Browne and Sumney
The sudden worldwide shift to Digital Fashion Weeks has engendered confusion and ambivalence among designers and fashion brands, particularly in regards to the content of their promotional videos.
The sudden worldwide shift to Digital Fashion Weeks has engendered confusion and ambivalence among designers and fashion brands, particularly in regards to the content of their promotional videos. The general conflict has been whether such videos should be visually appealing presentations or explorations of the inner workings of these fashion labels. Thom Browne appears to have chosen the former, as his newest video is that of musician Moses Sumney performing while wearing a white sequin wrap skirt from the upcoming Spring 2021 collection. Despite this video’s minimalist setting, Brown has striven to create a project that embodies innovation and artistry.
Sumney became acquainted with Browne at the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscars after-party while wearing a skirt suit by the designer. They developed rapport with each other over the course of several more fashion events, leading Browne to then propose his film idea to Sumney. Sumney, enamored with the 1924 Olympics-style skirt, eagerly agreed to the project—on the caveat that he would direct it.
Sumney’s involvement with the film perfectly complemented Browne’s grand artistic vision, as he brought local talent to a major fashion brand. He recruited a film crew in Asheville, including a personal friend debuting as a producer. Sumney comes from a humble background himself, and therefore he understands the struggle of navigating the glamor and exclusivity of the fashion industry while underprivileged. By employing a local film crew, he hopes to encourage major brands to extend opportunities to lesser-known creators.
Sumney also ponders the cultural implications of a black man proudly outfitted in high fashion especially during a time of such racial tumult. He contrasts his statuesque black body gleaming in the spotlight with the toppling of statues that deify America’s racist historical figures. Sumney admires the film’s subtle brilliance and gladly anticipates the discussion of race that will undoubtedly arise from audiences after viewing the final product.
Photo credit: https://www.vogue.com/article/moses-sumney-thom-browne-film
Report: Nia Hunt
The Music I Can’t Stop Listening To
From R&B bops to Afrobeats, these four selections have been playing nonstop since they were released! Hopefully they’ll get me through the rest of #QuarantineSummer #Afrobeats #Instamusic #SummerBops #DanceHall #Soul #HipHop #Streaming #PoloG #Future #UziVert #MosesSumney
Rema Photo Credit: Medium
Nigerian rapper and singer, Divine Ikubor (Rema), recently released a song entitled “Beamer (Bad Boys). This song channels a lighter, more R&B-infused vibe similar to that of Mr. Eazi, Maleek Berry and a few other Afrobeats artists. Featured on this track is international singer, Becky G. I literally can’t stop listening to it!
Future Photo Credit: Sneaker Report
Future’s new album, “High Off Life” is what gen z would describe as “a whole mood.” Despite the Quarantine we’re all experiencing as a result of COVID-19, this album has plenty of songs that feature the artists we love hearing on the radio during summer; Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Baby and Drake to name a few.
Sumney Photo Credit: Genius
Alternative artist Moses Sumney released “grae,” an album consisting of a series of short songs that lean more into his alternative sound than R&B. More importantly, he managed to get Jill Scott to feature on a song and sampled her song, “Cross My Mind.” This is the music I listen to when I’m just wanting to relax with my beverage of choice, likely on a Saturday evening.
Polo G Photo Credit: Hot New Hip Hop
Polo G is a rapper that I recently discovered and whose music I absolutely love. In his recent album, “The Goat,” the artist manages to merge both meaningful, heartfelt songs with the lighthearted summer bops we all want to blast in the car after leaving a day party. Whenever I want a boost, this album is my go-to.
Report: Julian Alexander Randall
At the rise of Covid-19 many of us first questioned the timeline of fashion week and would we see the regular calendar continue - the question weighed over many of us for months! It was refreshing to see design houses and designers across the globe take advantage of the uncertainty and plow into production mode - thus my interest in Jerri Reid New York - The Black Designer based in Brooklyn New York wow’d instagram with his latest collection paying homage to the Black Is King film which debuted earlier this year in July. I was taken aback at quick of a turn round the young designer produced and released his well crafted designs reflecting some of the films most memorable moments.