John P. “Top” Greene Community Center is Sewing Vintage
- When: Tuesday, June 18, 2024, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
- Location: 401 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27601
- Cost: Free Admission
For generations, Willie Otey Kay transformed dreams into dresses for Raleigh brides, debutantes and celebrators.
The esteemed Raleigh designer overcame hardship and transcended racial boundaries to create a successful business. Making beautiful, one-of-a-kind creations designed for the individuals who wore them earned Kay a reputation as the go-to designer for ladies’ formal wear in North Carolina and beyond. To commemorate the Otey sisters' legacy, this program will reproduce vintage patterns and fabrics that will be transcribed into women’s fashion, dresses, and accessories, but also garments for men, children, and babies. Discover the woman behind the fashion in the Sewing Vintage class at John P. "Top" Greene African American Cultural Center.
The City of Raleigh Museum preserves, archives, and replicates historic fashion and needlework patterns made by the Otey sisters. Dresses will be displayed throughout the duration of the program. Sewing machines will also be provided to participants, to use during class. Historical costumers and those who just love sewing vintage and antique patterns may be interested to learn a new skill or more about the history of Willie Otey Kay in our Sewing Vintage class.
The project is just one of many events organized among vintage sewing groups to conserve the legacy of the Otey sisters of Raleigh.
For Ages: Teens and Adults
- Website: raleighnc.gov
- Contact Phone: (919) 831-6527
- Category: Informational & Tours
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