Famed celebrity fashion designer Angela Dean is celebrating a career-defining moment more than two decades in the making—the creation of eight custom gowns for what would become the highest-selling cover in Essence Magazine’s history.
In a recent Instagram post and accompanying video, Dean revealed that she was the designer behind the unforgettable 2000 Essence fold-out cover featuring eight of Hollywood’s most prominent Black actresses:
- 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘆
- 𝗝𝗮𝗱𝗮 𝗣𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘁 𝗦𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗵
- 𝗩𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗔. 𝗙𝗼𝘅
- 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗮𝗹
- 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗲𝗹 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗲
- 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗮𝗵
- 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴, and
- 𝗟𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗮 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗲
Dean’s designs were as powerful as the women who wore them, combining elegance, color, and body-conscious cuts that honored each star’s individuality.
“Eight legacy women. An unforgettable legacy,” Dean wrote. “This moment redefined beauty, power, and sisterhood for Black women everywhere. Grateful to be part of pop culture history.”
The Birth of a Cultural Touchstone
Dean was commissioned by Essence’s then-fashion director Pamela Macklin to design the eight looks for what would be the publication’s first-ever fold-out cover. The assignment was ambitious—not only because of the number of custom gowns required but also because it called for a minimalist aesthetic: no jewelry, no shoes, and no accessories.
“The pure beauty of these women would be expressed through this photograph,” Dean explained. “My assignment was to create beautiful color.”
Drawing inspiration from a bouquet of flowers Macklin provided, Dean carefully selected hues that would complement each actress and enhance their unique features. Her original fashion illustration served as the visual blueprint for what would later inspire the photographer’s composition.
Behind the Seams: A Moment in Fashion History
In the video, Dean shares personal memories from the iconic shoot, including a behind-the-scenes moment zipping Halle Berry into her gown for the first time—without a prior fitting.
“As I zipped it, I knew it was going to be absolute perfection—and it was,” Dean recalled. “She brought her beauty and excellence to the shoot, and it was amazing.”
But it wasn’t just about the dresses—it was about the energy on set. Dean fondly remembered the camaraderie among the stars, praising the atmosphere of genuine sisterhood that prevailed throughout the day.
“There was so much love that day,” she said. “Women who could’ve been competitive were not. It was magical.”
A Legacy Cemented
The fold-out cover featuring the eight actresses has since become an enduring symbol of Black beauty, unity, and empowerment—a touchstone in both fashion and media. Dean’s work on the cover continues to inspire new generations of designers and creatives who see her as a trailblazer for Black excellence in fashion.
Now, more than 20 years later, Angela Dean’s impact remains as relevant as ever.
“This is a moment frozen in time,” she said, reflecting on the cover’s legacy. “It’s never just about the dress. It’s about the story it tells.”
And in this case, that story is one of grace, representation, and power—stitched together by a visionary designer whose work helped reshape the visual narrative of Black womanhood in mainstream media.
The iconic May 2000 edition of the magazine was a tribute to the achievements and contributions of these talented women in the entertainment industry.
The issue encompassed 300 pages filled with wisdom, triumphs, memories, praise songs, promise, style, passion, and joy, reflecting the essence of Black women’s experiences and accomplishments.
The cover remains one of Essence Magazine’s most memorable and celebrated editions.
