Meet Diane Linston
About Diane
Diane Linston is a renowned and innovative fashion designer known for her captivating designs and exceptional craftsmanship. Recognized for her exceptional talent, Diane Linston has had the privilege of showcasing her collection at prestigious fashion events and elite fashion weeks around the world. Her designs have graced the pages of renowned fashion publications and have been worn by influential celebrities and style icons.
Leadership and Influence in Cleveland
Diane Linston, is one of the most influential fashion designers and entrepreneurs in Cleveland Ohio. She is the only African-American female with a clothing manufacturing company in Cleveland Ohio.
Innovative in Medical Fashion
In Fall 2022 Diane, the company manufactured a new line of blouses for women who are having chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer.
“Why not be fashionable while taking chemo?
These designs are now available in hospital gift shops around the world. She also created a new line of hospital gowns; she wants to the change face of the way we wear hospital gowns.
Education and Honors
2022 Diane, earned an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities from Global Alliance International, (Atlanta Georgia), along with the Lifetime Achievement Award signed by president, Joe Biden.
Dr. Linston is a pillar in her community. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business, an undergraduate degree in Marketing, and an Associate's degree in Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandise.
Awards & Recognition
- B’Elite icon award 2021
- Women Exceptional of Excellence award (2023), W.O.G.O.M (Women of God of Ministry)
- She received from the council of the City of Cleveland presented by her council person of Ward 7
Professional Affiliations
She once served on the board at Virginia Mart College and was a member of the Fashion Group International.
Entrepreneurship During the Pandemic
When the pandemic hit, Cleveland Hopkins Airport called her company to open a kiosk inside the airport. The company was called “Cleveland Mask," selling more than 10,000 masks monthly.
Personal Journey and Resilience
In 2010, Diane was diagnosed with a horrible disorder called Trigeminal Neuralgia, which is universally acknowledged as one of the most painful afflictions known to adults, aka & quot;the suicide disease.& quot; Affecting 1 out of 25,000 people a year, Diane never gave up faith.
In 2011, she had brain surgery to correct damaged nerves, and within 4 months she was doing what she loved to do, “Designing Women's” clothing.
Manufacturing and Business Expansion
Diane Linston, opened her manufacturing & amp showroom on June 1, 2015, in Cleveland, Ohio. She named her manufacturing “Cleveland Cut and Sew Manufacturing Company”. She started manufacturing government contracts, commercial contracts, and private labels for other designers.
Major Events and Production
February 19, 2022, Styles of Imagination hosted the biggest fashion show in Cleveland Ohio, during the N.B.A -All Start weekend. The special guest was Eva Marcelle, from all the Queens men.
February 2023, she produced her short film. The Fashion show that rocked Cleveland. A movie behind the scenes of what it took to put together a fashion show during the NBA All-Star weekend.
Author and creative Contributions
Diane Linston’s talents are not limited to fashion design. She became a contributing author of the released book for 2018, “Purpose Matters Anthology Project.” This book features fifteen contributing authors who talk about their purposes in life, to live your dreams and never give up.
Television and Media Presence
In May 2024, Cleveland Fashions & Styles returned to Channel 3 in Cleveland Ohio with Linston as host, showcasing local talent from Cleveland and the Northeast Ohio region. Dr. Linston has also appeared on Fox 8's New Day Cleveland,
Ideastream Public Media and the Top Level reality TV show.
Additional Achievements
• Featured in many magazines nationally and internationally
• Participated in New York Fashion Week
• Participated in 2018 Harlem Fashion Week, with the daughters of Malcolm X.
• Signature line, NGU Collections, garnered national attention and developed into work with local and national celebrities
• Showcased fashions at the Cincinnati Jazz Festival as opening act for rapper MC Lite and DJ Jazzy Jeff
• Featured fashion designer at the Essence Festival on July 6, 2019, in New Orleans
• Featured on New Day Cleveland on FOX 8 and Sunny Side Up channel 19 news.
• Channel 5 News
• Featured in the 2018, 13th anniversary edition of Who’s Who in Black Cleveland,
Ohio
• 2023, the the14th edition of Who’s Who in Black Cleveland & Akron
• 2022 Queen size magazine
• 2022 Blacknews.com
• 2022 AMPS Magazine
• 2022 Life Obstacle Magazine
• 2023 Shout out to Ohio magazine
• 2024 Cleveland Fashions & Styles TV show - Channel 3, WKYC
• 2024 Who's Who in Black Cleveland 16th edition