Pyer Moss & the joys of Black creation
(stay tuned for this episode of Black people invented just about *everything*)
PYER MOSS’ INAUGURAL COUTURE SHOW
(that’s it. that’s essentially the whole post. you know it’s serious if i switched outta form and typed in all caps instead of all lowercase).
but for real, this show was not at all what i expected — but exactly what i deserved. there’s only a couple expectations that should be set when it comes to Pyer Moss, which is that Kerby Jean-Raymond’s work will delight you to the highest degree and that it’ll be a Black AF experience every time. the fact that the original show date got rained out (and that Jean-Raymond handed out branded blunts to his crowd for their enduring patience and dedication) only amplified the anticipation. it was also profound to me that the designer had arranged for Sista Elaine Brown (former Black Panther Party leader) to provide the opening statement.
so you can imagine my excitement as i streamed the historic show once it was rescheduled. initially, i found myself puzzled by the kitschy, avant-garde garments that came down the runway built at Madam C.J. Walker’s estate. when i saw the rotund peanut butter jar outfit, i was like, ok what in the George Washington Carver? it wasn’t until i saw the stoplight dress that the math started mathin’. peanut butter + stoplight + super soaker = oh, these are all things created by Black people (i literally said this last part out loud to myself).
i’m glad my family always kept encyclopedias around that highlighted Black inventors and leaders throughout history, or else this would have completely went over my head until the reviews came out. i think it’s also very important that Jean-Raymond used this collection to showcase and provide attributions to some of the more obscure inventions pioneered by Black people .
here are some of my favorite looks from the show!
photo credit: David Prutting
i also really enjoyed the Black boy joy displayed in the musical performance as the models strutted the catwalk. the camaraderie and energy i witnessed reminded of the tone set by Blood Orange’s “Jewelry” video, as well as “Nont for Sale” by Sudan Archives, so i’ll leave you with those visuals.