The Unsung Icons of Black Women’s Fashion

FLORENCE GRIFFITH-JOYNER

Florence Griffith-Joyner was known almost as much for her informal sense of style on the track as she was for her speed. Flo-Jo was once considered the “fastest woman of all time,” and in her short life (the athlete died at age 38 of an epileptic seizure) she set both world records in track and trends on the streets. Her overly-decorated nails, reaching up to six inches were her signature look. Multi-colored, polka-dotted and all, Griffith-Joyner showed her claws way before  other long-nail rocking athletes like Serena Williams tried to. Her one-legged leotards were also a point of conversation as one muscular leg, tense and riveting, would speed into first place covered in metallics. On top of showing a sickening work ethic to her sport, Griffith-Joyner made it her side hustle to show women how to let your own personality shine through your attire, work it and be able to win at the same time.