Black Style Paperback – September 8, 2004

From the striking cover photo by Hainsley Brown to the final page, this book is a satisfying visual feast even if you don't stop to read the text. But please do, because the essays explore a fascinating variety of socio-cultural and political issues of African identity as expressed through clothing, hairstyles and accessories. I particularly enjoyed Carolyn Cooper's essay, "Dancehall Dress: Competing Codes of Decency in Jamaica." It was inspired by a dress code for patients posted in a Hospital Emergency Department which admonished, among other things, "NO Dancehall Style!" and the ensuing conversation it provoked among those in the waiting room. Thought provoking!

I'd had a chance to glance through this book prior to purchase so I knew what I was getting. I really enjoyed the international view on Black Style especially in Africa. I would have like to see some black style in the states. This book offers history and context to black style shifts, insprirations and aesthetics. I was very pleased with the pictures and content.

For my fashion lovers this is a must have.

Lovely illustrations and insight to Black fashion over the decades.

interesting

good