By Her Own Design: A Novel of Ann Lowe, Fashion Designer to the Social Register
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 despite countless obstacles and a triumph celebrated by the world.
Earn by promoting books
Earn money by sharing your favorite books through our Affiliate program.
Become an affiliate
Piper Huguley is the author of By Her Own Design as well as 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.
From the first words of By Her Own Design, Ann Lowe's vibrant, determined voice positively leaps off the page. Piper Huguley captures lightning in a bottle, an ideal match between writer and subject. In Huguley's talented hands, Lowe's remarkable story surges out of the shadows, practically demanding to be told and shared and celebrated.--Greer Macallister, bestselling author of The Magician's Lie and The Arctic Fury
As intricate and impressive as one of Ann Lowe's designs, Piper Huguley's By Her Own Design isn't just the story of a dress, or even a life. It's a whirlwind trip through an America in flux, from the days of hobble skirts to the wobbly image of Lady Diana Spencer on a square tv screen, seen through the eyes of a woman so real and raw that you'll feel like you're living it all with her. This is biographical fiction at its very best!--Lauren Willig, New York Times bestselling author of Band of Sisters
By Her Own Design is a vivid, powerful, and ultimately hopeful novel about "hidden figure" Ann Cole Lowe and her fight to create and deliver Jacqueline Kennedy's wedding dress--as well as her life-long battle for love, family, and legacy. Brava Piper Huguley, who brings a fascinating chapter of history to vibrant life. I loved it!--Susan Elia MacNeal, New York Times bestselling author of the Maggie Hope series and Mother Daughter Traitor Spy
"By Her Own Design captivated me completely, from beginning to end. Ann Lowe's voice rings out powerfully from the pages, and the reader will reckon with the world through her eyes--eyes that saw both beauty and pain, triumph and erasure. Piper Huguley has written a masterpiece for the ages, richly crafted with glamorous detail and unflinching emotion."--Paulette Kennedy, author of Parting the Veil
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
