Black Men and Fashion
Jorrie Muniz - Creative
Writer
Let’s face it—nothing compares to a sharp dressed man and African American men know how to do it and dress to the nines! Whether it was the rakish tilt of a black man's hat or the surprising red lining of a church deacon's white coat, flamboyance and innovation have been hallmarks of "black style." It's a way to project unique identity, dignity, exude power and give lie to the stereotypes endemic to the world in which they've lived.
The 1970s were a turning point for style—a "black is beautiful" mentality that grew naturally from the civil rights movement. Designer Stephen Burrows became the first African American designer with his own boutique in a major department store chain. Stephen Burrows was one of the first African-American designers to achieve international fame. Bursting on the fashion scene in the 1970s, he was known for vibrant colors and his signature lettuce hemline edges.
In 1976, Willi Smith created the popular Williwear, a colorful and youthful sportswear Line. His designs were featured in the Spike Lee Film, School Daze. Sadly, Willi Smith was lost to AIDS at age 39. He remains one of the most successful African-American fashion designers in history. Many of his outfits are current hot items in vintage clothing shops and on the net.
The fashion savvy sensibilities of tastemakers, from Cab Calloway 40's to Hip-Hop mogul, rapper, producer and clothing designer Sean "Diddy" Combs has ignited the imagination for decades.
The best presentation of any man; black, brown, red or otherwise is the representation of his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. A man who walks with the Lord is a wise, strong and totally equipped man—a man of true integrity, courage and love. A man who walks with Jesus is a real man by every measure of a man. See Related Features
Let’s face it—nothing compares to a sharp dressed man and African American men know how to do it and dress to the nines! Whether it was the rakish tilt of a black man's hat or the surprising red lining of a church deacon's white coat, flamboyance and innovation have been hallmarks of "black style." It's a way to project unique identity, dignity, exude power and give lie to the stereotypes endemic to the world in which they've lived.
The 1970s were a turning point for style—a "black is beautiful" mentality that grew naturally from the civil rights movement. Designer Stephen Burrows became the first African American designer with his own boutique in a major department store chain. Stephen Burrows was one of the first African-American designers to achieve international fame. Bursting on the fashion scene in the 1970s, he was known for vibrant colors and his signature lettuce hemline edges.
In 1976, Willi Smith created the popular Williwear, a colorful and youthful sportswear Line. His designs were featured in the Spike Lee Film, School Daze. Sadly, Willi Smith was lost to AIDS at age 39. He remains one of the most successful African-American fashion designers in history. Many of his outfits are current hot items in vintage clothing shops and on the net.
The fashion savvy sensibilities of tastemakers, from Cab Calloway 40's to Hip-Hop mogul, rapper, producer and clothing designer Sean "Diddy" Combs has ignited the imagination for decades.
The best presentation of any man; black, brown, red or otherwise is the representation of his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. A man who walks with the Lord is a wise, strong and totally equipped man—a man of true integrity, courage and love. A man who walks with Jesus is a real man by every measure of a man. See Related Features
Comment
-
Comment by Winnie on February 17, 2009 at 12:46pm -
My favorite well dressed African man is my Daddy. The man can dress! It can be a Nigerian traditional outfit or white linen suit on a warm summer’s day; he does it with style and does it well. There are times when he comes down stairs with an outfit that putts my mother’s attempt to dress to impress to shame. As a matter of fact, it is my dear old dad that picks out all of my mother’s handbags and jewelry. I thank him for his fashion sense he has passed on to my sisters and I. I also just thank God for him he is the Ultimate man.
© 2012 Created by 90Degreez.
You need to be a member of 90degreez - Fashion From a Right Angle to add comments!
Join 90degreez - Fashion From a Right Angle