Overview
In "The Way We Wore," renowned designer Michael McCollom chronicles African-American fashion’s stunning and inventive transformations from the 1940’s up to today. At once both personal and universal, the book assembles photographs from over 150 black men and women’s favorite “style moments” through which we can all recognize our friends and ourselves. The snapshots come from within Michael McCollom’s own family and circle of friends who may include Oprah Winfrey, Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Tracy Reese, Kimora Lee, Coco Mitchell and Iman, among others.From smiling brides in white to bachelors in bell-bottoms, these photos encompass a tremendous variety of fashions that the African-American community may have started, but that have worked their way through international fashion culture at large.
Some are hilariously outrageous: elaborate hairstyles and chunky shoes, funky glasses and enormous earrings, all animated by a myriad of rainbow colors. These models carry it off with wonderful confidence and vitality, smiling proudly for their photographers. Others are striking in their elegance and composure. Men in uniform from the forties, women in long ball gowns, children dressed for Sunday morning church service; gorgeous shots like these transcend fashion fads, engendering a sense of heritage and history.
With a foreword Geoffrey Holder, the distinctive culturist who has found success as a dancer, actor, choreographer, director, and painter an introduction from the author, and an index of participants, the way we wore is an entertaining and comprehensive look at the history of a culture. Such an honest snapshot of black fashion, with all its ups and downs, has never been accomplished before. This original volume serves as a captivating journey from Harlem Renaissance to hip-hop style’ a celebration of in the innovative and captivating history of African-American fashion.
"The Way We Wore" is being published in conjunction with the Museum of the City of New York’s 2006/2007 exhibition, “Black Style Now.”
Synopsis
THE WAY WE WORE takes a unique look back at African American style moments. Utilizing personal photographs, it explores the stylish beginnings of a diverse group of African American tastemakers, examining a time when some individuals literally pulled it all together; or, for others, a time of trial and error. This is an exploration of African America--the fabulous and the faux pas.