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.

 

 

 

 

CURLFEST 2017

 

What can I call a festival full of gorgeous black people, culture and hair? Perhaps lifestyle goals? What words are fit to describe black folks flourishing in our truth? CURLFEST was everything from black girl magic to black boy joy. CURLFEST was black expression and community. CURLFEST, ultimately was a vibe. There were vendors, creatives, celebrity guests and a plethora of curly, coiled and kinky  hair. 

 

@kikikikheanu @steph_def

@tarapook

 

Upon arriving at CURLFEST I was struck with the many vendors promoting original content that was unapologetically black. With black themed t-shirts from Blacktag Apparel and jewelry and clothing from TheOFactory, people in attendance definitely had options in merchandise. We can only support black business If we know who they are. Check out some of these great companies and get blackity black. 

After passing the vendors I passed by the games. The Black Card Revoked table was a lot of fun. We were in the music category and had fun signing some throwback tracks. I won't tell you how many times my card was revoked, but just know I'm pretty damn black. 

 

 

Now I have to mention DJ C.Devone! She brought the party during her jam session! I love seeing not only women DJs, but one of color, controlling the music at a function. There was a big dance circle created. Black girls had dance offs, babies cheered and boys put in that footwork. The hosts at the Curlfest stage shouted out various nations in Africa and the West Indies (needless to say Haitians got the most hype, no bias intended). 

 

@djcdevone

 

 

It was my first year going to CURLFEST and I was not disappointed! The energy was great; plenty of smiles, compliments, and basking in the magic. So many ladies styled their afros especially nice for this event. I saw crowns of flowers, gold cuffs and wire, blue and green fros and just many styles curated with black in mind. There were also many gorgeous outfits and great t-shirts on the fellas; they didn't come to play. Although many crept on the ladies, many others came for the celebration of our hair.

 

 

 

I got had the pleasure to interview a few creative about CURLFEST. I asked them why they loved CURLFEST and what their hair means to them. The responses made me smile. Also a huge shout out to Evelynfromtheinternets! 

 

@steph_def

@jessicahughee

@afrovocative

@evelynfromtheinternets

 

 

 

 

What did I miss? The fact that Shea Moisture's representative got on stage and said a weird haphazard statement in regards to their latest controversy and CURLFEST messed on the bag distributing. Spike Lee was also there showing love to Brooklyn and leading a discussion. The Black Girl Podcast crew also came out and said hey to their supporters and !'m so bummed I missed them! It was a fun day and like Youtuber Jessie Hughee said "I feel like this is a big picnic"! Thank you, CURLFEST for a great first time and I look forward to plugging in in the near future.