**Tina Knowles-Lawson on Fashion Moments, Yearning for Essence and 150 Years of Freedom**
**By Valerie Monroe**
**June 15, 2022**
Tina Knowles-Lawson, fashion designer, entrepreneur, and mother of Beyoncé and Solange, has always been a force in the fashion industry. From her early days as a costume designer for Destiny’s Child to her current work as the creative director of her own label, House of Dereon, Knowles-Lawson has been a pioneer in the world of fashion.
In a recent interview with Essence, Knowles-Lawson talked about her career, her inspirations, and her hopes for the future of fashion. She also shared her thoughts on the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, and what it means to be a Black woman in America today.
**On her career in fashion**
Knowles-Lawson has always had a passion for fashion. She started sewing at a young age, and she loved to create clothes for herself and her friends. After graduating from high school, she studied fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.
After college, Knowles-Lawson worked as a costume designer for several years. She designed costumes for Destiny’s Child, as well as for other artists such as Janet Jackson and Missy Elliott. In 2004, she launched her own label, House of Dereon, which sells clothing, accessories, and home goods.
House of Dereon has been a success, and Knowles-Lawson has been credited with helping to change the face of fashion. She has been featured in magazines such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and she has received numerous awards for her work.
**On her inspirations**
Knowles-Lawson is inspired by a variety of things, including her travels, her culture, and her faith. She loves to learn about different cultures and incorporate elements of them into her designs.
Knowles-Lawson is also a devout Christian, and her faith plays a big role in her life. She believes that fashion is a gift from God, and she uses her work to glorify Him.
**On her hopes for the future of fashion**
Knowles-Lawson hopes that the fashion industry will become more inclusive in the future. She wants to see more designers of color and more models of color in the industry.
She also hopes that fashion will become more sustainable. She believes that the industry needs to find ways to reduce its environmental impact.
**On the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation**
The 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation is a significant milestone in American history. Knowles-Lawson believes that it is important to remember the struggles that African Americans have faced in the past, and to continue to fight for equality and justice.
She also believes that it is important for Black people to celebrate their culture and heritage. She is proud of her African roots, and she wants to share that pride with the world.
**On being a Black woman in America today**
Knowles-Lawson is a strong and successful Black woman. She is proud of her accomplishments, and she is not afraid to speak out against injustice.
She believes that Black women can achieve anything they set their minds to. She wants to inspire young Black women to dream big and to never give up on their goals.
Knowles-Lawson is a role model for Black women everywhere. She is a successful businesswoman, a loving mother, and a strong advocate for social justice. She is an inspiration to us all..
