Beth Gibbs is the creative mastermind behind popular L.A. menswear brand 'Union,' but in 2018 she is setting her focus on the LGTBQ+ community and women of color with an African culture streetwear collection. The presentation took place in the Underground Museum's Purple Garden, where attendees did not only get to marvel at the primitivist and absolute ethical beauty in Gibbs's design, but also were free to explore the establishment's ongoing 'Artists of Color' Show.
In an attempt to show "women, especially black women, through the lens of a woman," the collaboration between Gibbs's Bephie label and the No Sesso brand by Pierre Davis fosters a welcoming and youthful environment. Perhaps drawing inspiration form the entertainment industry as well, the "decidedly avant-garde" African culture streetwear is depicted by Vogue as something that could be "worn by art school kids in Wakanda"-- a definite reference to the recent blockbuster Black Panther.
Photo Credits: Bephie and No Sesso
African Culture Streetwear
Bephie x No Sesso Celebrates Women of Color & the LGBTQ+ Community
Trend Themes
1. African Culture Streetwear - Opportunity for fashion brands to explore and celebrate intersectional identities through art, culture, and streetwear fashion.
2. Representation in Fashion - Opportunity for fashion brands to represent marginalized communities and create inclusive designs for diversity and representation in fashion.
3. Artistic and Ethical Design - Opportunity for fashion brands to design with ethical and aesthetic values in mind, incorporating art and cultural references to create unique and meaningful pieces.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Industry - Fashion companies can use this trend as inspiration to create collections that represent and celebrate diversity in fashion.
2. Art and Culture Industry - Art and culture organizations can showcase and celebrate the intersection of art, culture, and fashion to highlight and empower marginalized identities.
3. Marketing Industry - Marketing agencies can use this trend to create campaigns and initiatives that champion and highlight marginalized communities, diversity, and representation.