BEULAH COOLEY

BeulahCooley:

Imagine the lights, the dynamic music, the excited audience out front, the chatterof the models and personal assistants backstage, the rush, the glamour and the artistic attributes about to be displayed are all attributed to one of Detroit’s mostrenowned fashion designers and entrepreneur, Beulah Cooley.

Beulah Cooley is a Native of Philadelphia, Miss. moved to Detroit, MI. in 1977 and took her gift to Milan, France in 2019 where her gift was highly recognized and asked to return.

Beulah has been designing clothing since childhood. Using her dolls as mannequins and models. While in the eighth grade she began designing her own wardrobe.

Cooley previously worked at Bobbie Brooks Manufacturing Company in New York City, and Barney’s Mens Shirt Manufacturing Company in Meridian, MS. While working for McFain Manufacturing Company in Pachuta, MS. McFain’s later became a contractor to manufacture the Blue Jean Denim Line for JCPenney’s. Cooley worked as a sewing machine operator for these manufacturers which enabled her to gain experience that enhanced her God-given talent.

Beulah’s ability in sewing and manufacturing instilled her desire to expand her horizons and enhance her expertise. She engaged herself by enrolling in Art Illustration at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. A year later her skillset and creativity catapulted her into the arena of distinguished and influential clients that were attracted by her designs.

From Mississippito Michiganto Milan

Her fashions designs made her a stalwart in the industry. “Beulah’s Designer Fashion” was established, and she gained recognition as a fashion innovator. Her fashions appeared as a winner in numerous fashion competitions, on local television and as one of the top ten designers nationwide in the International Design Competition sponsored by “Canadian Mist Designers of the Future”. In 1992, one of her designs was declared a winner and was displayed in the Black Art Museum in New York City.

Beulah Cooley created an unusual line of Denim Peplum Suits with French Cuffs and Covered Buttons. She loves working with unusual and distinctive fabrics. Her line of threaded Burlap Suits lined with silk and form fitting features her French Cuffs and Rhinestone Buttons that accentuate the burlap was the introduction Trademark of the BEULAH COOLEY COLLECTION, her Signature style.

Her studio housed her Collection at the International Center of Apparel Design in Detroit’s illustrious Greektown. This center housed fashion designers from around the world being featured in Detroit Crain’s Business Magazine and other media sources. During this tenure she and Brandy F. Gibson, Elah Image-Fashion PR Agent for twenty-four designers were featured on TV7 “Kelly & Company.” They provided makeovers for three out of forty-five women who felt neglected and verbally abused. Cooley and Gibson felt the need to provide the remaining forty-two women with a luncheon and motivational workshop instilling self-worth the next week at the International Center of Apparel Design. Cooley, is an active community advocate as well.

Cooley Designs range from conservative to high fashioned haute couture suitable for making a statement that only a woman can. She has received numerous awards and recognition for her creative ability in fashion design. The Detroit City of Detroit recognized and presented Beulah Cooley with a Testimonial Resolution.

In 2004, Beulah Cooley was presented the “SPIRIT OF DETROIT AWARD” for her many accomplishments. In the same year, The Beulah Cooley Collection was also featured in numerous Ebony Fashion Fair Shows all around the world. One memorable event was the 2002-03 “Simply Spectacular” Ebony Fashion Fair where a model Rebecca Briscoe hit the runway in a transparent bronzed denim evening gown with matching coat that left the crowd in oohs and ahhs and others were absolutely speechless. (Excerpts from September 2002 Jet magazine)

In 2004, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit, Mi. Presented Cooley with an unusual Brass and Glass engraved trophy in recognition for her accomplishments as A Nationally Know Fashion Designer.

The year 2005 brought about “THE MARCH OF DIMES FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA” at the Burton Manor in Livonia MI., Beulah Cooley showcased a collection of rainbow colors of treated burlap alone with the natural color burlap line with silk organza easy to wear. There as an overwhelming response from the audience, customers, media, and sales elevated. The Treated Burlap line is the #1 seller and has sold from east to west, north to south and continues to remain in high demand.

The Beulah Cooley Collection Models “Rocked the Runway” at The 2006 Detroit Fashion Week, hosted by Brian Heath. Her beautiful designs were showcased on the Front Page of the Michigan Chronicle.