Source: Courtesy of B.Michael / Courtesy of B. Michael America
Cicely Tyson, 93, is undoubtedly a fashion force. We recently covered her style throughout the years, where she illustrates that she likes to make a statement whenever she enters a room. Advanced style is an opportunity to imagine how ones own style can develop as they age and that becoming older doesn’t mean that ones style diminishes. Tyson has worked with B. Michael, a New York City based fashion designer that started his career designing hats under Oscar de la Renta in the 1980s for the soap opera Dynasty.
Tyson received an honorary Oscar at the Academy Awards 10th Annual Governors Awards. The actress stepped out in a regal silver and black ensemble. She wore a fitted sheath gown with a bias insert bordered hemline. It was topped with a high collar pattern in 18 pieces and a cascading half train patterned in 52 pieces.
Source: Steve Granitz / Getty
The textile isn’t pulled from the fashion district in New York City or even in Italy from this season. It’s vintage Gustav Zumsteg’s Abraham Silk Brocade (circa 1960’s) pulled exclusively from B. Michael’s private fabric collection. This Swedish textile designer was well loved for his bold patterns by fashion houses like Yves Saint Laurent. In an exclusive interview with Madame Noire, B. Michael revealed, “Abraham Silk was the fabric house of choice by Parisian Haute Couture Designers, including Christian Dior, Christobal Balenciaga, Huber Saint Laurent.”
It’s no surprise that B. Michael took extra care in selecting the fabric for the haute couture piece created for Ms. Tyson. The designer has been working with Tyson for what seems like forever, but their relationship began in 2005. B. Michael recollects to Madame Noire, “My first dress for Ms. Tyson was Oprah’s Legends Weekend in 2005 and the rest we see it was Divine Order!”
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He has dressed Tyson for many high profile events including the Emmy Awards, Ailey Spirit Gala, and more. In addition to creating custom clothes for the well-known and respected actress, he has also attended these events by her side. He revealed to Madame Noire, “We have two fold relationship, the artistic intimacy of Designer and Muse and separately we are in every sense family.”
So on a night when Tyson was set to receive such a prestigious honor from the Academy Award, what would be the picture of elegance she would paint? B. Michael discusses his couture design stating, “The ensemble was inspired by the thought of combining various fashion eras together…including the glamour of Art Deco (1930’s), the elegance of the 1950’s and the modernity of now!” At 93, Cicely Tyson has proven that age doesn’t trump glamour and the beauty of living through multiple eras. B. Michael expressed, “I design for Ms. Tyson as Hollywood royalty.”
Come through with the looks. B. Michael added, “Ms. Tyson launched her career as a model and still knows how to carry a dress.”
Indeed, she does.
