Fashion Capital - Black British style

Black British style

Eye Spy with my little eye... Kyrsty Hazell gives you updates on things to do, see and wear this month. Enjoy. Get down with ya bad self and take a trip through history Black British style...

Eye Spy with my little eye... Kyrsty Hazell gives you updates on things to do, see and wear this month. Enjoy.

Ask anyone living in Britain what they associate with Black British style, and the words rapper couture, hip hop style of the bling bling and baggy trousers would come to mind.

Although this has become aparent throughout the years, with influences from well established black rappers such as PDiddy and London based new comer Dizzee Rascal, it is also infleunced by its cultural inheritage and history. Black style has dramatically reshaped the visual landscape of Britain over the past 50 years.

Black people are no longer the social group who turn heads on the streets of Britain, they are now noticed more for their attention to detail in the art of dressing has highlighted a variety of style performances among men, women and children across the country.

Take one look at pictures of the flamboyant Shirley Bassey and many other old school black idols back in the day, and it is clear to see that black style hasnt and doesnt always rely on logo-ed sports wear and brands.What has come to define â€˜black British styleâ€™ is the rich creative mix of reference they have to hand: styles from the African diaspora; English clothing labels; general cultural influences; historical roots; and the impact of cultural difference or empathy.

In Britain there is the space for black people to wear these elements in a myriad of combinations. The black British body can devise its own distinct visual identity and continually say something new about the place of black people in Britain.

Still not convinced? Well why not take a trip down to the Victoria and Albert Museum and give yourself a history lesson through the wonderful world of black couture. Which opened on 7 October 2004, Black British Style focuses on dress, fashion and styling across all aspects of black British culture and life. It looks at black dress from the 1950s, everyday clothes, traditional clothing, Sunday dressing for church, contemporary street style and fashion from black music and dance.

A section looks at 'respect' and the importance and meaning of black pride. The exhibition is designed by Adjaye Associates and will also feature photographs and film footage from all over the UK. Many contemporary black personas base their image on their roots and upbringing which many white people have been afraid to do in the past.

The way they represent themselves have changed the face and perceptions of black culture and their fashion style, and this is portrayed at the Black British Style exhibition at the V&A. So, go take a look as you'll be amazed at what you will learn.

V&A

SW7 Opens Oct 7, 0207 942 2000

www.vam.ac.uk

Kyrsty Hazell

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