If you have been reading my blog, you’ll know already of my tendency to harp on personal style. In a world full of fast-fashion and cookie-cutter “of-the-moment” looks, it’s truly a breath of fresh air to see an original and creative outfit.
As I sat watching the Bill Cunningham New York documentary last night, I wondered what happened to all of those cool people who only dressed for themselves, who didn’t care about labels and who truly viewed dressing as an art form. I am lucky enough to know a few of these types…and when I say a “few”, I mean a small few.
Bill Cunningham’s quote “The best fashion show is definitely on the street. Always has been and always will be.” really stuck with me. My city is conservative and a tad on the boring side, so when I see a navy suit walking down the street with a fuschia pocket square peeking out of the breast pocket, a smile will spread across my face.
My sister – a style maven in her own right – sent me a few pictures from the Afropunk Fest that took place this past weekend in Brooklyn, NY. I was blown away when I saw them. Not only were there a sea of faces that looked exactly like me, they were all beautiful in their own way and spectacularly stylish. I have looked at this set of pictures all day, I find them so beautiful. By the way, there is no way in hell I’m missing this music festival next year. The lineup was too amazing: Gary Clark Jr., Lauryn Hill, Lenny Kravitz, Grace Jones (I just want to see her in person), Kelis, Vintage Trouble and more.
Here are some shots taken last weekend. I love everything happening style-wise!
“We’re in the age of the cookie-cutter sameness. There are few that are rarities, someone who doesn’t look like ten million others.” – Bill Cunningham
What is your favourite Afropunk Fest look? Know anyone who is a true stylesetter?? Let me know in the comments! Let me know too if you attended! I’ve Got Cake – I’m looking at you. #jealous
xo,
Dominique is a Canadian-based fashion and beauty influencer with a strong voice in Ottawa’s black community. Since launching her blog Style Domination in 2015, she has amassed a global fanbase. Dominique shares her life through beautiful imagery and compelling story-telling that speaks to her fans on a personal level. She’s been featured in The Guardian, Flare, The Kit and Cityline. She also hosts events for Dress for Success, the Gem Conference, and has been named a United Way Person 2 Know for the past three years.
Loving the girl with the dog! Her hair is amazing, her lipstick is on point I’m loving everything about her!!
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ME TOO! Makes me want to dye a poodle! Lol! xo
WOW! Just. WOW. Haha these images are absolutely STUNNING and what is absolutely wonderful is that every single person’s take on style is simply a form of their own self expression and what fashion means to them. I feel like being blessed with the abundance of high-end brands, prestigious labels or even what a particular role model(s) is wearing simply clouds our vision and we tend to forget that fashion has never had guidelines. Sometimes when I am putting outfits together.. I even get sidetracked thinking but do people wear it like the way I have styled it right now and then I think again and reassure myself that it doesn’t really matter because this is how I wear it.. this is me. Thank you so much for sharing lovely; I definitely feel even more inspired then I usually do when putting outfits together AND I have Vancouver Fashion Week coming up at the end of September; therefore these images will be my best friend and inspiration resource. Thank you!
Xo. http://www.sonamnaiducreative.com
I agree, it’s so easy to fall into buying whatever is popular/new/fancy/talked about instead of figuring out what *I* truly want to wear.
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Honestly – so many people have so little time and little resources to spend on clothes. I totally understand why people reach for the easiest thing. That being said, if you feel comfortable and confident in it, the only judge should be yourself! xo
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You are welcome, Sonam! Thank you so much for reading! I still struggle with expressing my own personal style. I wish I could get over my hang-ups and just be completely creative like those featured in this post! Wow – I wish I was in Vancouver for Fashion Week! They cancelled ours here in Ottawa – so sad! xoxoxox
Holy wowie.
Fabulous
Way better than Coachella photos. Love the tribal brow makeup in the second photo. Beautiful!
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I know. The Coachella photos are a snoozefest and just one big ad for stores like Forever 21 and H&M. Thanks!!
So mad I didn’t get to go this year….I’m so close haha. Lovely photos!
Shouted you out in my most recent “blog blast” if you want to take a look: http://courtenaysbeautybox.com/2015/08/25/webwednesday-blog-blast-vol-2/
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Thank you, Courtenay!! Maybe I’ll see you there next year!
Wow. I can’t decide which ones I love the most. The first lady, the lady with the backless dress ( I agree, backs are seriously sexy, especially the lower back), the one with the braided bright purple hair, and the girl with the pink afro I think have to be my favourites… so much creativity in this post! Thanks so much for sharing it with us. <3
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Awww! Thank you! I’m with you – can’t pick a favourite!! xoxox
my favorite is def the girl with the purple hair and skirt.. amazing great post!
xo
Valentinasmoothie.com
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Incredible, right? Thank you! xoxox
I dunno… painted overalls are lots of fun! Great colours on this post 😉
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I agree with you. Those overalls are awesome – so well done! Thanks Chantal! Loving your latest blog post. The photography is incredible!
What a stunning lineup. I love the freedom of expression going on here — soulful and beautiful in all the best ways.
And WHO is that gorgeous doll with her radiant orchid hair and skirt? In love.
Thank you for sharing this — truly inspiring! 🙂
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I KNOW! Everybody loves that pic of Miss. Purple Hair! You hit the nail on the head. This festival really attracts the uber stylish and creative. The freedom of expression seems to be oozing out of this place! You’re welcome – thanks for reading! xoxox
I have so much to say about this post…#1 The Bill Cunningham documentary is one of my favorites. He’s an amazing talent. He took my picture once and I nearly DIED. I couldn’t stop talking about it for weeks. #2 I used to live about 4 blocks from the park where Afropunk is held. This is my first year away from NYC and I’ve been missing it a lot. Thanks for bringing me “home” with these images. #3 I love the dog, but I gotta go with my fellow purple hair girl as my favorite!
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WOW. What a complete honour to be photographed by Bill Cunningham! I would have died too! LOL! I’m so sorry you missed Afropunk, but you’re in good company. I feel like it is head-and-shoulders above the other music festivals style-wise. I bet all of those people are so cool! LOL! Sigh. Isn’t the doggy adorable? Colourful and stylish! Thank you so much for reading and leaving your kind comments! xo
The girl with the dog?!!!! lovely!!
And so I have found my happy place! I cant even begin to tell you how at home I feel right here, right now in this space! Thank you #LoveAndTravelHugs© Cee
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Awwwww!!! xo