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Fashion designer B Michael was born and raised in Connecticut. He found early design inspirations in his mother's creativity and grandmother's keen sense of style and studied at the New York Fashion Institute of Technology. After working under icons such as Oscar de la Renta, he decided to launch his namesake millinery line and in 1999 launched his first couture collection. B Michael's collections have garnered appreciative fans including legends Cicely Tyson, Valerie Simpson, Beyonce, Nancy Wilson, Susan Fales-Hill, Brandy, among many others. He is a member of the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). In 2016 he was awarded the prestigious Design Visionary Award by the Lighthouse Guild. In 2019, he became the first Black American luxury fashion designer to dress an Oscar recipient, longtime friend and muse Cicely Tyson for her history making red-carpet moment. B Michael lives in New York City with his life partner Mark-Anthony Edwards and has two daughters, Saferra and Mychal.
"“If, like me, you treasured the many gifts Cicely Tyson gave the world during her remarkable career, you’ll be fascinated by B Michael’s loving tribute and grateful for another chance to spend some time with her. Muse is a beautiful book, full of life--and what a life!” — Former President BILL CLINTON ""A warm, visually stunning recollection of a remarkable friendship forged through fashion"" — Kirkus Reviews ""Filled with stunning photos and original sketches, this is a breathtaking love letter to Tyson, to couture, and to a powerful collaboration. Fashionistas and fans of either Michael or Tyson will be mesmerized."" — Library Journal “Starting with the vibrant painting that’s the book’s cover, artist Chaz Guest prepares us for this very intimate perspective of a Muse and Designer. I applaud Cicely Tyson and B Michael who, together, went against fashion’s ageism, and with grace, glamour and couture, show us what could be achieved. I think this is a wonderful book.” — AGNES GUND, President emerita of the Museum of Modern Art and Founding Patron of the Art for Justice Fund “Friendship, love and a beautiful sense of togetherness sew together this gem of a book. B Michael has so elegantly captured the inimitable spirit of Cicely Tyson and presents to us a portrait of a woman who was a rare gift to fashion and culture. Whilst the spectacular gowns worn by Cicely live on in archives and the history books, B Michael has assured she lives on in our hearts.” — EDWARD ENNINFUL, OBE, Editor-in-Chief, British Vogue & European Editorial Director, Vogue “Muse is equal parts inspiration and celebration—a powerful tribute to style icon Cicely Tyson by master couturier B Michael. Amid the gorgeous full-color photographs and poignant reflections, their decades-long friendship lives on. This volume is no ordinary book. It’s a moving portrait of a legend, and a forever keepsake for readers.” — MICHELLE BURFORD, #1 NYT Bestselling Collaborative Writer ?“This fashion memoir invites us to experience the shared gifts of creativity and mutual respect nurtured by two beloved and trusted friends. B Michael is a vivid storyteller and he brilliantly leads us to consider the important meaning of, the ties that bind.” — DR. JOYCE F. BROWN, President, Fashion Institute of Technology “Muse is magnificent! B Michael shares the ""give and give"" of his friendship with Miss Cicely Tyson in a very special, intimate way. The esteem in which he held her is evidenced in every design – in each stitch of every garment. This is a treasure.” — PHYLICIA RASHAD, Award Winning Actor of Stage, Television and Screen "
