Black Fashion Designers Exhibit at the F.I.T Museum

While we were in New York, we visited the museum at the FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) and their current exhibition: Black Fashion Designers, which is open until 16th May 2017. The exhibition explores the rise of generations of black fashion designers from African and African American influences. It is clear throughout the exhibition that despite all being categorised for their race, each of the designers put on display portrayed a different voice.

During the Civil Rights Movement, African America was incredibly influential, especially in music, such as disco. Therefore, black designers quickly adapted to the disco trend/lifestyle and worked in a sexy, disco-influences style. Slowly but surely, the talents of black designers became to be recognised during the 70's, as well as the visibility of black models. These black designers found success leading large fashion houses, such as Burberry, Paco Rabanne and Lafayette 148.

I personally really enjoyed the exhibition, because the history and work of black designers is something I've never really thought about before. I quickly realised that they are more recognisable than I originally realised. For example, outfits exhibited included work from Burberry and Balmain, which is currently popular in today's society, especially with celebrity endorsement from the likes of the Kardashian-Jenners', Brooklyn Beckham and Cara Delevingne. And also dresses which Michelle Obama has worn, such the red Tracy Reese dress that she wore for James Cordon's Carpool Karaoke.

One problem I did have though, was the fact that the majority of mannequins were white. In my opinion I felt like the point of celebrating black fashion designers was missed partly by how the garments were displayed.

Georgia.xo