Anita Dickens
I Dress To Be Seen.
I Dress To Be Heard.
by: Anita Dickens
Growing up, I was taught that clothes speak before you do. That how you walk into a room—the way your collar sits, the press in your slacks, the rhythm in your stride—tells the world who you are and what you will not allow them to forget.
As a Black woman, choosing menswear was never just about fashion. It was about freedom. About giving myself permission to occupy space with authority, elegance, and edge. Where some saw contradiction, I found clarity. In crisp lapels, I felt powerful. In structured jackets and vintage brogues, I found both armor and art.
My love of dandyism came not from wanting to dress like a man, but from wanting to dress like myself—with intention. Like the Black dandies who came before me—those who flipped the script on colonial dress codes and turned style into protest—I wear my clothes as a statement. Tailoring is my truth. Sharpness is my softness. Detail is my defiance.
There’s a legacy in this. In Harlem Renaissance lounges. In South African Sapeurs. In aunties who wore fedoras to church like crowns. I’m not the first Black woman to bend gendered norms of dress, but I walk with them in spirit. And when I step out in full ANE Clothier—strong shoulder, deep indigo, slow-stitched—I’m not just dressing. I’m remembering. I’m reclaiming.
And now, through The Gentlewoman Social Movement, I gather with others who understand this language. Women who wear blazers like declarations. Nonbinary folk who reinvent the silhouette. Elders who pass down stories with the same care they once passed down hand-pressed trousers. Together, we honor our stories in wool, silk, denim, and dialogue.
I don’t wear menswear to disappear. I wear it to say:
“I am here. I am whole. And I define what elegance means on my own terms.”
Anita is also the founder and principal designer at Ane Clothier: “Established in 2014 by Newark, NJ native and visionary designer, Anita Dickens, Ane Clothier is a celebration of the belief that fashion belongs to everyone—him, her, them, they. Our collections stand as a vibrant representation of inclusivity, drawing inspiration from the diverse tapestry of individuals who make up our global community.
At Ane Clothier, Anita envisions a world where fashion is a canvas for self-expression, transcending gender, embracing diversity, and celebrating individuality. Guided by the belief that style knows no boundaries, we strive to create inclusive collections that resonate with the unique stories of every person. Anita's vision is to be a beacon of empowerment, fostering a global community where confidence, authenticity, and sustainability converge seamlessly. Ane Clothier aims to redefine the fashion landscape, inspiring individuals to boldly embrace their identity and make a positive impact on the world through conscious, stylish choices.” - https://aneclothier.com/
