These books were about African American fashion. One newspaper writer said that Emily Miles created "a personal extravaganza." All the clothes were her own designs. All the models were trained at her Belle Meade Modeling School.
