What began as a career in fashion has evolved into a life's journey for Edward Wilkerson. In fact, Africa became the place where Edward would truly re-discover himself. "Since Africa, my sense of color has not been the same after seeing how Mother Nature made grass such a lush green and the sky a sensual blue", says a reminiscing Edward, "I was so overwhelmed that I wanted to bottle it and bring it back home with me instead, I have photographs." Welcome to Edward Wilkerson's journey to the visually beautiful.

Although the continent of Africa served as a sanctuary of rebirth for Edward, his formative years were spent in New York City. Influenced by his mother's immaculate sense of style, Edward decided at the age of 10 that he wanted to become a fashion designer. While other children in his neighborhood played outside, Edward surrounded himself with delicate and colorful fabrics, studied how clothing defined the body, and dreamt of designing couture clothing for some of the world's most stylish women.

Design Director Edward Wilkerson is an artist who lives and breathes his work. His classic designs and provocative photography have mesmerized those who have either worn a piece of his clothing or laid eyes upon his photography collections.

Edward graduated from the high school of Art and Design in Manhattan and won acceptance into the prestigious Parsons School of Design. By 1984 Edward was a designer with Anne Klein & Co., where he assisted Donna Karan and Louis del O'lio. Edward then moved on to the chic design house of Calvin Klein, where he worked directly with the designer for more than three years. It seemed that Edward's career had come full circle when he accepted the position of designer with Donna Karan for the Donna Karan Collection.

In 1998 Edward joined Lafayette 148 New York as Design Director.

Having always been interested in photography and travel, Edward vacationed in Kenya and then two years later traveled to Morocco. These trips inspired him to create a beautiful melange of photographs that blend the body with striking artifacts, masks, clothing and jewelry. Edward's collection of spectacular black and white photographs,'Tribal Knowledge' was showcased at T'Elgee Enterprises in the group exhibit entitled 'Story Tellers'. Edward's photography has been on exhibit at a host of venues both nationally and internationally.

His homes are lavishly decorated with the exotic treasures he collects on his travels and have been featured in several magazines. He has also applied his discerning eyeto the Lafayette 148 showroom, with rich cultural touches that reflect his global aesthetic.

Edward's sense of commitment does not end with his dual careers in the arts. He also dedicates his time to a variety of charitable events and causes benefiting AIDS research. He serves on the board of directors for Fashion Outreach, a non-profit organization committed to helping minorities in fashion. Additionally, in July 2004, Edward was elected to The Council of Fashion Designers of America.

Edward Wilkerson is continuing to work his magic. With each new collection, he applies his unique vision to create an irresistible fashion evolution for today's modern women.