If you know Aura Lewis' work, you know two things—she writes about feminists and she's made pale pink into a power color. From her books Gloria's Voice and The Illustrated Feminist to her illustrations for the title sequence in the TV show Mrs. America, Aura's work pops. Her new book Dazzling Zelda, in collaboration with Farai Simoyi, is no exception.
Today Aura chats with us about turning her interest in fashion into a tribute to a trailblazing designer.
Can you describe your collaboration with Farai Simoyi in making this book?
I've always been interested in fashion and wanted to create a children's book about a fashion designer. After doing a lot of research, I discovered and became fascinated by the life of Zelda Wynn Valdes, a trailblazing black designer. I found her story to be inspirational and one that could connect with a young audience.
Since I don't have much experience in this topic, I reached out to Farai, who has worked as a fashion designer and in the fashion industry, and she was excited to collaborate!
I wrote the text and created the illustrations, and Farai wrote the backmatter and designed patterns, which I then painted into the book. It was wonderful to work together and bring our own perspectives into the process!
Was there one aspect of Zelda's life—a specific scene, quote, or image—that guided you throughout the writing process?
Yes! Zelda famously said, "I just had a God-given talent for making people beautiful." This quote resonated with me so much, as it encapsulates her vivacious attitude, her vision for her life's work, and also a lovely and meaningful way to think about fashion. This quote definitely inspired me and served as the guiding statement throughout my writing and illustration process.
While researching this book, which fact surprised you the most?
I was surprised and fascinated to learn that Zelda pioneered the coloring of tights and shoes to match dancers' skin, paving the way for acceptance and celebration of more diversity on stage.
Why do you think kids can relate to Dazzling Zelda?
I hope that kids can relate to Zelda's story of turning her childhood passion—fashion and sewing—into a successful career. I hope they are inspired by her tenacity in the face of adversity, and by the fact that she never gave up! Finally, I hope kids enjoy learning about fashion and design, and get inspired to create, too.
Which sources were invaluable to writing this biography?
In truth, it was hard to locate information about Zelda, as there aren't a lot of sources about her. I dug around for bits of information wherever I could, and used whatever I could find
to puzzle together her life's story.
How did you select the timeframe for your book?
I knew I wanted to begin with Zelda as a child, and talk about as many of her career highlights as I could. Since there isn't one stand-out moment in her career, I chose the book to span over many years, hopefully giving an overview of her life.
What's your #1 tip for writing true stories?
Be truly excited about the story and topic you're researching! If you feel inspired and driven, you will find a way to share it meaningfully with others.
If you could pick the ideal place for a Dazzling Zelda storywalk, where would it be?
Oooohh, I think I would choose a walk down Broadway in NYC, and maybe through the fashion district, culminating in the site of Zelda's original boutique!
What other books would you recommend to readers who love Dazzling Zelda?
It's so hard to choose! If you love picture-book biographies, there are lots of wonderful ones about women, from many fields and backgrounds!
TRUE STORY TIDBITS
I recommend this dreamy and dazzling biography on four shelves in my TrueStory Bookshop:
- True Stories~Fashion
- True Stories~Makers
- True Stories~Women's History
- True Stories~Black History
To take a peek inside the book, checkout my Booktok.
Every day is a good day for a true story but here are some special tie-in dates for Dazzling Zelda:
- February and September: Fashion Week in NYC!
- February: Black History Month
- March: Women's History Month
- April 24: Fashion Revolution Day
- June 28 (1901): Zelda Wynn Valdes' birthdate
Aura Lewis is an author-illustrator and designer with an MFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. She is inspired by fashion from around the world, playful color, vintage design and popular culture. Aura's work is featured in books for children and adults, on television, film, stationery, ad campaigns, branding, murals and editorial publications.