In my work, I explore my Jamaican heritage, referencing cultural elements in both Jamaica and the UK in order to create a space to play with masculine identities. For this project, 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 flamboyancy. 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.
Photography of above: Emily White, William Sousa
Models: David Alajiki, Kaine Alleyne, Jordan Lambert, Lewis Williams
Assistants: Olivia Williams, Lola Fried-Jones
All bein’ well is a celebration of Caribbean culture in its many forms translated into my specialisms of menswear and print design. My prints were developed from old photos of family holidays and patterns found in my nana’s upholstery and furniture.