NYFW: Oak & Acorn Reveals Red, White & Indigo Collection
Oak & Acorn sheds light on being black in America and the fight for freedom with their seasonless 2021 collection at New York Fashion Week.
The online presentation opened up with a statement about purpose from the late Chadwick Boseman “Purpose is an essential element of you. It is the reason you are on the planet at this particular time in history,” he said. “Your very existence is wrapped up in things you are here to fulfill. Whatever you choose for a career path, remember, the struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your existence.”
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The collection designed by Miko Underwood has a color scheme of red, white and indigo to represent the American flag. There are also hints of army green throughout the collection. Each piece was inspired by five elements of black history in America in which the company labeled as “Negro Cloth, Incarceration, WWII: Black Women in Shipyards and Aircraft Industry, Sharecroppers, Labor Rights and Civil Rights.”
Denim is the fabric of choice throughout the collection that holds a strong symbolism. Oak & Acorn states “Denim is a cultural, social, and political icon of American history.” The pieces are also made with handwoven and hand dyed indigo, West African cotton along with hemp and recycled cotton fibers. The collection consists of mostly loose fitted jumpsuits, overalls, button down shirts and bomber jackets. The pieces make a bold statement with not only the message they are trying to convey, but the oversized fit that makes the message even louder.
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A unique element that also stays consistent throughout this collection is the touch of headscarves added to the majority of the looks. This detail holds a deeper meaning than just being chic headwear. Headscarves were first associated with slavery and servitude in the 1800s. It wasn’t until the 1970s when headscarves became a symbol of black power.
Overall, this collection is a history lesson that also unveils the current state of America. “Red, White, & Indigo” will launch Oct. 1.