WORDS BY JOSEPH FURNESS
Black History Month, also known as African-American History Month, is a time to reflect on and/or acquire a knowledge of the accomplishments of the Black community and their colossal contributions to the USA. Additionally, it’s a time when the Black population celebrates their highly influential culture that's integral to today's society.
For BHM 2022, five Black members of our US team disclosed what they would place in a time capsule to inspire and inform future generations. Keep reading to discover what Markus, Melody, Jasmine, Kyra and Tamala would place inside theirs.
Creative director: Melody Trend. Photographer: Marcus Bolden. Art director: Jasmine Campbell. Producer: Lorenzo Landicho
Melody Trend (@frntr0w)
Senior Stylist at FARFETCH
What general thoughts would you place in your time capsule?
I would remind the finder that it’s everyone’s job to make sure we take care of our planet. I’d be super-interested to see how sustainability is integrated across all sectors – from fashion to beauty to lifestyle – in the future.
Which pivotal Black fashion moment would you place in your time capsule?
All of them. Honestly, we all go against the grain in a way that inspires others. We set the trends in this industry – we guide it with our fashion statements.
Which revolutionary Black style icons would you mention in your time capsule?
André Leon Talley revolutionized the industry. He’s a huge inspiration of mine as he paved the way by knocking down doors for the Black community. His knowledge of the industry was beyond comprehension: this made him a force to be reckoned with.
Based on your life experiences, what are three don’ts you would add to your time capsule?
-
Don't be scared to put yourself out there.
-
Don't ever say ‘I can’t’.
-
Don't question your every move. Trust the process.
Jasmine Campbell (@junglejullia_)
Account Manager at FARFETCH
What general thoughts would you place in your time capsule?
I would let those who find it know that, at this very moment in time, maximalism is making a comeback. After years of lockdowns, we’re about to push sweatpants and normcore styles to one side and start taking more sartorial risks.
Which pivotal Black fashion moments would you place in your time capsule?
Beyoncé’s ‘Black is King’ as it’s a masterclass in costume. Fashion stylist and costume designer Zerina Akers and her team used fashion to encourage a global conversation about the power of representation for brown skin.
I would also include Virgil Abloh’s ‘Amen Break’ film, created for the Louis Vuitton men’s SS22 collection. There are manifold layers to this film and tons of references. Just thinking about it gives me chills.
Which revolutionary Black style icons would you mention in your time capsule?
André 3000, the ultimate rulebreaker! Back in his prime, most didn’t understand his style; but now, people are finally starting to appreciate how cool he really was, and still is. By sporting pieces such as furry pink jumpsuits and platinum-blond wigs, he paved the way for the likes of Young Thug (who famously rocked an Alessandro Trincone dress on the cover of his ‘Jeffery’ mixtape).
I would also mention Law Roach, the man responsible for many of the most noteworthy fashion moments of the last few years – from Zendaya’s most talked-about red carpet moments to Anya Taylor Joy at the Venice Film Festival.
Based on your life experiences, what are three don’ts you would add to your time capsule?
-
Don’t worry about the small stuff.
-
Don’t second guess your worth – own it!
-
Don’t invest in LED nameplate belts!
Markus Claggett (@markus_alexander)
Junior Stylist at FARFETCH
What general thoughts would you place in your time capsule?
I would remind the finder that sustainability is the future of fashion. On that same note, I would ensure they knew that upcycling leads to innovation, and recycling leads to a better quality of life.
Which pivotal Black fashion moment would you place in your time capsule?
It would have to be Solange’s Met Gala 2018 look.
Which revolutionary Black style icons would you mention in your time capsule?
I would have to include Dapper Dan, the self-taught tailor who brought luxury to hip hop culture when pieces created by European fashion houses weren’t accessible to the Black community.
I'd also mention Patti Wilson, Telfar Clemens, June Ambrose, Misa Hylton, Derek Lee, Kollin Carter and Pierre Davis. These are the people I think about when considering the Black creatives who’ve influenced style.
Based on your life experiences, what are three don’ts you would add to your time capsule?
-
Don't stress.
-
Don't wait.
-
Don't eat the whole thing. Save some for later.
Kyra Maxwell (@kyramaxwell)
Partner Success Specialist at FARFETCH
What general thoughts would you place in your time capsule?
I would include my hopes for the future so that those who discover the capsule can consider the progress between now and then. I a) hope there’s more global diversity within all aspects and at all levels of the fashion industry, and b) hope that the industry revolves around sustainability.
Which pivotal Black fashion moment would you place in your time capsule?
It's got to be the Louis Vuitton men’s SS19 runway show. It was so special to see a Black man come from streetwear to design a collection for a major fashion house and present it using a diverse cast of models to an audience filled with Black fashion figures.
Which revolutionary Black style icons would you mention in your time capsule?
Zendaya. She’s so versatile – she can nail glam, streetwear, femininity, androgyny and anything in-between. Of course, I would have to credit her stylist, Law Roach.
Based on your life experiences, what are three don’ts you would add to your time capsule?
-
Don't cut your own bangs.
-
Don't buy super-skinny jeans
-
Don't dress to fit in; dress to express yourself.
Tamala Greene (@tamalaclarice)
Style Advisor at FARFETCH
What general thoughts would you place in your time capsule?
I would include a prediction: fashion will become digital-focused. I base this prophecy on the fact that technology is constantly evolving, and e-commerce fashion businesses are slowly but surely understanding what consumers want from their online shopping experience. I can also see virtual fashion becoming a huge deal.
Which pivotal Black fashion moment would you place in your time capsule?
I would include the outfits Tracee Ellis Ross wore while hosting the 2018 AMA Awards — she exclusively wore pieces created by Black designers.
Which revolutionary Black style icons would you mention in your time capsule?
Rihanna and André Leon Talley.
Based on your life experiences, what are three don’ts you would add to your time capsule?
-
Do it scared; do it broke; do it lonely. Don’t be afraid: just do it.
-
Don't be scared to take risks. Step out in faith.
-
Believe in yourself before anyone else does, and never feel intimidated. The sky's the limit!