The creativity of Black dandyism flows through the lives of so many more, creating an intricate tapestry. It emphasizes their strong ties to aesthetics, culture, and diaspora. This celebration brings attention to legacy couriers from one notable family. It focuses in particular on Leah Faye Cooper, the author who looks back on her vibrant background. Enrollees Constantine Emmanuel Smith, Martha McTaggart, and other descendants of Smith. Their commitment to advancing the fields of fashion and culture has set an indelible standard.
Constantine Emmanuel Smith might be the best known member of Cooper’s family tree. His legacy looms not just over Cooper’s present, but over generations of artists to come. Smith’s insistence on style is representative of an emerging cultural trend concerned with the intersection of aesthetics and selfhood. His influence extends beyond fashion. It serves as a reminder of the nuanced experiences of Black individuals in navigating societal expectations.
Community leader, activist, and Mrs. D. Martha McTaggart, aka “Mrs. D.,” was a matriarch of her Long Island community. Known for her commitment to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, fashion was a defining characteristic of McTaggart’s life. Her fierce dedication to sartorial excellence was felt profoundly in her town, as her style embodied both confidence and heritage.
At 95 years old, Bishop Arnold Thornton exudes the spirit of Black dandyism. He channels his style to make it an even mightier sword of strength and cleverness. Thornton’s life serves as one of the best examples to understand how important appearance was—to both create and enforce a certain perception of Blackness in society. His incredible life allows him the opportunity to reflect on a lifetime of decades working. During this time, he’s witnessed fashion develop into an influential form of self-expression and determination.
Our Samuel Cooper, III “The Gentleman,” most certainly made an indelible mark not only with his actions but with his sartorial panache. Always looking the part, he represents the ideals associated with dandyism: sophistication, poise, and an unwavering commitment to presenting oneself with dignity.
Cooper’s late father, Marc Julio Elizée, turned out to be a central figure in her life. Elizée’s incredible style not only shaped Cooper’s understanding of fashion but instilled a sense of pride in her own identity. Cooper’s grandfather, Hubert Haughton, continued that tradition of sharpness. He was impeccably dressed at all times and provided a bright path forward for all of those that came after him.
Of all of these figures who fill Cooper’s familial pantheon, none is more honored than her pap, Bernard Sr., who she describes as the ultimate Black dandy. His piercing sartorial vision serves as a beautiful homage to the long tradition of Black dandyism and its unwavering importance in today’s culture. As each family member represents various parts of this legacy, each character adds their own unique voices and strengths to the larger story of Black identity.
Guka, another of ANC’s relatives, sacrificed himself during the post-colonial era to create and nurture a farming enterprise. Despite his hard work, he maintained an air of elegance by walking miles each month in oxfords, a white button-up shirt, and a pocket square to visit his mother. This attention to aesthetic and work hands show a profound reverence for self-presentation and love for the family.
Cooper’s father, Derrick, marked his 50th anniversary with a beautiful celebration on his wedding day in Georgetown, Guyana. It made for a festive, fashionable occasion. Roxanne, Leah Faye Cooper’s mother, said it was the “happiest day of our lives.” This quote describes the significance of these events perfectly as they go on to strengthen family connection and community pride.
Lindell Boyd, perhaps the most powerful man in Cooper’s life, demonstrated sartorial elegance at a young age. His junior prom in 1981 is remembered for his choice of pressed shirts with cuff links and starched jeans accompanied by Magnanni loafers. Boyd’s attention to detail reflects the ethos of Black dandyism that permeates Cooper’s family history.
Guy Wood, Cooper’s children’s maternal grandfather, as in many of her works, was one of the first dandies she met. His influence made a mark on her perception of fashion in her family line. Moreover, Milton Dixon Sr. helped shape the family’s story as an outstanding Black dandy.
Today’s guest, Cooper’s grandfather, Ethelbert Daniel, was a switchboard operator in Trinidad at the age of 23. He represents some of those many routes that are favored and widely adored in the world of dandyism. His own life story is just one compelling example of how unique individual experiences combine to create a unique collective identity.
Everyone misses Uncle Amos, but you can still print off a beloved old-time photo. We believe it was the studio on Utica Avenue in Brooklyn, after church with his mother and sister, circa 1956. The photograph holds a palpable sense of the aesthetic, sure, but of family connections that reach beyond the temporal sphere.
Luckily, the writer’s great-uncle Charles drops in to continue that legacy by looking fantastically sharp on his wedding day. A stunning photograph from the 1950s reveals an example of exquisite tailoring that serves to illustrate the enduring quality of elegance in the Black community.
As Leah Faye Cooper reflects on these rich narratives, she acknowledges the significance of familial connections and their impact on personal identity. Her family’s dandy history is abundant with anecdotes that further prove the timeless legacy of Black dandyism. This legacy crosses generational divides and remains extremely relevant in our world today.
“My mother used to make my clothes for me at a young age. I had workable sleeves before I knew that was something special. Clothes and style mean everything to me—it’s a respect for the shoulders I stand on and all the people that made it possible for me to be proud of being me.” – Brandon Blackwood