Rose gown: Mother-of-the-groom dresswith matching clutch. Satin brocade with handcrafted cabbage roses. Doris Dosher of Raleigh wore this dress to her son’s 1959 wedding at Raleigh’s First Baptist Church.
For nearly six decades, Willie Otey Kay transformed dreams into dresses for Tar Heel brides, debutantes and partygoers. The esteemed Raleigh designer overcame hardship and transcended racial boundaries to create a successful business.
Teal gown: Satin adorned with sequins and rhinestones. Louise Wooten (Talley) of Raleigh donned the teal gown in 1954.Now examples of her artistry are on exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of History through September 5. The exhibit showcases 10 of Kay’s exquisite creations that include wedding dresses, formal dresses and a debutante gown. Without using commercial patterns, the sought-after designer crafted one-of-a-kind ball gowns for the women who commissioned them.
Wedding gown with matching veil, embellished by Elizabeth Otey Constant, Kay’s sister.
Kay’s life wasn’t always as smooth as the sequins and satins surrounding her. The African American entrepreneur achieved widespread acclaim in an era of segregation while dealing with a personal loss.
Her sisters Mildred Otey Taylor and Chloe Otey Jervay Laws ran their own dressmaking businesses, although helping Kay during busy periods. Another sister, Elizabeth Otey Constant, embellished the formal gowns with intricate beadwork.
Dresses collection of NCMH. Photos courtesy NC Museum of History.