Fashion trends often reflect the cultural zeitgeist of an era. Black culture has played a large part in setting and popularizing many styles over the decades.
During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, African-American artists merged surviving traditional clothing with modern fashion. The result was the iconic ‘Black Panther’ uniform.
Bucket Hats
The bucket hat is a stylish accessory that can be worn by both men and women. Its popularity has increased in recent years, thanks to its versatility and ability to elevate any outfit. Bucket hats are available in a variety of colors and styles, making it easy to find one that matches your style. They are also inexpensive, making them a great choice for anyone on a budget. In addition, they can protect you from the sun and make you look cool and stylish.
The resurgence of bucket hats has been fueled by the fashion industry, which is embracing this casual and functional headwear as a fashion trend. Many high-fashion brands are now producing bucket hats, including designer names like Gucci and Burberry. However, these hats are also available from more affordable stores such as H&M and Uniqlo.
Originally, the bucket hat was designed for functionality, with a rounded top and a floppy brim that provides 360 degrees of shade. It was a popular accessory in the 1960s and 1970s, when it became a symbol of youth rebellion. It was then embraced by the hip hop community, and rappers often wore them on album covers and in music videos.
A bucket hat is the perfect complement to any summer dress or skirt and shorts ensemble. It can also be worn with a suit or a sweater, depending on the occasion and the individual’s personal style. The hat is also a great way to add a bit of color and drama to an otherwise monochrome outfit.
While the resurgence of bucket hats is certainly a welcome trend, it is important to remember that this type of headwear may not be appropriate for every occasion. Bucket hats are not suitable for formal occasions, and they can make people appear juvenile or childish. Additionally, they can be difficult to wear while participating in strenuous activities, as they provide little ventilation.
Regardless of its origins, the bucket hat has become a staple in modern culture. It has been seen on the runways of fashion houses such as Christian Dior and Ralph Lauren, and it is a favorite accessory for street-style stars such as Rita Ora and Lucy Williams. As the world continues to move toward more sustainable and environmentally friendly clothing, it is likely that the bucket hat will continue to be a part of the fashion landscape.
African Prints
African print textiles have become an inspiration for many modern designers. These textiles are often used by fashion houses to create a variety of clothing items that are popular across the world. The unique designs and patterns that distinguish African prints make them stand out from other fabrics. They also have a lot of history behind them.
Aiwan Obinyan unwraps the problematic issues that surround how one fabric came to symbolise a whole continent despite being produced and owned by foreign companies in her evocative documentary, Wax Print (2018). She also discusses how these cloths carry a range of cultural meanings for women and are used as forms of non-verbal communication. Various motifs, colours and designs are woven into the cloths to communicate important information. These messages can be about political events, personalities, places, sayings and even the user’s social status.
The different patterns that are woven into these cloths are also given names that convey a message or have a historical significance. For example, a pattern named Nsu Bura is an Akan term for “water well” and evokes the idea of drawing water from a well. Another patterned cloth called Senchi Bridge is a reference to the suspension bridge on the Volta River in Ghana and Togo. Often, the names for these pieces of cloth are chosen because they remind the wearer of a special moment in their lives.
Another piece of African culture clothing is the dashiki, which is a pull-over robe worn by women in East and West Africa. It is traditionally made of cotton and can be worn for both formal and casual occasions. This style of clothing can also be used as a baby sling. It is common to see African celebrities wearing this type of garment.
The popularity of this African culture clothing item is growing rapidly across the globe. Many people are beginning to use these fabrics in their outfits, but they should be aware of the importance of acknowledging its origin. It is a shame that the designers of these clothes are often not aware of the rich history behind this beautiful fabric.
Black History Month Shirts
Black History Month is a time to recognize the important contributions that African Americans have made to this country. One of the most popular ways to honor these contributions is by wearing shirts that celebrate them. These shirts are not only stylish, but they also serve as a reminder of the great legacy that African Americans have left behind. These shirts are perfect for wearing any time of the year, but especially during Black History Month.
Many of the most popular trends that people wear today have roots in Black culture. The most obvious example of this is streetwear, which first became a fashion statement worn by minorities and hip-hop artists before being adopted and co-opted by high-end brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Other examples of fashion trends that have roots in Black culture are bucket hats, large hoop earrings, oversized clothing, and sneaker culture.
However, the appropriation of Black culture has not always been done with a positive intent. Many black people have felt their ideas stolen and their work misrepresented without credit or acknowledgment. While we are in a much better place now than in the past, it is still vital that fashion brands and designers recognize the significance of Black culture in their work.
During the Civil Rights Movement, black fashion was used as a way to show solidarity with African American leaders and activists. Many of these leaders and activists were adorned in symbolic clothing, accessories, and hairstyles to send a message to the world that black lives mattered and that the struggle for equality was not over.
Today, there are many fashion brands and designers who use their platforms to advocate for the recognition of Black culture in the fashion industry. Some of these brands, such as Dapper Dan and Bethann Hardison, are known for their edgy designs that blend luxury with streetwear. Others, such as the brand Brother Vellies, have taken it upon themselves to create a line of shoes and apparel that supports and elevates Black-owned businesses.
The shirts that these fashion icons and designers create have the potential to change the way that we look at black culture. The shirts are a great way to show support for Black Lives Matter and to remind people that we should remember black history all the time, not just during one month of the year.
Lupita Nyong’o’s Red Carpet Gowns
When 12 Years a Slave actress Lupita Nyong’o hit the red carpet, she brought a bold fashion style that few can rival. Her regal gowns have become a staple of awards season, and her latest look at the premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is no exception. The Oscar winner wowed in a vibrant purple custom Versace dress that perfectly matched the carpet. It featured spiky metallic armorlike accents that wrapped around her body and head. Her hair was pulled back into a tall, narrow bun with delicate gold accessories.
She wore this dramatic dress to the Los Angeles premiere on Monday night and stunned in front of her fans and fellow stars. During her time at the event, she also joined fellow actors Danai Gurira and Chadwick Boseman to introduce the film and celebrate its historic achievement.
Nyong’o is always dressed to impress when she hits the red carpet, and her sartorial choices are often inspired by the character she portrays. Her costumes for the movie’s press tour have been a mix of high-fashion couture and affordable pieces. Nyong’o’s stunning purple Prada dress is one of the highlights of her Oscars week wardrobe, but she’s also worn a gorgeous blue Giambattista Valli gown and a monochrome eggplant look.
The actress has a penchant for bright colors, as well. She donned an eye-catching copper Lanvin knee-length gown for the 2014 Screen Actors Guild Awards. She also looked stunning in a pale blue Prada gown at the 2013 Academy Awards. Nyong’o also wore a memorable orange Ralph Lauren gown to the 2014 NAACP Image Awards.
Nyong’o loves to wear dresses with interesting patterns and textures, as evidenced by her embroidered Balmain look from the 2019 Met Gala. She paired the piece with an embellished headband and strappy heels. The actress also sported this stunning chainmail Ralph and Russo dress at the premiere of Queen Katwe. She accessorized the look with a pair of black sunglasses and a crimson lip, which she created with two coats of Lancome’s Rouge Lipstick in Isabella. Her makeup artist Nick Barose added a subtle glow to her cheeks with the help of Glow Drops in Bronze Glow, and she kept her hair simple in a sleek updo.