Chicago fashion designer Stevie Edwards brings sexiness back to fashion
Stevie Edwards is a local fashion designer successfully bringing Chicago style coastto-coast.
South Side native Edwards has had his fashion designs and collections grace the pages of Vogue and Ebony magazines, the bodies of countless celebs and the catwalks of major fashion shows.
Edwards’ dream of pursuing fashion began when he was a student at Dunbar Vocational High School, learning to tailor clothing, and led him to the Ray-Vogue College of Design where he was discovered by the late Eunice Johnson, the creator of Ebony Fashion Fair. Johnson purchased Edwards’ evening gowns to travel the world for her International Fashion Fair Show, and from there his career took off.
Edwards began working as an assistant with a slew of Chicago’s most notable designers, like Barbara Bates, Keith Kendall and Reginald Thomas.
He was also featured in Ebony Magazine as a “Black Designer on the Rise” and appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show.
In 2008 he launched his women’s brand, “I Luv Stevie”, a combination of upscale original pieces that are both sexy and cutting-edge.
Edwards is now preparing to debut his men’s collection for A/W 2020 at Los Angeles Fashion Week.
“It’s time to bring sexy back in fashion and keep it classy,” Edwards said.
Most recently his designs have been worn by comedian/actress Tiffany Haddish. Edwards worked with Haddish’s stylist, LuxuryLaw, who knew styling Haddish in Edwards’ clothes would be a hit.
Celebrities Diana Ross, LisaRaye McCoy, Jody Watley, D’Angelo and Terisa Griffin have all also worn pieces from his collections. Edwards has had his work showcased at New York Fashion Week and Urban Fashion Week in Miami.
He has also received major editorial recognition in national publications for his accomplishments in fashion, including the Miami Herald, Chicago Defender and CIE Fashion Magazine.
With more than 30 years in the fashion industry, Edwards has no plans of slowing down or leaving Chicago. Currently residing in Hyde Park, Edwards doesn’t believe it’s necessary to relocate to New York or Los Angeles.
“With social media, email and Zoom, I can communicate with all of my clients without travelling, so that works for me,” Edwards said.
“Chicago is a little slacking when it comes to fashion; that’s why I’m staying right here to bring haute to my city.”
Edwards works by appointment only. Customers can also shop online from his site at www.stevieedwards.com.
For updates on Edwards’ latest collections, follow him on Instagram @stevietedesigner, on Facebook at StevieEdwards or on Twitter @stevieedwards.