Storytelling Style, and Creative Expression

I had a different post for today, but a week ago I came across this editorial that really resonated with me and I wanted to share it. It strikes a larger conversation regarding diversity in the fashion industry as a whole, more recently the discussion on western designers using Africans as a prop or Africa as commercial scenery. Although the provenance in understanding goes even further than that.

Walé Oyéjidé, designer and creative director behind the menswear line called Ikiré Jones wanted to change the perspective of how African men (namely, in Europe) are portrayed. When he looked for inspiration to photograph his FW16 collection, “After Migration” he took it to one of Italy’s city-streets.

The absolutely spectacular editorial showcases bold Ankara prints in classic stylelines and men’s silhouettes. They are pieces that would certainly stand out amongst the fashion crowd at Pitti Uomo in Florence, which is one of the largest global fashion events to attend. He showed his FW16 collection there as part of the Ethical Fashion Initiative. View more images here.

Shot in Florence, the editorial angle was clear and simple. Oyéjidé addresses the issue of the fashion industry’s lack of black models in high-fashion whilst serving an opposing perspective to the negative representation of migrants in the media. They are real people too. “I thought it was important for many reasons to put them [the models] in front of the camera, not as props, but to convey their unique perspectives,” said Oyéjidé.

“We’re showing an elegant and more humane side to people—not just a headline, not just statistics but complicated human beings with stories and reasons for doing what they do. Dudes like you and me.”

Images/Source: www.IkireJones.com, OkayAfrica. 

*Read the full article here.

What do you think of the Ikiré Jones menswear line? 

Aside from that, I was pleased that you loved my Valentine’s Day DIY tutorials so much. The post was chosen as part of Links à la Mode last week. Do check out some of the other blogger’s posts in the roundup if you can.

Links à la Mode, February 4

• A Handful of Stories:  Be My {Dark} Valentine
• Al Balsam Life:  Fashion Books I Want to Read in 2016
• Attire Club:  Call for Entries | Fashion Being Web Documentary
• Elements of Ellis:  Six Bundled Up Outfits
• Fashion Tales:  Hearty Decor
• From the Soles Up:  Tulle and Twirl Tuesday
• GingerSnaps:  Valentine’s Day Date Night | What to Wear & Not to Wear
• Happy. Pretty. Sweet.:  My Morning Skincare Routine
• Hey Just Jei:  Valentine’s Day Gift Guide | Canadian-Made Lingerie
• Jassamine Elaine:  Wear a Tutu & Get Away With It
• Les Assorties:  Meet Fashion Photographer Tibor Galamb
• Modavracha:  How I Use Avocado Oil For Hair and Skin
• Mox and Socks:  Teach Me | Quick Crown Twist
• Musings of a Fashion Designer:  Films in Fashion | 2015
• Reasons to Dress:  To Fur or Not to Fur
• Savoir Style:  5 Pieces to Wear in the Spring of 2016
• Secret Style File:  Spring Summer Beauty Trends 2016
• Some Velvet Morning:  Heart Lollipops
• Upbeat Soles:  Valentine’s Day Lace
• We Are Ready Made:  Dreamy Picnic

SPONSOR: Shopbop SUNDRY, Herve Leger Dresses, Amber Sceats Jewelry, Marc Jacobs, Levi’s, Odette New York, Eyelet Dresses, Ankle Jeans, Gladiator Sandals, Men’s Ports 1961