Today, we want to pay our respects to the legendary fashion designer Arthur McGee who passed away last month. At Celeb Network, we like to celebrate the fantastic works of movie stars, singers, fashion designers, and more. With Arthur McGee, he may now be gone, but his work will never be forgotten by those he inspired.
Often called the ‘grandfather of fashion designers of color’, McGee is someone who rose above racial discrimination and lit up the world. Starting in the 1950s, he enjoyed a long career in the world of fashion…but it didn’t come easy.
Over the years, McGee provided us with plenty of insights into his early years. When visiting the fabric company, they would look past McGee and ask for the designer. Even when attending the Metropolitan Museum of Art so HE could be honored, he noted how people would walk past until he said, ‘it’s me’.
As a young African-American during this time, becoming a fashion designer just wasn’t an avenue that was available. Therefore, he decided to force the door open. Not only did this allow for a successful career for himself, it also ensured that future generations wouldn’t have the same problems just because of skin color.
A Fashion Designer for the Ages
Due to his early success, he went on to create timeless classics that could be worn today regardless of the era in which they were designed. In addition to dressing many celebrities from the 60s to the 90s, he also had works enter retail outlets such as Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bonwit Teller.
When young fashion designers of color were trying to break their way into the industry, McGee became somewhat of a mentor. For example, he went on to help Dr Aziza Braithwaite Bey, Willi Smith, and B Michael.
In an interview in 1992, McGee noted that he was an American designer, not a black designer. He said ‘as soon as you categorize us, you can erase us’.
Talent Beyond Compare
Of course, McGee was absolutely right and his talent has always spoken for itself. To start his career, McGee attended the Fashion Institute of Technology and quickly went on to run a design room at Bobby Brooks. After selling to stores like Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue, he decided to open his own store in the 1960s.
As for his personal life, his mother was a clothes maker and he often quoted her as his earliest influence. Meanwhile, his father worked in road construction. As he grew up in Detroit, it became clear he had what it took to enter the industry after winning a design competition at the age of 18.
Sadly, at 86, McGee died in July while living at a nursing home in Manhattan. Although he may not get the attention that he deserves in American news this month, we wanted to show our appreciation at Celeb Network. Our thoughts go to his family and friends during this difficult time.
Thank you, Arthur McGee!
