Black Fashion Designer to Launch the First Exhibit of Her New Fashion Art Collection at the African Textile Museum in Atlanta

Nationwide — Celebrated fashion designer and textile artist, Therez Fleetwood, and Ahneva Ahneva, the visionary founder of the African Textile Museum, are reuniting after 30 years to present a captivating fashion-art collection, paying tribute to the Harlem Renaissance era and its influential visual artists. Their bond was forged years ago when Ahneva selected Therez to showcase her African-inspired designs in the first fashion special for BET, which led to another journey to Africa that included a joint fashion show.

Both Therez and Ahneva understand the significance of preserving Black fashion, art, and culture. This Artist Talk and exhibit dives deep into themes of Black life, identity, and the pursuit of cultural expression. The Harlem Renaissance Reverie collection not only highlights these extraordinary visual artists but also expands the human imagination in storytelling through fashion.

Ahneva, recalling their shared experiences, remarked, “We have always used art in our work, and we have always celebrated our culture through our fashions. I am so excited to share Therez’s new fashion-art collection titled Harlem Renaissance Reverie, she has masterfully transcended boundaries in fashion, blending creativity with profound reverence for African American heritage. This collection is electrifying it thrills your soul with an expression of humanity’s humble beginnings and triumphant survival.”

Therez has pushed the limits of fashion, skillfully merging creativity with her deep respect for African American culture. Her inspiration draws from the vibrant tapestry of the Harlem Renaissance, a period that celebrated African American life through a diverse range of artistic expressions. This exquisite collection of couture coats pays homage to the cultural richness and artistic brilliance of six luminaries from the Harlem Renaissance: William H. Johnson, Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, Lois Mailou Jones, Elizabeth Catlett, and Palmer Hayden.

Inspired by the diverse tapestry of folk-art traditions, Therez intricately weaves together traditional folk-art techniques which include appliques, patchwork, and quilting, with a contemporary twist, crafting compelling narratives in each meticulously designed piece. It’s a celebration of African American life and a bold statement that challenges the norms of the fashion industry.

Fleetwood describes her role, saying, “Through my designs, I am a storyteller, a weaver of dreams, and a guardian of cultural heritage. Through my work, I celebrate freedom, resilience, and the extraordinary contributions of African American artists to our society.”

Nationally renowned for her exquisite world couture bridal and ready-to-wear collections, Therez Fleetwood has dressed numerous celebrities including Queen Latifah, Angela Bassett, Yolanda Adams, and En Vogue.

This artist talk and launching “Harlem Renaissance Reverie” Exhibition is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at the African Textile Museum, 6400 Woodrow Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038 (Exhibition – 1pm to 4pm / Artist Talk – 3pm) The fashions will be exhibited through November 2, 2024.

Tickets Available on Eventbrite – https://bit.ly/3M1sp6c

To learn more about Therez Fleetwood, visit her official web site at TherezFleetwood.com

Also, be sure to follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

For press inquiries, contact info@therezfleetwood.com or 214-815-9325.