Photo: Filippo Fior / Gorunway.com
Grace Wales Bonner might be one of the more forward-thinking designers of this generation, but she’s also one to highlight her roots, history, and heritage with her works. Though she’s a British designer working in London, she’s also proud of her African roots, which connect her to different parts of the world. Ironically, in her Fall 2019 collection, she looked across the pond to the United States for her inspiration. She touched on key African-American sartorial codes which dominated her show. One such is the American collegiate wardrobes in Howard University, the first black college in the country’s history. Here, she played with football shirts—turning them into African tunics—and varsity jackets—in more refined styles. Wales Bonner also delved into the Jazz age of African-American history by way of classic tailoring and sophisticated suiting. Though her iterations weren’t as flashy as the those in the past, they upheld the same strength and structure of that indelible look. Feathered accessories, turbans, and multi-colored outerwear gave credence to the Voodoo culture of the South, touching upon a mystical part of that heritage that’s still so appealing to this day. All in all, these layers were beautiful as well as educational, and through the medium of fashion, Grace Wales Bonner exemplified black excellence that day!
