Chronicling the impact between Black culture and British fashion, GARMS premiered during London Fashion Week on My5.
Fashion is a powerful force in shaping culture. In this dynamic one-off documentary, host Ayishat Akansbi delves into the influence of Black culture on British fashion by tracing the Black British experience from the Windrush era to the present day, spotlighting the development of style within Black British culture and its impact on mainstream British and global fashion.
Explored in four chapters that encompass the cultural journey of Black people across the UK: ARRIVALS, RESISTANCE, (sub)CULTURE and HOME – each act will take us on a celebratory journey about Black British style and propelling presenter Ayishat on a series of revelatory journeys that connect her with some of the most influential figures shaping and advancing the scope and scale of Black British fashion today.
The narrative is enriched with anecdotes from leading style icons and designers including Bianca Saunders, Martine Rose, Clint419 and Foday Dumbuya and members of the public who were part of the movement, respected stylists, and fashion historians, providing profound insights into why certain styles endure.
Spanning from the 1960s to the present day, GARMS brings fashion moments to life through captivating archive footage, photos, sketches, and animation, paying homage to authentic fashion design and the garments themselves. No stone is left unturned, as we explore homes, raid wardrobes, visit key locations, and meet those who have defined the eras of Black culture and British fashion; and in a full circle moment, show how Black British style and new independent black owned brands are influencing the very global fashion markets that shaped its foundations today.
Cicelia Deane, Commissioning Editor for BET UK, commented:
GARMS is a timeless BET UK original celebrates the impact of the black diaspora on Britain’s fashion scene, often resulting in a beautiful unique and progressive melting pot of cultures that we should be proud of
GARMS premieres tomorrow Wednesday 21st February on My5 from 12pm.
GARMS- Black culture’s influence on British Fashion is directed by Yemisi Brooks. Executive producers are Faraz Osman for Gold Wala and for BET UK Cicelia Deane and Collins Harris.
Full Contributor List
Ayishat Akansbi Stylist, author no and cultural commentator
Clint 419 Creator of cult brand Cortiez
Martine Rose Award winning menswear designer
Foday | Labrum Menswear designer and creative director, winner of Queen Elizabeth II for British Design
Lisa Maffia Queen of UK Garage, multitalented singer, songwriter and fashion designer
Bianca Saunders British Fashion Councils one to watch. Menswear designer
Susan Whitfield Stylist, Creative Director and Contributing Editor at British Vogue
Pauline Black OBE Queen of British Ska
Samson Soboye Founder and creative director behind SOBOYE
Don Letts Renowned reggae DJ and documentary film maker
Brenda Emmanus Broadcaster and journalist
Jason Jules Stylist, multidisciplinary creative
VV Brown British indie pop singer, model and record producer
Shingai Front woman of platinum selling band The Noisettes
Tolu Coker British-Nigerian Fashion and Textiles Designer, Illustrator and Multi-Disciplinary Artist
Mr Fully Paid Founder of clothing label Fully Paid
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