Iconic Designer Stephen Burrows Granted Keys to the City of Newark.

Stephen Burrowsimage via NJTV

Veteran fashion designer Stephen Burrows was recently honored with the keys to his hometown of Newark, New Jersey.

Burrows, aged seventy-four, is an African-American fashion icon with a career spanning 40 years. He spent his childhood in Newark, before heading to New York City to study fashion. Burrows launched his first fashion brand in 1973 and has continued to design distinct pieces, which have been worn all over the world.

In 2003, he was grant a star on the Seventh Avenue Fashion Walk of Fame in New York’s garment district.

Last week, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka present Burrows with a key to the city in a ceremony that was attended by iconic model Pat Cleveland.

“I had a great childhood growing up in Newark,” said Burrows. “I’m just proud to be from Newark. I wish you success with your fashion forward project.”