September 7, 2023

Zelda Wynn Valdes is a fashion designer who is credited with creating the famous bunny girl costume in Playboy. But first, we're going to dive into some of her previous achievements. 

Valdes got her start being interested in sewing and learned from her grandmother. Then in 1923, she began tailoring in her uncle's shop in White Plains, New York. In 1948, she opened "Chez Zelda" on Broadway (what is now Washington Heights). She said it was the first black-owned business on Broadway. It's now been moved to 57th Street in Manhattan. She's dressed many stars over the years, including Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, and Joyce Bryant. In 1949, she was even asked to be the president New York Chapter of the National Association of Fashion and Accessory Designers (NAFAD), which is an organization of black designers. It was founded by activist Mary McLeod Bethune. 

In 1958, Playboy founder Hugh Hefner commissioned Valdes to create the first Playboy bunny outfits. The original design had the ears being taller with no collar, tie, and cuffs, but nonetheless, the iconic outfit was born and will be later known as one of the most recognizable trademarks. The outfit made its first debut in the first Playboy Club in February of 1960.  

She lived a full life, living 95-100 years, with the original bunny suit being one of her most notable works.