Amsale Aberra is one of the icon’s that became known by one name, Amsale. Like Beyonce, Prince, Bono Adele, and a few others their last name was not needed because their first name alone made you take notice of them and what they had to offer.
Amsale was born 1954, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She was educated at Fashion Institute of Technology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston State College.
I recall first seeing her beautiful face when shopping for my then business, my bridal salon during New York Bridal Fashion Week. I was beyond proud to see a woman of color full of talent and celebrated because of her talents, her success became personal for me. It gave me hope of making a mark in this already difficult industry.
So, when the opportunity came to actually sponsor her bridal show for a couple of seasons I couldn’t be any prouder. I jumped at the opportunity and it was at that moment I had the opportunity to not only lead her show, as then a celebrity manicurists but to actually do her nails. The light conversation was encouraging, little did she know. Her concern was simply was I comfortable, did I want to sit while she had her makeup and nails done before her show. For the next two seasons, I would continue to be part of her beauty team and backstage with her. Life was good.
Amsale was gracious, humble and warm. Her talent, well there are no words to describe her gift. But the years of watching her success can definitely be seen with the countless of celebrities, brides that coveted her dresses for all sorts of occasions.
Amsale’s creations have been worn in countless movies, red carpet events as well as TV Shows, and brides from across the world.
So to hear of her passing is definitely not only devasting to those closest to her–friends, family, and staff. But to people like me, that admired her in the shadows it is painful for us to see her go. She is survived by her husband, partner Neil Brown, whom she wed in 1985. And their gorgeous daughter Rachel Brown who is a talented gifted artist, singer, and musician. She has already made her mark in this world with her own gifts.
While Amsale may no longer be here with us in the flesh, her legacy will live beyond her short life. Grace and peace to Amsale and her family.
