AFRO MINIMALISM
SS23
Afro minimalism emerges as a quiet revolution in fashion – a cultural and aesthetic
movement that speaks volumes through restraint, discipline, and meaning. Rooted in
the ethos of deliberate simplicity, it forgoes the excesses of ornamentation often
expected of African-inspired fashion, choosing instead to channel power through
pared-down silhouettes, evocative fabrics, and an unapologetic clarity of form.
It defies the often homogenised and Westernised interpretations of African fashion
that have long been filtered through a lens of appropriation. In contrast, it offers a
vision curated and crafted entirely by Black creators, who articulate their stories,
aesthetics, and cultural memory on their own terms. Through fashion, design, visual
art, and cultural discourse, Afro minimalism reconnects the average Black man to his
essence – stripped of societal expectation and imbued with quiet strength and subtle
elegance.
The models embody a relaxed yet purposeful presence in the woods, echoing the grace
of lived experience and authenticity. The pairing of the black top with vibrant Ankara
print shorts invites a quiet narrative of introspection and cultural expression. Rich in
texture and adorned with bold patterns, Ankara – a fabric deeply rooted in African
identity, adds depth and storytelling to even the simplest ensemble
Afro minimalism is more than an aesthetic; it is a vision. A cultural assertion. A
soulful, forward-looking interpretation of African design that honours its past while
embracing its future, one intentional line, fabric, and form at a time.
CREDITS
Creative Direction & Design: Olumide Oyewunmi
Editorial Photography: IUFS
Location: University Of Ibadan Wildlife Park
