Black Girl Fest Studios’ Post

PSA: There are groundbreaking Black fashion designers who didn't get their due recognition in history. While many of these designers have been instrumental in defining fashion epochs, their stories and influence often remain untold. Their remarkable contributions underscore the importance of diverse voices in shaping the fashion landscape. To ensure more inclusive recognition for Black fashion designers, we can: • Educate & Advocate: Incorporate the stories of Black designers in fashion curriculum and industry discussions. • Support & Collaborate: Actively collaborate with Black designers, offering them platforms and opportunities to showcase their work. • Celebrate Diversity: Organize events, exhibitions, and shows dedicated to highlighting the work of minority designers. • Amplify Voices: Share and promote the works and achievements of Black designers on social media and industry publications. It's vital for the fashion industry to recognize and celebrate every designer's unique vision and contributions. By understanding our past, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and representative future. Dive into the work and stories of these influential designers in The Guardian gallery: https://lnkd.in/gNnTQyee #FashionHistory #DiversityInFashion #FashionDesigners

This Black History Month, I choose to get off the sidelines and commit 30% of whatever I make to a black-owned small business, a black creator, and a foundation that directly impacts the black community. I’m calling this commitment “Circle 30.” Circle 30 is a personal pledge that I’m making public and building a creative concept around because I believe too often we dismiss our ideas as unworthy to stand by with the full weight of our convictions and stifle our opportunities to impact the world for the better. As activism, allyship, and diversity and inclusion efforts fall out of favor for brands, businesses, and industry leadership, the plight of Black Americans moves from a truth to contend with to an interpretation to dismiss in favor of one more preferred. In a report done by the US Department of Labor, researchers projected the complete erasure of Black Americans' net worth within the next thirty years if we continue on this trajectory. I refuse to contribute to that trend when it’s within my capacity to do otherwise. If you’d like to support head to the link below 👇🏾. #blackhistorymonth #blackcommunity #communitybuilding #marketing #advertising https://lnkd.in/ehKdDRnz

It is crucial to debunk the misconception of a beauty standard when it comes to celebrating the nature of Black beauty. "The Myth of the Monolithic Beauty Standard" directly addresses this outdated belief and advocates, for an expansive definition. Through this article we aim to shed light on the array of beauty questioning the limited perspectives that have dominated mainstream narratives for far too long. https://lnkd.in/eM4CD8qC

“The expectation that Black women be gracious and deferential in the face of flagrant hostility is one of the most dehumanizing aspects of Black public life” 👀One of the many impossible standards and double-binds that Women of Colour face, especially when they can be visibly othered based on the colour of their skin. 🗣️One way to try to dismantle this is to highlight these incidents and have honest conversations about racism. This needs to be done side-by-side with active changes in structural barriers and organisation policy and practice (from governments to film festival organisers). DM me if you want to discuss how this can be done at your organisation or to share your experiences and expertise by volunteering or collaborating with Women of Colour Australia. ✊🏽Together, we can make a difference. https://lnkd.in/gEUsKEEG

Don’t compliment my work, acknowledge the value I bring, and then tell me my prices are too high. As a graphic designer and #creativeentrepreneur, one of the most frustrating things about running a business is having a potential client tell me that my prices don’t match “what other designers in the area charge” while also complimenting my work and acknowledging what value I bring. It’s one thing to tell me that you cannot pay what I charge or that your budget is not aligned, or even to ask for a breakdown of my quote (that’s fine), but don’t insult my value by undermining my prices. If YOU truly don’t believe that my services are not worth $$$ that’s fine. If I get a quote that I can’t afford, I don’t try to neg the service provider😂 #blackart #blackentrepreneur #blackhistorymonth And yes I’m tagging this under Black History Month, because why not pay a Black female creative pro what she’s worth?

Happy Juneteenth everyone! ✊ I'm currently watching a really inspiring Netflix documentary about the creation of the first Black Barbie. It's a great reminder of the power of representation. Seeing yourself reflected in the world around you is so important, and that's a big reason why my portrait art focuses on celebrating Black beauty in all its forms. What are your thoughts on representation? Share your stories in the comments! #Juneteenth #BlackArt #RepresentationMatters

How Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter” Reimagines Black Storytelling Beyoncé's "act II" with the "Renaissance" album " CowBoy Carter" and her "ivy park rodeo" drop that launched 4 years ago has the internet buzzing this week! It was right in front of us this whole time!! Beyond the fashion and music, there's a deeper story unfolding. It's a revival of Black cultural ownership and a powerful reclamation of narratives stolen from us. ✊🏾 For centuries, Black contributions to country music and Western wear have been downplayed or erased. Now, we're seeing a new generation, like Beyoncé, proudly embracing their inner cowboy and cowgirl. This isn't just a trend; it's a reclamation of our heritage and a celebration of Black joy in unexpected spaces. Here's what we can learn from Beyonce’s Act II": Storytelling with Soul: Beyoncé's visuals will be rich with symbolism, weaving together historical references with modern interpretations. This layered storytelling invites us to connect with the past, present, and future of Black culture. Beyond the Product: "Act II - Cowboy Carter" isn't just selling songs; it's selling a feeling, a connection to a BROADER narrative. This approach allows brands to build deeper relationships with their audience. Community Building: By celebrating Black ownership of the Western aesthetic, Beyoncé strengthens the Black community. Brands can use storytelling to foster similar connections within their own communities. Let's spread the story! We can amplify Black voices by: Supporting Black-owned businesses in fashion, music, and storytelling. Sharing historical accounts of Black contributions to country music and Western culture. Demanding diverse representation in media and advertising campaigns. Think about all the other cultures with untold stories. Dig deep, my friends. Together, we can rewrite the narrative. Let's use storytelling to celebrate Black excellence YEAR AROUND, honor our history, and build a more meaningful future. #BlackExcellence #CulturalReclamation #ActII #Beyonce #marketing #campaigns #Socialtrends #cowboycarter #socialmedia

🖤 Ever Wonder Why We Chose Black? 🌟 Why does our brand embrace black when others use a rainbow of colors? 🤔 Ever wondered what makes black our signature choice?, discover the story behind our unique design. 🌌✨ 🔹 Why Black? Uncover the reason behind our striking black . 🔹 See Beyond the Color and explore what black signifies for us. 🔹 Tap to Reveal the secrets behind our iconic theme and how it sets us apart! 🔍🔥 👀 Curious? Join us in unveiling the true essence of our design choices. Your answers are just a click away! 🚀💡 if you know the reason do dm us on our insta handle or comment down below #BrandStory #DesignSecrets #BlackElegance #WhyBlack #ExploreTheMystery

“If any female feels she need anything beyond herself to legitimate and validate her existence, she is already giving away her power to be self-defining, her agency.” Bel Hooks “Release and Resilience” Acrylic and Mixed Media On Dibond 50 x 70 cm Available through the curators at Black British Art: “Our Sisters” - see previous post. You need to zoom in as photographing the blues was tricky. The work, another part of my Reclamation series, not only suits issues raised during Black History Month, but it is also part of my navigation to celebrate myself. It is an integral part of black well-being to stop for a moment and release.The peace that we find is a reminder that we, too, belong in all spaces and that we should claim that peace where we can. Caring for ourselves is an act of resistance. It’s important to remember that we can stretch; push our minds to their utmost potential despite ongoing obstacles faced. The modus operandi in the painting is my interpretation of Yemayá, the Yoruba orisha of motherhood and the sea. As one of the oldest and widely known orisha (powerful, primordial spiritual entities associated with the elements), Yemayá is known for her nurturing love, emotional healing, help with fertility, and protective energies. I adorned her hair heavily with the freedom of water. Hair means something different to each of us, but Black hair has a uniquely meaningful history as a symbol of survival, resistance and celebration. Research shows: Black women’s hair is two-and-a-half times more likely to be perceived as unprofessional. More than half of the Black women surveyed felt like they had to wear their hair straight in a job interview to be successful. Two-thirds reported that they had changed their hair for a job interview. The @thehalocode is designed to protect employees against Black hair discrimination in the workplace. The exhibition, by appointment only, continues until 27/10/23 at Willkie Farr and Gallagher. #healing #groupexhibition #connect #curatorselection #blackwomanempowered #africandiasporaart #femaleempowerment #art #diversity #visualjourney #blackhistorymonth

As a Black woman cinematographer, it feels like a slap in the face to attend events curated for Black women in Creative/Media Roles and not see Black women behind the camera. It has become a norm and a huge issue for myself, other women, and non-binary creatives to see the lack of representation at events for us. Before you comment, "It's who you know," "It's the references," or "It's the agencies we hire.”, do know that the excuses are unacceptable. With the number of different agencies and communities centered on getting women, specifically Black women with cameras, hired, it seems that these brands only think we are good enough to market to but not hire. What is the reason? Is it all a facade? How do you claim you are "For the culture and community," but your hiring seems to tell a different story? Let's talk about it. Also, let me shout out a few of my favorite organizations and production houses that have a goal of placing BIPOC women and non-binary creatives in these roles and can be a great resource on this journey. Feel free to share other organizations & production houses we should know about!✨ Black Women Photographers Made In Her Image third & wonder production house Ladibug Studios