Ebonics

Ebonics is a black symphony. A riff on exoticism - echoing through the ballrooms of the Harlem Renaissance. Seventies decadence reprises early 19th century representations of the Other via Chanel and Poiret but with an immediacy of the street. Carl Van Vechten’s portraits of homosexuality entwine with the tones of Langston, the gentle elegance of synchronised lovers, the music of spoken word is all there. 

Ebonics is a collection that unravels elements of formalwear with a rhythm disturbed by bejewelled visions of femininity. Deep tones of crushed velvet in mushroom, chocolate and indigo instantly become luxurious flares with hand embroidered cowrie shells and crystals by Swarovski. Wales Bonner’s signature top stitched denim is made formal in pinstripes, with an ivory raw silk cummerbund and creamrose pearls.

REFERENCES

Baldwin, James. (1956) Giovanni’s Room. New York: Dial Press
Baraka, Amiri. (1970) In Our Terribleness. USA: Bobbs-Merrill Company, inc
Césaire, Aimé. (1995) Notebook of a Return to the Native Land. Newcastle Upon Tyne: Bloodaxe Books
Ellison, Ralph. (1995) Invisible Man. New York: Vintage International
Hemphill, Essex. (1989) Excerpt from Looking for Langston. London: BFI
Hughes, Langston. (2004) Vintage Hughes. New York: Vintage Books
Kalu, Uchechi. (2006) Flowers Blooming Against a Bruised Grey Sky. Seattle: Whit Press
Okri, Ben. (1999) Mental Fight. London: Phoenix House
Riggs, Marlon. (1989) Excerpt from Tongues Untied. USA: Frameline
Soyinka, Wole. (1975) Poems of Black Africa. New York: Hill and Wang