The Queen and her people approached me and said it is June 19th, 2250. You, from the old world, are my ancestor. We are the Melanocyte tribe. Strength lies within our melanin. Each tone has a superpower that is activated when we are unified. We are powerless otherwise. Our tribal markings let us know we belong to each other in the divine picture of Life. Willie can't lynch our minds anymore. Bring back these pieces to the old world, empower our people with the truth. You are free. You've awakened to the kissing of the sun.” -Bev
The Melanocyte Tribe is a collection that has been sitting with my spirit for almost a year now. I was waiting for the best time and platform to debut it. As soon as the organizers of the Central Florida Juneteenth Festival reached out to me in April, I knew it was the perfect time to manifest it.
First and foremost, the 2-day festival took place in the heart of Eatonville, one of Florida’s only surviving black towns. That alone has its own special magic. My fashion show was scheduled to be apart of the 2nd -day’s (Sunday) festivities.
*Above Photo Courtesy of Central Florida Juneteenth Festival *
Beginning the collection with a crowned Queen and ending with a crowned King, I knew that I created something special. Like I mentioned above, the tribe’s attire represents all the beautiful shades of melanated beings. They combat colorism with their unity which is signified by each of them holding a piece to the puzzle, their tribal marking. Each of them has superpowers that are ignited by the sunlight through their tribal marking. However if at any time, there is a disbanding or disruption in their unity, they are powerless.
Creating a summer collection just seemed right so on time, so you will see many organic, draped but polished halter tops, bra tops, and vests in this collection. I wanted to be sure to create pieces that were impactful, trendy and practical.
You will see one of my aesthetic constants, the panels, throughout this collection as well. Materials included faux suede (woven and stretch), felt and twill fabrics. There is a lot of fine detail in these pieces if you truly look at all the different shapes of puzzles and how they are laid on the tops.
Special thanks to:
QWithTheCamera, my photographer.
Models in walking order: Taesian (Queen), Alexa, Monique, Alexus, Brandon, Jasmine, Issa, Melody, and Joseph (King).
VirtuousIssa, my makeup assistant
OptahFineJewels, my jewelry designer
Jonathan, my show assistant
Linzay (Rebel), fashion show organizer
The Central Florida Juneteenth Festival Committee
City of Eatonville
