Magazine


Vibrant, trendy and black

by Conrad Astley
7/ 7/2005

THE FIRST exhibition to look at the styles brought into British culture by the UK's black community is opening in Manchester.

Black British Style charts the major impact which the fashions of black people have had over the last half-century.

The exhibition looks at styles worn by some of the first immigrants from Africa and the Caribbean in the 1950s, through to outfits worn by R&B group MisTeeq on its Scandalous single.

Other highlights include trainers from drum and bass star Goldie's collection, Soul 2 Soul singer Jazzie B's outfit in the Back To Life video, traditional African garments and clothes worn by Guyana-born writer and academic Dr Beryl Gilroy when she arrived in Britain in the early 50s.

The exhibition, which has been organised by London's Victoria And Albert Museum, also features rare photographs and film footage, along with work which has come out of Manchester.

It has been divided into various sections, including Respect Yourself - looking at the politics of black pride - Calling Rastafari Hallelu-Jah - showing how the Rastafarian religion has influenced black British style - and Fix Up Look Sharp - dealing with fashions associated with music styles such as hip hop and dancehall reggae.

Win The Lost At Any Cost will look at clothes worn for church and mosque attendance, while It's Good To Have The Feeling You're The Best is about dressing for special occasions.

Black British Style is at Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, until September 4.


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