Jon Haggins

John Wesley Haggins Jr. (Sept 5, 1943 - June 15, 2023) was a talented pioneer. He was one of America's first prominent Black fashion designers, a lively cabaret performer, and a recognized travel journalist.

Haggins was born in Tampa, Florida. In the early 1950s, he moved to Coney Island, Brooklyn, after being raised by his grandfather in Sanford. He later reunited with his mother in New York. In 1964, he earned a degree in fashion from the Pratt Institute and the Fashion Institute of Technology. 

Shortly after graduating, Haggins opened his studio. By 1966, just two years later, he made waves with slinky, geometric designs with no zippers or buttons. His bold, backless swimsuit, worn by Petra, appeared on the cover of Cosmopolitan in August 1970, showcasing a new kind of elegance. 

Jon Haggins was a man of resilience. He often said he “slipped into and out of fashion.” He opened and closed his label a few times, shutting it down in 1972 due to financial issues and relaunching shortly after. His ability to bounce back from setbacks is a testament to his determination and should inspire us all.

Jon Haggins had many talents. He was a skilled fashion designer and a professional creator. He started a cabaret-style singing group called Hot Stuff, acted in a soap opera, and became a travel journalist and host of GlobeTrotter TV on New York public access cable. His ability to succeed in different fields was awe-inspiring. 

By the 1980s, Jon Haggins wrote The African American Travel Guide to Hot, Exotic, and Fun-Filled Places and led tours celebrating Black culture. His work extended beyond fashion and entertainment, influencing global perspectives and enlightening people about the richness of Black culture. He continued to break barriers and inspire others, leaving a lasting impact on the world. 

The New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center holds the Jon Haggins Fashion Archive. This includes over four linear feet of documents that record his fashion, entertainment, and travel journalism career from the 1960s through the early 2000s.

Haggins passed away at his home in Queens at the age of 79 on June 15, 2023. Colleagues and fashion insiders remembered him as a creative spirit who joyfully walked through life and was “forever engaged.”

His work was not just about fashion; it was about representation and breaking down barriers. He was one of the first Black American designers featured in mainstream magazines like Women’s Wear Daily and Cosmopolitan, paving the way for future generations of Black designers and artists.

Artistic Versatility: Few could match his combination of runway, stage, television, and publishing. He gave a voice to Black artists in less-represented areas.

Cultural Documentation: His fashion and travel archives are not just records of his work, but a celebration of heritage, beauty, and global exploration. They testify to his cultural contributions and should be appreciated for their richness and diversity.

Jon Haggins defied labels. He was a fearless creator who moved easily between fashion, performance, and writing. He pioneered representation in spaces where few Black Americans had been before. His life's work continues in every archived page, televised episode, and garment that displays courage. Here’s to Jon Haggins: a true innovator unafraid to live and design on his terms.