Emily Benner

[AFRICAN & BLACK HISTORY @AfricanArchives]

Happy birthday to the late Designer and fashion icon, Zelda Wynn Valdes.

She designed the original Playboy Bunny costumes. She also opened the first ever black-owned boutique in manhattan in 1948.

She began to develop her skills by studying through her grandmother and working for her uncle’s tailoring business. She made clothes for her dolls and eventually made her grandmother a dress.

Her grandmother was so impressed, despite doubting Valdes could construct an outfit to fit her tall frame. Her grandmother was buried in the same dress Zelda made for her.

Valdes’ first job was at a fancy boutique where she had to try very hard to prove she was capable. Over time her good works were recognized and wanted by those who doubted her as a young black woman.

Valdes moved to New York and opened her boutique, Chez Zelda, on Broadway and 158th Street. She then moved the store to midtown Manhattan on West 57th Street.

Valdes attracted many celebrities such as Some of her clients included other notable black women of her era, including Marian Anderson, Dorothy Dandridge, Sarah Vaughn, Josephine Baker, Joyce Bryant, Ella Fitzgerald and Mae West.

In 1949, Valdes became president of the New York Chapter of NAFAD, the National Association of Fashion and Accessory Designers, a coalition of black designers that was founded by Mary McLeod Bethune.

At the age of 65, Valdes was hired by Arthur Mitchell to design outfits for the Dance Theatre of Harlem.

Later, Valdes was commissioned by Hugh Hefner to design the first Playboy Bunny outfit.

At 83 years old, Valdes closed her business to retire from fashion.”I just had a God-given talent for making people beautiful,” Zelda said during a 1994 interview with The New York Times.

Zelda Wynn Valdes died at the age of 96 in 2001.

[Emily Benner @Ben2Ferg]

To anybody who needs to get fingerprinted: highly recommend 7320 Florissant Rd in Normandy. Not crowded & owner is AWESOME-so professional, knowledgable, & friendly. 👍🏽👍🏽

[HEC Media @HEC_TV]

Here's a peak at the newest exhibition at the @StlArtMuseum, "Action/Abstraction Redefined: Modern Native Art, 1940s–1970s". To see more of the interview: https://t.co/Ez7h7O3UyX #stl #nativeamerican #modernart #slam

[St. Louis County Library @SLCL]

Connect with other crafters, makers and local organizations offering makers services and resources at the Florissant Valley Branch.

#makers #crafters #makersfair

[St. Louis County Library @SLCL]

Did you hear? Pizza Fridays are back! Nine branches offer free pizza for kids and teens each Friday from 12-1pm, along with fun activities. Learn more at https://t.co/tsIZ7Mb9M8. Thanks to the St. Louis County Library Foundation for sponsoring the program.

[LHS Principal @LHSLancerPrin]

We need your help Lancer fans- and @rockwoodschools friends! Vote now for ALLIE KINNER!!! ⚽️💕 Who should be SBLive's Missouri High School Athlete of the Week (May 29-June 4)? - Scorebook live. Retweet for Allie!!! #connectedlancer ⁦@parent_lhs⁩ https://t.co/idFQjCWvdd

[Historic Vids @historyinmemes]

Ormond Gigli, an American photographer, captured the renowned image known as "Girls in the Windows" in 1960. This photograph showcases a lineup of women positioned in the windows of an abandoned building in New York City. Each woman is adorned in vibrant attire, gazing out towards the camera.

The tale behind this photograph originates from Gigli's time as a freelance photographer. While exploring Manhattan's East 58th Street, he stumbled upon the building, which was slated for demolition within a few days. Intrigued by its distinctive architecture, Gigli seized the opportunity to create a remarkable image. He swiftly organized a photoshoot, gathering a group of models, arranging lights and a camera across the street, and instructing the models to pose in the windows.

This photograph swiftly became an emblem of New York City, symbolizing the fashion and style of that era. It has been showcased in museums and galleries worldwide and has been reproduced in numerous magazines and books.

[Emily Benner @Ben2Ferg]

Class in the courtyard today! Batiking, linear perspective drawing, reading...good vibes all around. Happy Thursday! #connectedlancer

[Emily Benner @Ben2Ferg]

@yesthatteacher I have a clear policy instituted on day 1 & restated daily at the start of class but really feel that teachers in other classes not having one/enforcing is part of why it's a constant battle EVERY CLASS EVERY DAY. Luckily I have support from admin.

[Meghan O'Donnell @proudARTmomOD]

Don't forget to join us this weekend for our 2nd annual Fine Arts Festival at LHS! #connectedlancer @rockwoodschools @OneRockwood @rockwood @RSDfinearts @RockwoodSupt

[Jessica Esfahani @art_jesfahani]

One week until the high school show!

[Meghan O'Donnell @proudARTmomOD]

I am so proud of our Senior Women for collecting and sorting donations for two charities in need. First round of donations have been received! #connectedlancer

[Rockwood School Dist @rockwoodschools]

Lafayette students' work is featured in the Young Artists' Showcase, a juried, all-media exhibition of high school student artwork that runs through March 25 at the St. Louis Artists' Guild. Congratulations to these students! #WeAreRockwood

Learn more: https://t.co/C5K7FFuHio

[Emily Benner @Ben2Ferg]

7 Lancer Artists were among the elite chosen from 27 high schools to create this OUTSTANDING juried show last night!! So proud. No surprise there was a HUGE turnout. Go see the show! IG @LafayArtHS #connectedlancer @LHS_ArtisaVerb @RSDfinearts @proudARTmomOD