Black Fashion Power B.O.E.

In a recent post entitled "Black Fashion Power" published in Elle.fr, blogger Nathalie Dolivo shocked thousands of readers when she stated (almost with a  relief) that black women are now embracing 'white dress codes'. According to her 'analysis', the black community is finally drifting away from hoodies and tracksuits thanks to Michelle Obama:

"Michelle Obama sets the tone, focusing on cutting-edge brands ... revisiting the wardrobe of Jackie O - in a jazzy way."

Elle magazine has since then withdrawn the article and apologised. All black women were not addicted to streetwear B.O.E. (Before Obama Era). Some of them have actually been influencing our societies for decades. Let's make a little reminder of the 'pre-Obamaesque' black fashion icons. The following women all set their own dress codes and were widely imitated... before 2008.

(2000's) Tracee Ellis Ross - the Girlfriends actress has been inspiring millions of viewers since 2000 with her amazing wardrobe including pencil skirts and hourglass-friendly dresses. She also showed that natural hair was hot.

(2000's) Condoleeza Rice - the ultimate power-dresser.









(late 1990's) Erykah Badu - the singer brought extreme hair accessories (headbands, afro wigs...) and accessories to style in the 90s.

(1970's) Pam Grier - contributed to make the Afro popular in the 70's as Foxy Brown.

(1960-70's) Diana Ross - from the Supremes in the 60s to her solo career in the 70s, Diana Ross was not afraid to shine. The sparkling outfit (see picture) reminds us of Beyoncé's album cover for Dangerously in Love.

(1920's) Josephine Baker - major entertainer of the 20's, her look was so popular that she launched the Bakerfix hair pomade and a tanning lotion for her fans to get her dark tone. Definitely not a follower but a trend-setter.