30/10/2024
BHM: Reimagining Narratives 2024
Paying homage to the 'Casual Girl'.
This is a single recreated snapshot of the type attire worn by the 'casual girl' of the late 70s, early 80s. From an era of affording and wearing some of the finest of clothing, the first generation of the young, black British would buy and adorn themselves in at the time. One will go as far as saying, carrying on the legacy of style from the elders when they arrived on the shores of Britain in the late 50's, early 60's during the Windrush.
For the casual girl, leather and, or suede pieces with a polo or crew neck were some of the signatures along with the wearing of the pussycat bow blouses and pleated skirts or kilts. Burberry was the thing too. As for the footwear, it had to be Italian, with purchases from 'Grants' or even `Panache'. Both iconic shops at the time situated in Dalston. Now long gone. To complete the look was the jewellery; the rope / belcher chain, chaparitas, sovereigns . This is to name just a few.
Memories of the days shopping after work in Oxford St, Bond St and even in Knightsbridge looking for something special to wear for the forthcoming Saturday night rave. The unforgettable, great days of the house parties, the clubs and not forgetting the dance(hall) events all frequented as young people, both black and white growing up in Hackney. We were free amongst the struggle, united by music and fashion.
There is such a wealth of history here to be told.
