by Piper Huguley
ABOUT THE BOOK
- Author: Piper Huguley
- Narrator: Tracey Conyer Lee
- Publisher: HarperAudio
- Time: 12 hours 44 minutes
- Release Date: June 7, 2022
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
 As I started this audiobook I wondered if a story about a seamstress would really interest me. But it took only a few minutes to be drawn into a captivating story by the narrator.
And the more I listened the more I was impressed by an author who could take a few known facts and weave them into such a mesmerizing, believable story. A story of hard times yet a woman with drive and yearning to succeed.
While I’ve read lots of historical fiction, this one easily jumped into the group of those I won’t soon forget.
It is the story of the legendary clothing designer, Anne Lowe. A lady who worked extremely hard to use her talent in a way to please others, which also gave her pleasure. Did you know she designed and made Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding dress? I didn’t. But you can be sure I googled it. The dress was beautiful. If you listen to the audiobook (or read the book) you will find the reason you probably weren’t aware that Lowe made Kennedy’s dress.
This is a book that grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. It was easy to see that the writer had researched it and succeeded in presenting an extremely well-written story. One that felt real. And the narrator did a wonderful job of bringing it to life.
My Concerns
Absolutely nothing concerned me about this story.
Final Thoughts
This is historical fiction at its best. The characters bring about a story full of emotion and truth.
And the rich details never outweigh the story of emotional growth and struggles.Â
Whether I had any interest in fashion wasn’t really important. This inspirational book was so much more than a needle and thread.
Praise for the Story
‘I can’t remember the last time a book has enchanted me so much. Piper Huguley writes with an unparalleled voice, bringing the reader deep into the ambitious heart of one of the most influential figures in the history of western fashion. I couldn’t put this novel down.’ — Libbie Grant, author of The Prophet’s Wife
‘Piper Huguley’s By Her Own Design is a breathtaking journey. With masterful craftsmanship, Huguley brings to life the story of Ann Lowe, the first African-American fashion designer. Lowe learns her craft at her mother and grandmother’s knees and ascends to the highest levels of the fashion industry in New York despite every possible challenge being thrown her way. Huguley’s deft rendering of Lowe’s tale is at once heart-rending and uplifting. Compulsively readable, with a rich cast of characters and flawless pacing. I fully predict this book will be a breakout hit of the season. Not to be missed!’ — Aimie K. Runyan, bestselling author of The School for German Brides
‘I flew through the pages of this fascinating novel about Ann Lowe and her incredible rise in the fashion industry. In By Her Own Design, Piper Huguley has written a wonderfully inspiring and intimate book that will leave readers hungry to read more about women who have been overlooked for far too long. Don’t miss this one!’ — Elise Hooper, author of Angels of the Pacific
For too many years fashion designer Ann Lowe’s work has gone uncredited, but Piper Huguley’s utterly compelling novel celebrates her incredible designs and work in a gripping story as intricately detailed as one Lowe’s gowns. Huguley is masterful in bringing Lowe’s voice to life through her struggles and her triumphs. By Her Own Design is a must-read! — Julia Kelly, international bestselling author of The Last Dance of the Debutante
‘By Her Own Design’s powerful voice and dedicated research bring an unsung heroine into the well-deserved spotlight. Fierce and fashionable Ann Lowe, long erased from history as the unnamed ‘colored dressmaker’ behind Jackie Kennedy’s famous wedding dress, claws her way here from a Jim Crow Alabama childhood to a storied career as dress designer for the social elite. Her climb is mesmerizing– Piper Huguley has crafted a heroine for the ages!’ — Kate Quinn, NY Times Bestselling author of The Diamond Eye
About the Author
Piper Huguley is the author of the Home to Milford College and the Migrations of the Heart series. She is a multiple-time Golden Heart finalist. Piper blogs about the history behind her novels on her website. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and son.
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