retrograde
Sometimes you have to look back to move forward.
History had always been my favorite subject growing up. And more than focusing on who fought who and who conquered what, fashion was a bridge I used to connect to the past and my people. The 1960s was a troubling time - blacks were fighting for civil rights as they were being victimized by the Jim Crow Laws.
While it may seem unrelated, the black fashion style from that era shows a resiliency that is imbedded in our people. We never look like what we have been through. I was hesitant to develop my fashion blog because I was scared about how the industry that has largely been exclusive to only certain demographics, would perceive me. I am black and plus-size.
But once I got a new perspective after learning that those who came before me had life goals and achieved them despite the hardships and bigotry, there was no option but for me to muster up the courage to forge ahead. ■
Dress: Old Navy; blazer: Basler; shoes: Jessica Simpson; headband: Amazon; earrings: Lulu’s