book review by her own design

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     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.

     My Review: By Her Own Design is a biographical novel of Ann Lowe, who was the first African American to be a renowned fashion designer. She was most notable for designing the dress of Jacqueline Kennedy. Ann Lowe was born and raised in Alabama. One day in a department store in Dothan, a rich woman noticed Ann’s dress and asked her to make dresses for her daughters. Under her benefactor, Ann was given the opportunity to attend school and fashion her craft. She quickly became one of the most successful designers of her time.

     I had never heard of Ann Lowe so I found this to be a very engrossing read. Ann came from a family of accomplished fashion designers. She had always dreamt of establishing her own shop as a young girl. However, Ann’s childhood was very traumatic. At twelve years old, she married a man that was almost three times her age. He was very controlling and abusive. When the opportunity came her way, she did not hesitate to cease it. Ann worked tirelessly to make her dreams come true. She loved designing and never gave up. She was hardworking, artistic, humble, and had a strong faith in God that would help her through all of her difficulties. Therefore, Ann was a very compelling character. 

     Overall, this novel brought to light a long forgotten figure. I found all the characters to be very complex. However, there were a few graphic scenes in the beginning that made me uncomfortable to read but the rest of the novel focuses on Ann’s relationship with her clients. I loved learning about her designs, especially how she designed Jacqueline Kennedy’s dress. The story was very well-written, and it showed the prejudices that Ann Lowe faced as she strives for success. Ann made many sacrifices to pursue her dream, but her greatest love was her art. By Her Own Design is an enthralling read for fans of the Kennedys because there were a lot of focus on Jacqueline Kennedy before her marriage to JFK. I recommend this novel for fans of The Gown , A Dress of Violet Taffeta, and The Paris Dressmaker !

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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By Her Own Design: A Novel of Ann Lowe, Fashion Designer to the Social Register Paperback – June 7, 2022

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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.

• Print length 384 pages
• Language English
• Publisher William Morrow Paperbacks
• Publication date June 7, 2022
• Dimensions 5.31 x 0.86 x 8 inches
• ISBN-10 0063059746
• ISBN-13 978-0063059740
• See all details

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Editorial Reviews

"I could feel the love with which Piper Huguley crafted this tale about the life of Ann Cole Lowe, yet another "hidden figure" in American history. Huguley expertly morphs each one of Lowe's heartbreaks into triumph and hope." — Kaia Alderson, author of Sisters in Arms

"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 Desig n 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

“Piper Huguley’s By Her Own Design is a sumptuous quilt with lyrical lace and detailed thread work that made an iconic life feel authentic and heartwarming… Readers will love getting to know Ann Lowe and the story behind the designs.” — Vanessa Riley, Bestselling Author of Island Queen

"The facts of Ann Lowe's life are remarkable, but Huguley has taken us a step further, harnessing the art of fiction to invoke the emotions of her experiences and bring Ann Lowe to life." — Elizabeth Way, Associate Curator, The Museum at FIT and editor of Black Designers in American Fashion. 

"Piper Huguely’s captivating and eye-opening novel By Her Own Design , explores the life of Ann Lowe, a gifted woman descended from slaves, who overcomes brutal racial prejudice and personal strife to become a dress designer for society’s elite, ultimately designing Jacqueline Bouvier's iconic wedding gown. Like Lowe’s gorgeous and whimsical dress designs, Huguley’s By Her Own Design is beautifully crafted with meticulous attention to detail, pulling this extraordinary woman out of the shadows of history and bringing her into the light for posterity." — Jane Healey, bestselling author of The Secret Stealers

"A remarkable, exciting read, not only because Huguley brings to life a brilliant fashion designer who's been lost to history, but because she practically channels the spirit and voice of Ann Lowe. This is a book to be devoured." — Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Magnolia Palace

"Piper Huguley's novel follows the arc of Ann Lowe's amazing life from her childhood in Alabama fashioning ethereal silk flowers to the greatest commission of her career, the wedding dress of Jacqueline Bouvier to John F Kennedy. The challenges of that life and her determination to succeed are beautifully recounted in this wonderful story." — Dr. Kate Strasdin, Senior Lecturer, Cultural Studies at Falmouth University

"An extraordinary woman steps from the pages of this novel, full of courage and tenacity despite the limitations placed on her because of the color of her skin. I love the distinctive voice of Ann Lowe: she’s a true original. It's difficult to write in first person but Piper Huguley completely nails it, giving us a character who sounds and feels utterly authentic. It's a compelling read." — Gill Paul, author of The Manhattan Girls

About the Author

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.

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ William Morrow Paperbacks (June 7, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0063059746
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0063059740
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.31 x 0.86 x 8 inches
• #55 in Black & African American Historical Fiction (Books)
• #152 in Biographical Fiction (Books)
• #593 in Black & African American Women's Fiction (Books)

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About the author

Piper huguley.

Piper G. Huguley’s biographical historical fiction, By Her Own Design: a novel of Ann Lowe, Fashion Designer to the Social Register (William Morrow Publishing) tells the inspiring story of the Black fashion designer of Jackie Kennedy’s wedding dress. By Her Own Design was a Booklist top 100 Editor’s Choice selection for 2022, was named one of the top 100 books of 2022 in Canada by the Globe and Mail newspaper and was selected as the historical fiction winner for 2022 by the American Library Association’s Reading Council.

She is also the author of Sweet Tea, a contemporary romance about food and history (of course) and the author of two historical romance series: “Migrations of the Heart”, about the Great Migration and “Home to Milford College”. Her next historical fiction book, American Daughters (2024), is the story of the decades-long interracial friendship between Alice Roosevelt and Portia Washington, the rebel teenage daughters of President Theodore Roosevelt and Booker T. Washington, respectively. She is a literature professor at Clark-Atlanta University and blogs about the history behind her novels at http://piperhuguley.com . She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and son.

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Customers say.

Customers find the story captivating and inspiring. They describe the book as a great history lesson with an easy-to-read narrative that moves quickly. The writing is well-crafted and the narration is fantastic, bringing the times and characters to life. Readers praise the author's talent and ability to portray the spirit of an amazing seamstress.

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Customers find the story engaging and well-told. They describe it as a compelling true story of triumph despite hardships for an artist. The book is described as amazing historical fiction that is breathtaking and informative. Readers appreciate the emotional depth and action in the story that keeps them hooked until the end.

"...There are many shocking happenings and the author unflinchingly shows us the hurts of racism, in a way that opens eyes to the truth of the past and..." Read more

"...Overall, it was a delightful story that demonstrates survival and the human spirit. It is easy to read and moves quickly. I recommend it." Read more

"Never knew of Ann, but so happy to hear her story. Story kept my interest . Book club discussion should be interesting." Read more

"This is by far one of the best books I have read . The author did a beautiful job retelling Ann Lowe’s story...." Read more

Customers find the book inspiring and enjoyable. They appreciate the author's insight and talent. The story is fascinating, informative, and a great history lesson. Readers praise the author's research and storytelling of hardship and resilience.

"...same time, it’s a great story, a story that is heartfelt, romantic, brave , and—I believe—as close to the full truth as possible...." Read more

"...I mean!! This is such an amazing, well researched , beautifully written piece on yet another "hidden figure" heroine in Black women's history...." Read more

"...I am so glad I read this. It is more a story about a resilient , black woman who worked very hard in her art...." Read more

Customers praise the writing quality of the book. They find it easy to read and engaging, with a fantastic narration that brings the times and characters alive. The author is described as talented and insightful, with dialogue that accurately captures southern speech. The voice of Ann Lowe resonates powerfully from the pages, and the story is well-told.

"...Bravo Piper Huguley—By Her Own Design is a triumph. The narration is fantastic , too—really brings the times and characters alive.PS. ****..." Read more

"...It is easy to read and moves quickly. I recommend it." Read more

"...I mean!! This is such an amazing, well researched, beautifully written piece on yet another "hidden figure" heroine in Black women's history...." Read more

" Very well written book of how one person of color made fashion an art...." Read more

Customers appreciate the book's portrayal of an intelligent and talented seamstress. They find it engaging, with interesting characters and a true-to-life story. The author is praised for her skill and dedication to portraying the seamstress' life accurately.

"...The book embodies the spirit of an amazing seamstress . I could not put the audiobook down as I cheered Lowe past one hurdle after another...." Read more

"...Ann Lowe was such an exceptional woman , and I’m so glad that many more people will now know about her incredible accomplishments...." Read more

"...written book that it transports you to life with Ann Lowe, a truly amazing woman ." Read more

"This author is so incredibly gifted !..." Read more

Customers find the book's color appealing. They describe it as a masterpiece, richly crafted with glamorous details and emotion. Readers also mention that the life of Ann Lowe, an African-American fashion designer, is captivating.

"...Ouch!! Yet the scenes with Jackie are poignant and beautiful ; you will love them and they are perfect for the book...." Read more

"...It has more than a “hidden figure”. It has history, artistry , romance, paternalism, sexism, pathos, child marriage and more...." Read more

"...Piper Huguley has written a masterpiece for the ages, richly crafted with glamorous detail and unflinching emotion...." Read more

"...Ann Lowe was amazing. I googled many of her fashions and they were just beautiful . Glad I read it." Read more

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Thursday, June 23, 2022

Review - by her own design.

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By Her Own Design: A Novel of Ann Lowe, Fashion Designer to the Social Register

Written by Piper Huguley Review by Gini Grossenbacher

1953, New York City. In this novel’s first chapters, Ann Lowe faces the consequences of a broken pipe, a ruined wedding dress, and a lifetime of struggle as a Black designer in a majority-white fashion world. Commissioned to design and make the hand-sewn dress for Jacqueline Bouvier’s marriage to John F. Kennedy, Ann and her design team have to start from scratch to re-create the dress in six days. The novel moves to 1907 Clayton, Alabama, where Ann learns about the seamstress trade from her mother and grandmother, a formerly enslaved person. Ann is gifted with the needle at an early age, creating eye-catching features on dresses, such as rosettes that provoke admiration from her mother’s customers, the governor, and the high-society white women who order the important gowns for cotillions and weddings. Ann elopes at twelve with an abusive older man who crushes her dreams of becoming a famous dress designer. Yet, in time she is hired as a seamstress for Mrs. Dempsey Cowan Lee of Tampa, a wealthy citrus magnate with two daughters. From that point, Ann Lowe becomes one of the most famous designers of her era.

The novel’s voice, tone, and dialogue wrap the reader in the world of the Jim Crow South of 1907, and through the enfolding narrative, we experience Ann Lowe’s ups and downs as she leaves all she has known in Alabama and journeys to Tampa with only her fashion designs in her head. This story shows the importance of Ann’s courage and hopes as she encounters cruelty, discrimination, and poverty on the way to uncertain fame. Through it all, Ann never loses her dream, and when she gains the respect and trust of Jacqueline Bouvier, she nearly loses it because of a broken pipe. An essential hidden history brought to life.

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By her own design [book review] #fashion #ownvoices #bookworm #bookx #blogger #bookblogger #biographical #historicalfiction #byherowndesign.

By Her Own Design is the compelling fictionalized biography of Anne Lowe, a talented designer who didn’t receive public acclaim because of her skin color.

By Her Own Design by Piper Huguley

Genre/Categories/Setting: Historical Fiction, Biographical, Fashion, Family Life, Racism/Prejudice, Diverse Read, Own Voices, African-American, Southern Fiction, Alabama/Florida/New York

*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

My Summary of By Her Own Design:

By Her Own Design is the fictionalized biography of fashion designer, Anne Lowe , an incredible woman forgotten by history. Until now. Taught to sew by her mother and grandmother, Anne demonstrated an interest in fashion design from a young age. As a youngster, her special talent involved making fabric flowers (which she turned into a little business). In an effort to grow up quickly and be taken seriously by her family, she married at twelve. Sadly, this was an abusive marriage and Anne along with her baby left and ended up in Florida as a result of significant encouragement from a wealthy white woman. In Florida,, Anne sewed for the family and gained a reputation with the wealthy society ladies. The story follows Anne’s professional and personal life through many ups and downs as she persevered through a few difficult circumstances and setbacks. Anne was “society’s best kept secret” but this also meant that she didn’t receive the recognition or financial rewards that she deserved. Even designing Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding dress didn’t bring the notoriety she yearned for. Anne’s faith in God sustained her, and designing dresses brought her immense pleasure and filled her heart with joy. It’s tragic that she didn’t receive the recognition she deserved in her lifetime because of the color of her skin.

My Thoughts:

I found the story of Anne Lowe interesting and compelling for many reasons. For example, despite racism and prejudice, her circumstances, and life’s obstacles, she persevered. At times through creativity and following Plan B and other times through sheer determination. Also, she was devoted to her young son while pursuing her goals. Many of the decisions she made were made with him in mind. She moved, in part, to New York so that he could attend better schools, and she saved money relentlessly for his college education. Anne Lowe had many reasons to be bitter, but she continually rose above that temptation. Overall, the author characterized Anne as a competent, gifted, and thoughtful woman of faith whom we can admire. She was forward-thinking despite hardships and disappointment. I found all these aspects of the story compelling.

Marriage or Career

Women today can have it all, but this wasn’t always true. Often, a woman in the past had to decide which path to follow. Marriage/Family or Career. Anne’s first husband married someone who would take care of him and always be home. He was also abusive, so she didn’t stay long. Husband number two was a better person and was not abusive, but he also became increasingly dissatisfied with Anne’s long hours and devotion to her career. I think they loved each other but she also loved her career and he wanted a more traditional marriage. Even though both husbands knew before marriage that Anne had dreams of her own, they were jealous, felt neglected, and could not cope with Anne”s ambition. Dual-career marriages are more common today, but there are still tensions and negotiations to manage. I imagine that this might be a good book club discussion topic!

Beautiful Ending

I admire an author’s ability to land the ending….in this case to make something thoughtful and beautiful out of the difficult and challenging. My favorite quote (see next paragraph) is taken from the ending..In this heartfelt conclusion, the author truly gives Anne Lowe the honorable recognition she deserves.

Favorite Quote

Some readers might label the white people that helped Anne along the way as “white saviors.” According to this fictionalized account, Anne did not see them this way. In this quote, she speaks of her appreciation for the woman who first saw her and recognized her talent:

“It took one person, one lady with a good heart to see who I was and what I could do in this world…To give me a chance…Mrs. Josephine Lee, my benefactor, helped me, a young woman in a bad marriage with a baby to get out of Alabama. And I knew from that moment when she gave me a $20 bill to buy a train ticket to get from Alabama to Tampa, that the way she had seen me and treated me is the way we should all see and treat one another. For to be able to see someone, to see them as a human being, to see them for what they can contribute to this world, to be a light, to be a force, or an influence in someone else’s life is all that we need….For all of my life…I thought that what I wanted was to be at one of these lovely dinner dances. Now that I’m here, I know that the main thing about this is not the dinner and it’s not the fashion show, it’s that I know that you SEE me, you See what I’ve tried to do all of these years…I see you too.”

Content Consideration: abusive relationship, loss (death of an adult child) and grief, racism/prejudice

Recommending By My Own Design

I hope you can tell that By My Own Design captivated me. I have the highest praise for authors who find the untold stories. I offer my enthusiastic recommendation for readers who appreciate fictionalized biographies about real-life inspirational women. The beginning of the story is difficult to read as twelve-year-old Anne marries someone twice her age. However, if you enjoy themes of beating the odds, self-determination, and pursuing your dreams, you will love this heartfelt and riveting story. I listened to this story and I think the reader did a good job. Thanks to my IRL Book Club for putting this on my reading radar.

Related: Another story about a famous wedding gown you might enjoy is The Gown by Jennifer Robson.

My Rating:  5  Stars

More Information Here

Meet the Author of By Her Own Design, Piper Huguley

Piper G. Huguley’s biographical historical fiction, By Her Own Design: a novel of Ann Lowe, Fashion Designer to the Social Register (William Morrow Publishing) tells the inspiring story of the Black fashion designer of Jackie Kennedy’s wedding dress. By Her Own Design was a Booklist top 100 Editor’s Choice selection for 2022, was named one of the top 100 books of 2022 in Canada by the Globe and Mail newspaper and was selected as the historical fiction winner for 2022 by the American Library Association’s Reading Council.

She is also the author of Sweet Tea, a contemporary romance about food and history (of course) and the author of two historical romance series: “Migrations of the Heart”, about the Great Migration and “Home to Milford College”. Her next historical fiction book, American Daughters (2024), is the story of the decades-long interracial friendship between Alice Roosevelt and Portia Washington, the rebel teenage daughters of President Theodore Roosevelt and Booker T. Washington, respectively. She is a literature professor at Clark-Atlanta University and blogs about the history behind her novels at http://piperhuguley.com . She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and son.

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Very interesting–I’d never hear of her. And what a blast from the past to see The Mike Douglas Show!

I love untold stories! This isn’t an easy one but well worth it.

[…] By Her Own Design by Piper Huguley […]

Wow, I am to intrigued by this one, Carol. I have already added it to my TBR and my library has a copy. I love reading about women who buck the trend and make something of themselves, too bad she never got the recognition she deserved. Wonderful review!

Thanks Carla! It’s a fascinating yet somewhat tragic story. She’s one determined lady! I think you’ll appreciate it. 🙌

[…] most memorable fiction read in June is By Her Own Design by Piper Huguley because I love biographical historical […]

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By Her Own Design: A Novel of Ann Lowe, Fashion Designer to the Social Register

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By Her Own Design by Piper Huguley (Review by Shelley Jomaa)

Rating 4.5 stars

By Her Own Design by Piper Hugely is a fictionalized account of real life designer Ann Lowe, who created the wedding dress of Jackie Kennedy and many other famous dresses. I had never heard of Ann Lowe until reading this book, and I love when a book teaches me a new piece of history. I have been in a bit of a reading slump recently, and this book was just what I needed. With Piper Huguley’s beautiful writing style, beautiful descriptions of design materials, and ability to invoke emotional connection to the characters, this is one of the best books I have read in a long time.

As a Black woman born in Alabama, Ann Lowe undergoes many harsh difficulties- everything from racism, domestic abuse, divorce, loss of family, health issues, and financial struggles as she eventually opens her own dress shop. As the only Black student in design school, she is forced to study in a separate room from her classmates. She has to work twice as hard to be taken seriously as a designer and an artist. Despite the many spectacular dresses she designs, she is often not given proper credit for her work. Yet, she is a strong, successful woman who manages to keep her head high and persevere through adversity.

There are so many things I enjoyed about this book. It has strong character development, and we really get to know Ann’s life in depth. My favourite part was the bond Ann has with her family and the “good white people,” as she calls them. The love and support in these relationships is so heartwarming and helped me connect to the story. This is a fast paced story and can easily be read in a couple of sittings. I highly recommend this one.

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By Her Own Design: A Review

20 Thursday Oct 2022

Posted by pedometergeek in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

The latest First Reads Goodreads giveaway novel (an advance reader’s edition) this pedometer geek read was By Her Own Design by Piper Huguley. It is a novel about Ann Lowe, who was a fashion designer to the Social Register during the mid to late twentieth century. This is the extended review.

By Her Own Design

By Piper Huguley

Published by William Morrow Books, 2022

 An imprint of HarperCollins Publishers

ISBN: 978-0-06-305974-0

This is a well-researched historical novel of another hidden figure brought to light by Piper Huguley. Ann Lowe is the fashion designer who created ball gowns for socialites and their daughters, and her designs included Jacqueline Bouvier’s wedding dress.

From her early days in Alabama learning to sew from her grandmother and mother to her time in Tampa dressing the social elite to her time with her own shop in New York, Ann Lowe struggles to be recognized for her abilities as a designer. Although she becomes well known for her innovative clothes, she’s the secret no one talks about because of her race.

Told from Ann’s perspective, this story sucks the reader in, making the reader weep for the injustices perpetuated upon the artist. From her early beginnings in the 1920s through the 1960s, she creates fabulous clothing all while having personal struggles of her own including an early marriage at age twelve to an abusive alcoholic man.

The book begins with Ann Lowe’s thoughts, memories, and regrets on what will become her last day on earth, and from there, it moves on to the disastrous pipe cutting incident in her showroom that practically destroys her shop at a critical time. From there, the story continues with Annie’s early life, learning from her grandmother, a former slave, and her mother, and her life from then on.

 It is a fabulous story, all told from Ann Lowe’s perspective, and it is definitely worth reading. Frankly, it was hard to put the book down since her story was so full of twists and turns, starting with the near-disaster of the Bouvier-Kennedy wedding party dresses from a cut pipe in her showroom. How will she recreate the dresses in a week so that she will be the designer of an iconic dress?

This is the first novel by this author that this reader has read, but her other novels will be considered for future reading. Thanks to the publishing house for the book; it’s appreciated.  

#pedometergeek #bookreview #PiperHuguley #ByHerOwnDesign #WilliamMorrowBooks #kaitlin.harri

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