TextSagal Mohammed.
A new publication documenting the style, beauty and culture of Black fashion has launched, making space for and exploring the talents of Black designers, photographers and creatives in the industry. The first issue of Black Fashion Fair: Volume 0: Seen is out today. The essence of the Black fashion image is reinvented through the lens of those in the community with a collection of special editorials.
Grégory says that for Black designers to thrive they need spaces, fellowship and community. Black Fashion Fair is a representation of all of those things. I wanted to make sure that we had something that documented and preserved Black fashion, style, and culture.
The arrival of the publication was announced in September of 2021, building anticipation and fostering a community of Black talents and those they inspire. The debut issue features three cover stars, each shot by budding Black photographers who have recently carved a name for themselves in the luxury space: Maria Borges and Aleya Ali, respectively shot by AB + DM, and Joan Smalls shot by Quil Lemons.
Black Fashion Fair: Volume 0: Seen is a coffee table-style book that tells the stories of Kerby Jean-Raymond’s historic Pyer Moss couture 001 collection and Edvin Thompson’s Theophilia. Grégory wanted to take into account the cultural and artistic production emerging through Black designers and Black image-makers. I wanted to make sure I gave them agency. They have never had the privilege of having their image over.
Grégory sought those who shared his vision and excitement about the future of Black fashion and its overarching role within the industry as a whole. I wanted to work with people who were excited.
Grégory’s contributors include those on the rise just as much as established talents. Quil Lemons is known for his beautiful photographic exploration of Black communities.
The first volume of the black fashion fair.
Lemons says the launch of Black Fashion Fair is a sign of hope. I had to be a part of it.
The landmark publication aims to build and preserve history, with essays, interviews and visual stories conveying Black representation in fashion, and what it means to be seen in a tangible manner. Our contributions should be documented and preserved.
The first volume of the Black Fashion Fair is out.
images: Another
source: Another
