Lena Horne, Diana Ross, Eartha Kitt, Dorothy Dandridge – oh my! In case you’re in need of some style inspiration, click through for vintage photos of famous Black women serving serious style. #ThrowbackThursday
Can we say yes to flowy chiffon! Dorothy Dandridge gives us major drama in a jumpsuit with pearl accessories back in 1956.
Dandridge embodies glam in a classic 50’s silhouette, the draped hood.
Ms. Dandridge slayed in this embellished mermaid gown during a portrait session in 1954.
Dandridge arrived in style to the Carmen Jones premiere in 1943. We love the rich texture of her jumpsuit and long coat.
Glam comes in small packages too! Diva performer Eartha Kitt lounges in a breath taking shimmery gown in 1955.
Sometimes a fur is all you need, as shown here by Kitt in 1955.
It’s widely reported that Kitt was conceived by rape and due to her pale complexion was shuffled between various family members after her mother, Annie Mae Keith, moved in with a man who refused to accept Kitt.
Eartha looked just as timeless in 1985 in a beaded frock and fur stole.
The Queen of Soul works a feather boa and dress in 1968.
Aretha poses for a portrait in a stunning beaded gown in 1965.
Lady in Red Chaka Khan cozies up in a fluffy white coat in 1970.
Yes hair! Chaka amps up the volume in 1980 with textured coils and a sequined slinky number.
Dancer and civil rights advocate Josephine Baker renders us speechless in this ruffle upon ruffle wrap dress in 1928.
Baker is as fierce as her pet leopard in 1920.
Josephone Baker stuns in a beaded gown and feather topper in 1970.
Baker works a dramatic ‘do and a gown complete with a train in 1970.
Donna Summer channels Queen of the Nile vibes in 1976.
“Queen of Disco” Donna Summer serves on stage with glittery sequins and a fabulous fan in 1970.
Summer shows us how to be glam even at home, posing outside her house in LA in 1980.
Jazz crooner Bille Holiday makes an entrance in this stunning gown and high bun in 1940.
Billie looked angelic in a red lip and a baby blue and floral appliqué dress in 1957.
Ms. Holiday’s iconic flowers in her hair make us swoon, and can we talk about her ring and embroidered frock?
Every diva has a glam squad. Check Shirley Bassey out in 1960, wearing a 28 pound dress made of 156,000 diamante stones.
Bassey is royal in a flowy purple frock in 1965.
We are dying over Lady Ross’ sparkles, tassels and makeup in this 1977 portrait session.
Ross is silky perfection in 1970.
Ross is covered in two toned ostritch feathers in 1968.
Old Hollywood royalty Nina Mae McKinney poses on the set of Pie Pie Blackbird in 1932.
Nina Mae gives us drama with tears and a beaded hair accessory in 1929.
Lena Horne was the ultimate glam goddess of the 40s. Here the star poses for a portrait in mesh and sequins, topped with a blinding diamond necklace.
The gorgeous movie star takes to the spotlight in Stormy Weather in 1943.
Horne flashes a million dollar smile to go along with her sparkly dress in 1946.
Carmen Jones star Diahann Carroll stuns in 1955 wearing a ruched gown with beaded bust.
Carroll dons a beaded floor length gown at during a shoot for her film Porgy and Bess.
Nina Simone’s laid back glam won back in 1968 and we still love it today!
This edgy macrame number Nina rocked in 1950 is everything.
Tamara Dobson is glam on-the-go in Cleopatra Jones in 1973.
Dobson was totally badass in fur, knee high boots, a turban, and of course, a motorcyle, in 1973.
Dionne Warwick peformes on an Italian variety show in 1972 in a textured gown with a crisp collar and sleeves.
Dionne Warwick is effortless in a white chiffon dress with billowy sleeves for Vogue in 1968.
