News release Black in Fashion
October 20 2009
Black in Fashion - A stunning exhibition of styled images created to celebrate Black History month and raise awareness of the lack of black representation within the fashion industry – will be unveiled at Southampton Solent University’s Concourse Gallery on Monday 26 October.
The University’s Media and Fashion Stylists have teamed up members of the city’s black community and photographer Chris Lee, to produce anexhibition of styled images reflecting the sitters’ stylistic aspirations. Stylists and sitters drew inspiration from the sartorial styles of their own black icons - including Grace Jones, Tina Turner, Lauren Hill and James Brown.
Sharon Lloyd, Senior Lecturer in Fashion Theory and Practice, worked with community member Judith Saunders. “There were very few iconic black females in the media when I was growing up, so Tina Turner always grabbed my attention”, said Sharon. “We devised a look that reflected what we both felt was her most empowering - that of female warrior Aunty Entity in the futuristic 1985 film Mad Max Beyond the Thunderdome.”
Black in Fashion follows the hugely successful ‘Black Heroes’ catwalk show held at Southampton Guildhall last May – where students created a collection by fusing the sartorial styles of black icons.
“Despite heightened awareness, there is still scope for fashion magazines, designers and advertisers to work with more black models and to adequately represent the black communities. The fashion show and now this exhibition are an excellent way of encouraging our students to consider the issues”, says Media and Fashion Styling Course Leader, Jennifer Anyan.
The exhibition will be officially opened on October 26th from 6-8pm. Admission is free and music and refreshments will be provided. If you would like attend email events@solent.ac.uk|| or Tel. 023 8031 9038.
Black in Fashion will run at Southampton Solent University’s Concourse Gallery, East Park Terrace until January 29 2010.
Picture - Judith Saunders, styled by Sharon Lloyd, make-up by Lottie Davies, photography by Chris Lee.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE MEDIA OFFICE ON 023 8031 9040