It all started with a bang, literally. The neo Afrobeats that pumped the atmosphere at Ports 1961 SS’18 show signaled loudly an eclectic men’s fashion escapade ensconced in diversity, black culture, African vibes and multi-ethnic embrace. Surely, some will contest that this was appropriation but the overarching theme of love that Milan Vukmirovic, Ports 1961’s creative director has been exploring for the past couple seasons will allay any negative blowback.
Inspired by the personal style and work of Haitian-American artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat, the ‘cool-setters’ of Africa and the New York’s hip-hop culture in the 80’s, Vukmirovic delivered a miscellany of menswear imbued with color, culture and commercial appeal.
Masai beaded accessories, ethnic prints, tons of texture and the very visual black power fist (synonymous with the Black Panther and Black Lives Matter movement) provided an eyeful for the stylish statement-making man. Added interest came from slogan tees adorned with three powerful declarations for our time: EVERY LIFE MATTERS, EVERY COLOR MATTERS, ONLY LOVE MATTERS, all derivatives or responses perhaps to “BLACK LIVES MATTER”.
The first runway show on the Milan Fashion Week schedule, Ports 1961 made quite statement. Way to go! See all the runway looks from Ports 1961’s Spring/Summer 2018 men’s fashion show at #MFW below.
Ports 1961 SS18 – Show Looks
