Winterthur taps fashion guru who styled Beyonce, Cicely Tyson. How to get tickets
Fashion maestro B Michael is springing up at Winterthur, bringing tales of his illustrious clientele like the award-winning fashionista Cicely Tyson.
"An Evening of B Michael" — part of Winterthur's "House of Style" weekend — will be held on Friday, March 22.
After the iconic designer’s special talk, there will be a meet and greet with a sparkling toast and a signing of his new book, "Muse: Cicely Tyson and Me: A Relationship Forged in Fashion," from publisher HarperCollins.
Guests can purchase the book when they register or at Winterthur's gift shop.
B Michael was a featured contemporary designer as part of Winterthur’s "Ann Lowe: American Couturier exhibition,'' which ran Sept. 9, 2023, through Jan. 7, 2024.
Before that, the Connecticut native participated in a Delaware State University panel in 2018.
Beyonce, Whitney Houston worked with B Michael
B Michael has dressed notable clients such as actress Phylicia Rashad ("The Cosby Show" and "This is Us"), singer Beyoncé, and actress Cicely Tyson ("The Help" and "Diary of a Mad Black Woman").
He also designed singer Whitney Houston's costumes for the 2012 film "Sparkle," according to his website.
New book: ‘Cicely Tyson and Me’
The fashion designer’s new book, "Cicely Tyson and Me," describes his long relationship with Tyson, a Black pioneering actress and style icon, who died in 2021 at age 96.
In 2005, B Michael was tasked with creating a wardrobe for Tyson for an elaborate weekend hosted by Oprah Winfrey.
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That first interaction with Tyson led to nearly 20 years of a professional and personal “collaboration that defined the Hollywood star’s personal aesthetic and showcased her impeccable personality and style," according to the publisher's description of B Michael's new book.
"B was with Ms. Tyson for the most glamorous times — the Academy Awards, the Emmy Awards, White House functions, glittering galas, high-profile funerals — as well as the tenderest days," the book's synopsis continued.
Who is Cicely Tyson?
Tyson's acting career included countless films like "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" and "Sounder," the latter of which led to her first Oscar nomination for the 1972 film. She was the recipient of three Primetime Emmy Awards and a Tony Award.
At age 94, she received an honorary Academy Award and brought the audience to tears during her emotional acceptance speech.
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The actress, who married famous trumpeter Miles Davis, talked about her first Oscar nomination and how she yearned to show her stern mother she had made it as an actress.
"I think if I had not heard those words from her, none of this would make a difference to me," said Tyson, showing off her trophy to the heavens. "I know you didn’t want me to do this. But I did. And here it is."
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur) from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, March 22. Tickets are $15 for nonmembers and $10 for members. Visit winterthur.org or (302) 888-4600.
USA Today reporter Bryan Alexander contributed to this report.
If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at [email protected]. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: B Michael. a fashion icon who styled Beyonce, coming to Winterthur
