Afrochic
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“Show me a dandy and I’ll show you a hero.”
Some images, websites, and thoughts I came across while I was contemplating dandyism this weekend: “It is a kind of cult of the ego which can still survive the pursuit of that form of happiness to be found in others, in woman for example; which can even survive what are called illusions. It is the…
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Avant Tut interest in all things Egyptian
Turns out that Simcox is the surname of Clara E. Simcox, aka Madame Simcox, a New York dressmaker. There isn’t a lot floating out there on the web about her but she is on my radar now.
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Puttin’ on the Ritz
Here are clips from the movies Puttin’ on the Ritz (1930) and the “Bojangles in Harlem” number in Swing Time (1935):
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Enduring Afrochic
I have a perpetual love/hate relationship with the love/theft of Africa and blackness, which is why I write about it. Afrochic, the name I have given to African/black-influenced Western clothing, is a trend that has considerable longevity. Now, Beyonce gets in on the act, again: Beyonce’s appropriation of this mode, though, is definitely in my…
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No People Like Show People: Vesta Tilley and the Tuxedo
Female dandyism – especially tuxedo drag – explored in the introduction of my book Afrochic.
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Ready for My Close Up: Anna May Wong
The heroine of the introduction to my book Afrochic: Anna May Wong.
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Lee Miller Archive
Originally posted on NTU Art & Design Library: Lee Miller Archive A new website featuring the work of photographer Lee Miller has just been launched, featuring over 3,000 images covering surrealism, World War II, 20th Century fashion, and celebrity portraits. Many of the images have not been seen before, and it’s hoped that more will…
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La Baker Redux
The perennial interest in our first black international star seems to be on an uptick again. Huffington Post put this style feature-ette about Josephine Baker up today–with a very glossed over mention of her “dark skin” when in fact the fairness of her skin was just as problematic: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/14/josephine-baker-beauty-photos_n_3267033.html Colorism anyone? Another post appeared on…
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Out Of Africa
Eternal Afrochic. The trend launched early in the 20th century that I research remains in vogue.
CAMARA DIA HOLLOWAY 