All Bein’ Well…

My work is heavily influenced by my fascination with the multi-layeredness of heritage, culture and memory and how this works itself into fashion. In this project, many shapes, motifs colours and textures were taken from my nana's home over the years as documented in photographs. I strive to constantly find beauty in the ordinary, less popularised or mainstream elements of my culture and celebrate the journeys of those who participate within it.

All bein’ well explores my Jamaican heritage, referencing cultural elements in both Jamaica and the UK in order to create a space to play with masculine identities. Two crucial influences were the post-Windrush phenomena of the Caribbean front room and the style of dress that emerged from the Jamaican reggae and dancehall scenes. My family was a huge source of inspiration and with many strong female figures to look up to, I have incorporated elements of their style into my work to create a new image of Jamaican male flamboyance. With these themes of nostalgia, fluidity, belonging and comfort, the project questions of society's view of black men and the lack of space that this view leaves for vulnerability and openness.