If one were to hunt for a beacon in the ever-evolving universe of fashion, hip hop’s golden jubilee finds its luminous mark with AMIRI’s Fall/Winter 2023 campaign. And who better to grace this celebration than Black Star, the beacon itself, illuminating AMIRI’s homage to the five-decade-long dance of rhythm, rhyme, and revolution.
Mike Amiri’s paean to hip hop is not a whisper of admiration, it is a loud and clear tribute. The maestro uses a sonic palette of 70s soul and 80s NYC rap, and through his Paris-meets-LA lens, crafts a collection reminiscent of both the nostalgic and the now. The choice of Black Star, composed of the eloquent Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) and the profound Talib Kweli, is not just apt, but genius. These maestros not only sculpted the 90s’ sound but amplified hip hop’s voice against societal injustices.
Karim Sadli’s snapshot within a warm wood-paneled enclave showcases Black Star’s inimitable aura. This isn’t just a showcase of fashion; it’s a timeline, tracing back to hip hop’s roots, with Black Star’s legacy as its formidable guardians. The simplicity of the backdrop allows the artists and their AMIRI outfits, meticulously curated by Ellie Grace Cumming, to speak volumes.
By joining forces with Black Star, AMIRI hasn’t just crafted a campaign, but has scripted a narrative of acknowledgment, reverence, and forward momentum. An ensemble effort indeed, with credits also to hair stylist Damien Boissinot, make-up artist Christelle Cocquet, manicurist Alexandra Janowski, set designer Jabez Bartlett, art director Jonny Lu Studio, and casting director Noah Shelley for their stellar contributions.
Read more: Second edition of the Amiri Prize invites international applicants
