HEAD OF STATE testimonial to FESTAC ’77
The “Homecoming” collection thriving a platform for pan-African cultural preservation instead of assimilation.Founded in 2016 by Nigerian-born designer Taofeek Abijako at age 17, and based in NewYork, Head of State is a brand that commands a clashing intersectional between cultural roots and the critique of the western imposition on it.
“While previous collections have been about the simulation of certain cultural contexts, Homecoming is about self-awareness, the difference between creating space and simply, filling it up”. - Taofeek Abijako
The SS22 RTW collection the ”Homecoming” at The Kitchen debuting womenswear is what we call an idiosyncratic narrative of past, present and future states of postcolonial youth culture with a nostalgic significance of Abijako’s family moments together in FESTAC '77, also known as the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture.The avant-garde designs in the collection highlight a modern interpretation of edge defining silhouettes, exaggerated collars, deconstructed blazers, sheer shirts and a fresh take on womenswear with a hinge of colour vibrancy and a celebratory to his kins.
Image Courtesy: HEAD OF STATE / SS22
SHOW CREDITS:
Casting: Brent Chua | Styling: Ian McRae | Assistant Styling: Ani Hovhannisyan | Jewelry: Chris Habana | Make-up Direction: Kento Utsubo | Make-up Products: Noto Botanics | Hair Direction: Kien Hoang Hairstyling Products: Oribe | Nails: Chidibube Udeh | Photography: Jacob Tran | Dancer: Babou Sanneh | Choreographer: Raymond Pinto | Video: Cousins Productions | Music: Christian Yoon Show Production: Beyond 8 | Set Design: Daniel Prosky | Audio + Lighting Scenic: Simple Solutions | Operations: Kethlyn White | In-house Production: Nico Rodriguez & Emma Moore | Shoes: Dr. Martens | Transportation Partner: Curb | Water Partner: MOVE | Sponsors: Thomas Vacanti and Annette Nanes
Visit Head of State’s website to stay updated on the collection.
By Shinal Maheshwari