Lana Turner, endearingly entitled the “Queen of Harlem” by many in the Harlem community, is an American fashion stylist, fashion collector, real-estate broker, professional organizer, and Harlem icon. She is a leader in Harlem’s artistic, literary, and historic preservation circles. Ms. Turner is also a dedicated jazz and swing dancing enthusiast. Her parents, who both loved jazz and dancing, had always dressed in vogue, and Ms. Turner’s familiarity with the finest haute couture, certainly helped to influence her appreciation for stunning clothing and hats. She is recognized for her collection of vintage clothing which includes over 500 hats. Ms. Turner has been featured in works by photographers, bloggers, and editors notably New Yorker Magazine and NY Times "Sunday Times" photo spreads. Ms. Turner was born in 1950 at Women's Hospital on 110th Street to parents of the Great Migration leaving from Georgia. She picked up fashion techniques from her parents who worked as a chauffeur and chambermaid. In the evenings, her parents would wear formal clothing to socialize in their Harlem community. Ms. Turner resides in Hamilton Heights and is a devout church goer. Her wardrobe is largely defined by vintage finds and items she's come across throughout her extensive travels around the world. She lovingly expresses her travels and meetings with people around the world. Ms. Turner is an avid supporter of the arts, jazz music and jazz dance (lindy hop). Often hosting jazz artists, international friends, and the community in her home to dance and fellowship. Ms. Turner works in the real estate and art industries. She is a NYC and Harlem historian. In support of lindy hop history and jazz culture she provides walking tours of Harlem through the lens of 1920s Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers such as dancers like Frankie Manning and Norma Miller.  She established “the Literary Society” 38 years ago, determined to make her friends better aware of the accomplishments of Black writers, past and present. Her collection of vintage clothing includes over 500 hats. Turner's fashion attracts the attention of photographers, bloggers, editors, and historians. She has been a source of creative inspiration for New York Times "Sunday Times" street photographer Bill Cunningham.  According to Kiddle Encyclopedia and Rachel Syme of the New Yorker Magazine, artists like Dario Calmese featured Ms. Turner and her collection in his special exhibition at the Projects + Gallery in St. Louis. Master Chef Marcus Samuelsson also featured a collection of Ms. Turner's hats at his Harlem Red Rooster restaurant.  Ms. Turner is a staple in the Harlem community, as she continues to support local artists, film makers, dancers, musicians, writers and more.
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It is our privilege to honor such an important member of our dance community Ms. Lana Turner. 

Please read more about this amazing woman, and see some of her amazing fashion statements by visiting: 

• THE NEW YORKER: The Sunday Styles of Lana Turner, a Harlem Fashion Icon

• LENS CULTURE: https://www.lensculture.com/articles/dario-calmese-harlem-socialite-lana-turner

• INSTITUTE OF BLACK IMAGINATION