Africa and the African diaspora have unarguably influenced a great deal of fashion and trends and yet, there is little written on its contribution to the art. Even with the current ongoing conversation around cultural appropriation, it seems the black voice is still wildly unrepresented in the fashion community. The black voice is simply not being heard. You can imagine my delight when I learned about Tanisha C. Ford’s new book Dressed in Dreams A Black Girl’s Love Letter to Fashion.
As a black women who loves fashion, reading this book felt like I was reminiscing with an old friend. Even though I’ve never met Ford, I know her. So many of her stories are my stories and the stories of my family and friends. For so many of us, our memories are often linked to what we were wearing and how that made us feel. Clothing can make us feel included, excluded, safe, and sometimes targeted. Ford also touches on current social issues of dress, such as the infamous hoodie, and how it affects our lives and society today.
It is so important that books like this are written so that all stories may be heard. Getting dressed in the morning is a universal concept that we all participate in. Thank you, Tanisha for writing this book and telling our stories and letting the world know that black girls love fashion too.
SPECIAL THANKS TO ST. MARTIN’S PRESS
PHOTO BY ADC