ODE TO THE HOOD BLACK GIRLS: THE ORIGINATORS, THE CREATORS & THE INSPIRATION
For decades, Black women have been creating and setting the trends. However, their cultural expressions and aesthetic innovations have been continuously stolen by countless luxury brands such as Gucci and Mui Mui without proper acknowledgment, compensation, or representation. Despite their significant influence, Black women and girls have often been overlooked, exploited, or appropriated by mainstream fashion institutions.
Black women and girls have been at the forefront of shaping fashion trends across various style domains. From hairstyles, to clothing choices, jewelry, and even footwear, they have consistently contributed innovative and culturally rich elements to the fashion landscape. In the world of hairstyles, Black women have introduced and popularized a wide range of iconic looks, from afros, braids, intricate weaves, and natural curls. Pioneers in many of today's mainstream styles, Black women and girls influences can be seen from everyday streetwear to runway fashion. These fashion influences often showcased through intricate styles of bold, vibrant, playful patterns and colors.
The lack of equity in the fashion industry has left the creators behind the trends to continue to deal with the exclusion of wealth and resources in their communities and reinforced decades of perpetual racial stereotypes.
Who defines what is high fashion?
