#NYFW | Studio One Eight Nine A/W 19 Presentation
Abrima Erwiah and Rosario Dawson are on a mission to preserve generations of hand crafting techniques, such as batiking, bògòlanfini, kente weaving and natural indigo dying, found in Uganda, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana and beyond.
Since it’s conception in 2013, Studio One Eighty Nine has been more than just another fashion label. Focusing on sustainability and working with African communities to promote creativity, heritage and craftsmanship, the artisan lifestyle brand and enterprise is changing fashion. All products are produced and made in Africa and all content is African inspired/ influenced.
Studio One Eight Nine’s A/W 19 Presentation at Spring Studios was one of the best shows at New York Fashion Week. The air was warm. The vibe was joyous. The crowd was entranced. As we all squeezed through Gallery II of Spring Studios, two dozen melanated models graced the space adorned in African batik fabrics and surround by tropical foliage. Each garment accentuated their rich skin tones and made them a cultural work of art. The styling, men’s by Mr. Baldwin Style and Courtney Arrington-Baldwin and women’s by Solange Franklin Reed and Christine Nicholson, was effortless and natural. Each model looked familiar and thanks to the DJ playing Jersey club, mixes from the Harlem’s “Get Lite” movement and African drums, the atmosphere that surrounded the room was foreign yet familiar. There was even a moment where the models and a few dancers started a drum circle and danced.
The presentation was what makes New York, New York and fashion lovable. To have people of color experiencing and embracing their heritage through fashion while also expressing their individuality and personal beauty is a breath of fresh air. This is the representation needed in this industry. Studio One Eight Nine is so natural and beautiful. I hope the fashion world will continue to embrace this form of representation and craftsmanship.
