For many, style is often confused with what designer label they’re wearing + how impressive that makes them look to others, but in truth, style is something very personal that you either have or you don’t. In ‘The Way We Wore: Black Style Then’ by Michael McCollom, published by Glitterati Incorporated, you get to see the different facets of Black style + the changes it has undergone throughout the 20th century, with a twist.
Besides the title’s clever play on words with Striesand’s ‘The Way We Were’, designer + photographer Michael McCollum took pictures of family + friends the really showcased their own sense of style, giving it that yearbook feel. But what’s particularly great about Michael’s photo collection is the mix of both the best + worst style moments dating back to the Harlem Renaissance into the age of hip hop.
Each image represents a snapshot of fashions that may have started in the African-American community, which eventually made an impact on international fashion. Elaborate hairstyles, chunky eyeglasses + plenty of patterns are just a few of the elements featured + sure to entertain in McCollum’s brilliant study of African-American history through fashion + style.
‘The Way We Wore: Black Style Then’ by Michael McCollom, published by Glitterati Incorporated is available for purchase at glitteratiincorporated.com.