SVENSCHUSTER EVERGREEN B.A. Graduate collection “We Are Africa” SS14
Saturday, October 26, 2013The B.A. Graduate collection “We Are Africa“,
consisting of twelve menswear outfits, depicts a view on the modern and
innovative African subcultures and societies from the Subsahara. The
starting point for this collection was a lot of excitement surrounding
the potential of taking inspiration from a continent as vast and diverse
as Africa. Unfortunately, the sad truth that the
“developed world” has in mind about Africa is part of an awful reality:
AIDS, civil wars, corruption, poaching, refugees or economic crisis but
also a lot of stereotypes. Instead, this collection should open up a
positive dialogue about Africa to vanguard opinions, theories, artworks,
cultural activities and music from a handful of the 54 contries which
compose this amazing continent. Inspired by a fascinating juxtaposition
of South African subcultures, artists and craftsmen like Chéri Samba,
Romuald Hazoumè or Tété Azankpo, music by Die Antwoord, Buraka Som
Sistema and L.V., the exceptional African solidarity, subsaharian nature
and school as well as sports uniforms, these collections put emphasis
on the modern, innovative, creative, for the most maybe unknown, Africa.
After a research trip to Southern Africa, this excitement and
anticipation stems from the idea that Africa has the possibility of
presenting the world with the opportunity to progress in a way that we
might not be privy to in the west. Traditional tailoring mixed up with
cool sports- and streetwear aesthetics crafted from high-quality and
luxurious fabrics reflect in somehow the unique sense of African beauty
and pride. It is about shaking off the history, moving constantly
forward, removing all stereotypes, changing circumstances, developing
new concepts and improving the passion for progress, unity and
exceptionalism. It is about the fact that in somehow “We Are Africa”,
too – so, serve, strive and never yield.
Via SHADDERS.
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