My work testifies that African Americans are not just participants but leaders in shaping cultural norms. We innovate, inspire, and set trends.My designs incorporate the craftsmanship of quilting, puffer techniques, screen printing, and textile design with a vivid palette of AfriCOBRA like colors. These techniques embody a harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation and each creation is an expression of my vision as a designer and a reflection of my identity.
A significant influence in my work has been the punk culture that resonated with me since my youth. Since my time here at SAIC, I’ve found myself deeply contemplating the idea that hip hop is punk, this realization ignited a fresh wave of inspiration within my fashion designs. This influence has also driven me to craft a distinctive punk identity through my designs.
For my spring semester senior showcase, I am excited to present a collection that embodies a bold dialogue between conventional institutions, such as high schools and universities, and their imposed rules and uniforms. All of the plaids that you see in the collection are custom designed by me to fit my vibrant color palette; these unique plaids are called ‘MAX PLAID.’ This collection is more than just an act of rebellion, it’s a creation of my own school of thought in fashion. By embracing the elements of these uniforms, I simultaneously challenge and deconstruct the norms, pushing boundaries of what is traditionally accepted or dismissed in fashion. This collection is not just about breaking rules; it’s about rewriting them in the language of punk-inspired, avant-garde streetwear design.
Jewelry/Accessories in collaboration with Natalie Costello