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

Written by Piper Huguley

Narrated by Tracey Conyer Lee

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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Jun 7, 2022
• ISBN: 9780063059764

Piper Huguley

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.

Reviews for By Her Own Design

[katyefk · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Loved this amazing story. The research really brought it all to life. Some of the most creative women are unknown or unacknowledged. Ann Lowe is a treasure in our country's history.

[Karen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It’s achingly beautiful what she went through and created. She is a force to be reckoned with Miss Ann Lowe. I love the clarification at the end interesting notes as well. Well done Piper

[Kelly Lautenbach · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A delightful listen… so good to know the back story on the amazing seamstresses of our country.

[bridgettes-104215 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

By Her Own Design is an inspiring story of Ann Lowe, an African-American woman, and the struggles she lived through. Ann was a very talented woman, who some of the most richest women in American benefitted from. Ann's story is fascinating, inspiring and encouraging. Highly recommend!

[Julie Minich-Castro · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is one of the best books I have read in my entire life! It’s filled with truth that hurts to the core. It is a wonderful story about overcoming and becoming!

[Cozette · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great story about a little known piece of history. The audio presentation was fantastic. The accents are spot on (especially the New York accents).