Talking to Elizabeth Keckley
Born a slave in Virginia Elizabeth Keckley worked her way up the social ladder, and became one of the most sot after dressmakers. This is due in part because of her close relationship with the First Lady ,Mary Lincoln, as well as being her personal dressmaker. Her designs although beautiful, elegant, and colorful, have meaning behind the fashionable fabrics.
Her work not only influences me but her story as well. How does someone who came from so little able to become so big. How was she able to work for the people that in a way labeled her as a slave. She did this with no second thought, and only produced the best.
It just shows you how everyone no matter how small can make themselves whomever they choose to be. The only thing is that we need to be able to see past the scabs which have occurred along the journey, and not let them fester into resent. Resent of the one who caused it, or of who chose to open it back up.
I respect this women because she is unlike those who were given everything. Nothing came easy, She slaved away to provide for herself and her family the life that she wanted to be associated with. And she was able to accomplish that and so much more.
Her garments represented her life path from slave, free women, favorite dressmaker, to confidant of one's of the world's most prominent women. Her dresses are held in museums, and her name is recognized in history books. Someone being able to create garments for royalty without having any clue how it feels to be in that shoe. She was able to embodie herself in her clients needs, wants, and even wants which they didn't even know they wanted. She was able to read minds, trends, and that is why she was able to do her job not only well, but successfully.
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