AFROPUNK Fashion | Brooklyn 2017

AFROPUNK is a festival notorious for it's impeccable fashion game. Internationally, people await the various looks that will be presented at this conscious carnival; and for good reasons. Thinking about the way black culture is isolated from the fashion industry, AFROPUNK provides an outlet for that to thrive. Here we see all the aspects of blackness through fashion; as resistance and liberation. Black folks come to this festival strategically planning their outfit. From alternating to thrift store hunting, online ordering and distressing, we put work into our look. The fashion is no joke! The space we take at AFROPUNK is important and we treat it accordingly. Just as we respect each other highly at this festival, we also respect the intention  and effort, put into what we wear on the grounds.

While at the Brooklyn Fest this year, I captured some of the weekend looks. Black expression is one that is heavily policed daily; so to see so many of us in one place being fashionable and free was priceless. Reflecting on the barriers I break in terms of fashion rules: wearing my skirt "too short", "aggressive" lipstick colors and  an afro, is my way of flipping the bird to the constant policing. From work to toxic social norms, people categorize who can wear what. They say how someone can sport their hair styles. They decide when a trend is fashion forward or "ghetto". These are all jabs at blackness and we are not here for it.

At AFROPUNK we took down the barriers. We looked amazing. The sea of black magic and joy was overwhelming. Much of that is due to us having the autonomy to dress how we want at this place, with whatever color hair we want, whatever belly or hair out and ultimately as our true selves, that's typically downplayed for survival. The people who broke gender binaries, feminine norms and made political statements all flourished that weekend. Take a look at all the black beauty. Let's celebrate this black excellence.

 

 

 

 

AFROPUNK 2016

So Afropunk is officially my favorite event. I went last year and had a good time. I went this year and had a great time! Afropunk is literally a space I fantasize about my reality looking like. Being surrounded by so many beautiful black people that love their blackness is utopia. Black women loved on each other. Black men broke gender norms. Folks came as they are and were accepted. Afropunk is a safe space for the black community. It reminds our world that we aren't any less black because we wear unusual hair, clothes and listen to alternative music. There is so much room for power and acceptance in that space and I'm always going to support Afropunk.


Aside from turning up to dope performances, there's so much going on at afropunk. The activism that happens in Afropunk connects organizers that want to free black folks. Seeing all the beautiful art and words expressed on behalf of the movement encouraged me. It reminded me that folks are working endlessly to liberate ourselves.

 

The merchandise section had all sorts of gorgeous pieces. Artists were making rings on site! Folks had their face dotted or masked! Sexy black men took pictures with women on a big pink couch! Basically, everyone had a bunch of options for what they could do or buy at the merchandise section.

Then of course: the beer gardens! I enjoyed Pinot Grigio and Rosé. I appreciate these beer gardens because they're great for starting up conversations. There's room to sit and rest your feet after all the standing and dancing. And of course: um drinks!

So many amazing artist were at Afropunk. Having to choose between who to see was literally some of the hardest decisions I made in my life. However, I made my decision and stand by it! I got the honor to witness a great show from The Vee Vees and Sate, two artists I saw at the Afropunk at Lincoln Center and were amazing both times. I also saw Tyler The Creator and now have the hugest crush. Other performers I saw was Gallant who's extremely passionate, Kelela who's a goddess and The Internet who is vulnerable and loving. All these artists gave me life! They charmed at how black and beautiful the crowd was. The music was great and I can't believe the line up was filled with so many artists I know and love. I would be lying if I said I'm not upset at missing Earl Sweatshirt and Janelle Monae, but I'm extremely happy I saw all those talents.

Let's talk about all the slaying done in the fashion department! From the gorgeous hair to the beautiful prints down to the sheer and lace, people came out and showed out. All the colorful afros was my favorite part. I also smiled at all the men and male passing folks who wore a crown of flowers.

As far as the food trucks went, I have one word: empanadas.


I truly can't express how wonderful Afropunk is and why it's such an important space for me. As my friends and I were exiting Sunday night, one said she wished Afropunk happened once a month. It is an essential space for the black community. I met people who traveled across the country just to be there. Black girl magic flourished at the turn ups. All in all, Afropunk was amazing and I'm already excited for next year.