CHRISTIE BROWN’S “CONSCIENCE” SS’18 AD CAMPAIGN CELEBRATES THE POWER OF WOMEN

Last week Christie Brown released the campaign video of the Spring Summer 2018 “Conscience” collection. The ad, directed by Papa Oppong Bediako, received raving reviews for its stunning visuals. As of today, it’s been watched over 7000 on Instagram.       The Ghanaian luxury womenswear label directed by Aisha Obuobi and worn by style icons the world over, including …

READING FILES: CRITICAL ARTS, “(RE)FASHIONING AFRICAN AND AFRICAN DIASPORIC MASCULINITIES” (PART 1)

Stylin’ cannot be separated from [its] cultural roots or, indeed, routes – Checinska The journal Critical Arts: South-North Cultural and Media Studies dedicated an issue to male self-fashioning in Africa and the diaspora. Edited by Leora Farber, the issue features articles that span South Africa, the Caribbean, the US, and Britain, shedding light on the under-investigated topic of black male …

TALENTS: IN CONVERSATION WITH SIZE MBIZA

“Talents” is a space to showcase and learn about the work of emerging creatives in the fields of black fashion, photography, and fine art. *** This month I have the pleasure to post a conversation with Size Mbiza. Hailing from South Africa, Siza is an all-around artist who works in photography, creative direction, and fashion. His works capture the new African cool, visually shaping urban …

WINNIE: THE MERCURIAL FASHION ICON

The passing of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela has saddened the world. Messages of grief are pouring in, reflecting the esteem and respect she inspired in millions the world over. Ever the fearless activist and campaigner for racial equality and freedom, Winnie was also an icon of style, albeit an unlikely one, for some. Since meeting Nelson in 1957 aged 22, her entire …

EVENT – SI WI YAH: SARTORIAL REPRESENTATIONS OF THE AFRICAN DIASPORA

If you happen to be in London on 4 and 5 May you should buy tickets for “Si Wi Yah: Sartorial Representations of the African Diaspora” organised by CIAD: The Costume Institute of the African Diaspora at London College of Fashion . Si Wi Yah will bring together researchers from across the globe who are working within the field of …

FINDING “HOME” IN ZOHRA OPOKU’S WORKS – MY GUEST POST FOR IAM

As part of my renewed research endeavor I resumed guest contributing to the excellent IAM – Intense Art Magazine. The new post is about the German-Ghanaian artist Zohra Opoku whose multimedia works, that use new and recycled garments and textiles, interrogate belonging, nationalism, and hybridity. I’m glad I had a chance to write about her, as she is one of …