Wales Bonner’s latest fashion collection marks the completion of her fashion trilogy, blending Saint Lucia chic with British classicism while embracing black culture. Inspired by the poetry of Nobel Prize winner Derek Walcott from Saint Lucia, the collection beautifully explores the tension between Caribbean roots and experiences in Western cities like New York and Boston.
Described as rhapsodic and nostalgic, the collection channels Walcott’s desire for a return to traditional life as a means of resistance against colonialism. The accompanying fashion film, shot in Jamaica and London, features a young man reciting Walcott’s poetry, evoking themes of longing for one’s homeland. Saint Lucia’s breathtaking landscapes, including the iconic Pitons, provide a picturesque setting for the collection’s narrative.
The garments showcased in the film include impeccably tailored Norfolk jackets in beige checks, white tuxedo jackets crafted in collaboration with Savile Row tailors Anderson & Sheppard, band collar shirts, and charming broad-striped pajama pants. The partnership with adidas injects a contemporary flair into the traditional designs, elevating the overall aesthetic of the collection.
Titled “The Light of Black Sunlight”, the fashion film was a collaborative effort between designer Grace Wales Bonner and Jamaican filmmaker Jeano Edwards. Edwards, who also lent his voice to recite Walcott’s poems in the soundtrack, brings an additional layer of artistic expression to the project. The film captures the youthful exuberance and beauty that Wales Bonner’s work is renowned for.
This collection serves as a poignant homage to Black nobility through sartorial excellence, embodying the essence of Wales Bonner’s unique career and aesthetic. With a profound nod to Walcott’s poetry, the film leaves viewers with a deep appreciation for Black culture and heritage. As Walcott himself eloquently puts it, “Boys will be boys. Who can instruct them where true honour lies? Instinct or choice, Proclaims it lies within War’s furious, dandiacal discipline.”
For more information, you can visit Wales Bonner’s official website and Nobel Prize’s page on Derek Walcott.
