Patrick Kelly. Fashion Designer 1954-1990

Never heard of him? This designer was one of my inspirations back in my student days. 

Gone but not forgotten. Spread the word.

Patrick Kelly (c. September 24, 1954 – January 1, 1990) was a Vicksburg, Mississippi, U.S. born, Paris-based women's wear designer and a founder of the fashion house Patrick Kelly Paris. Kelly achieved his greatest commercial success in the late 1980's and in 1988 Kelly became both the first American and the first person of color to be admitted as a member of the Chambre syndicale du prêt-à-porter des couturiers et des créateurs de mode. (Wikipedia)


http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/patrick_kelly/

http://watch.fashiontelevision.com/flashback/clip98603#clip98603



  (thanks Blogmomme!)

all pictures may be subject to copyright

Donna Summer...Gone!

:0
Dec 31 1948-May 17 2012

Celebrate Faith Ringgold!

Truely a phenomenal woman; Faith Ringgold is an artist, fashion designer, educator and mother...Snap! ;)

www.faithringgold.com

Mary Seacole statue at St Thomas' Hospital, London

I was taught about Florence Nightingale in school, but only heard about Mary Seacole after I left secondary education...unfortunately. Well things have changed and more people are heariing about the achievements and compassion of this nursing pioneer. So glad to read that a statue is to be erected, but apparently with some opposition! Mmmm

Mary Seacole also used herbal remedies learned from her Jamacian ancestory

Read more:

http://www.london-se1.co.uk/news/view/5967

SILK: Stephen Lawrence Magazine

click image to go to online magazine

www.stephenlawrence.org.uk

Elizabeth Catlett 1915-2012

Just putting together an article for blog, and read that Elizabeth Catlett had died, last month! I've been out of the loop recently so have no idea if this made any news over here...but it should of! I learned about this artist by chance really, about ten years ago. I wasn't taught about her ever in school, college or univ in any of the arts course that I studied, but when I did finally learn of her work and life, it reinvigorated me as a creative person. 

There was nothing this woman couldn't do with the 2D and 3D artforms, and she used them to express the issues which touched her as a black woman.

I kinda hoped she'd live forever!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Catlett

Back2Black Festival

We had sunshine in London town today!! More to come I hope. There are many events to look forward to and I include this one on my wish list! Any tickets left?

Acclaimed Back2Black Festival arrives in London this summer for the first ever edition outside Brazil Hosted by and featuring Gilberto Gil Part of the London 2012 Festival Fri 29, Sat 30 June & Sun 1 July 2012 Old Billingsgate, London EC3R 6DX

It's Been A Long Time...

...but all is good and I should be back to regular postings! Thanks for your wonderful support of this blog and don't be shy about following me people! 

Love is...

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

corinthians 13

I want this as a poster, any one know where I can get one?

No it's not Jay-Z and Beyonce in 2060! It's the stunning couple Geoffrey Holder and Carmen De Lavallade. This equally talented couple have been married for almost 60 years! Both were renowned dancers in their prime and beyond, as well as finding success in acting and the visual arts...and still going strong!

Black Book Swap Event

I ventured up to the London borough of Islington yesterday, to attend this book event. It was well worth the trek! I swapped two books (both on my very long bucket list of books) as well as buying another at a very reasonable price!

RESULT!

The place was packed with readers and prospective writers, mingling with published authors such as Sophia Acheampong. Unfortunatly I had to leave half way through but managed to catch most of the speakers including Alex Wheatle and Eva G Headley, who both spoke positively about their own experiences as writers and the option of self publishing.

Hope there's another Black Book Swap event planned however they will definately need a bigger venue!

Thanks to the organisers for an enjoyable afternoon!

Alex Wheatle

 

I Love This!

I could and would spend hours on this site, if  only real life didn't keep dragging me away! If you're ever feeling fugly, add this site to your favourites and browse. These historic pictures show that WE ARE SOOO BEAUTIFUL!!

http://vintageblackglamour.tumblr.com/

Bobbi's Mom

Whitney Houston 1963-2012

Roots and Culture, Yorkshire Man Style

Royal Academy Exhibition 21 January – 9 April 2012

Talking tree roots here! Well I'm not a great lover of Landscape paintings, but I think I've been converted! Really enjoyed this exhibition of this much revered Yorkshire artist, David Hockney. The ticket prices are a bit steep, but if you're elligible, the concessions range from £9 to £4 and children under 7 are free. There are 13 rooms of work, including an amazing video piece. Even if you're don't know who this guy is, time to get out of your comfort zone, grab a friend and head down to Green Park/Piccadilly, London, and check out the Royal Academy building, artworks and play spot the ethnic faces. You've beaten me if see more than one. Open till Midnight Fridays and Saturdays.

Sent from my HTC

www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibitions/hockney

One of 'The Royal Academicians' who govern this huge gallery is Frank Bowling, originally from Guyana, he graduated from the Royal College of Art in 1962, and became the first Black British artist elected a Royal Academician in the over two hundred year existence of that institution.

Frank Bowling
Who's Afraid of Barney Newman? 1968
© Frank Bowling



come on in!




Tatlin's Tower recreated in the courtyard



Tate Modern| Talks & Discussions |The South London Black Music Archive

This event looks very interesting!

http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/eventseducation/25365.htm

Sent from my HTC

Old School Classics

Grace Jones, The Pointer Sisters, Chaka Khan, Gloria Gaynor and Sister Sledge performing at a Paris fashion show. It's amazing to see these ladies still doing their thing after decades in a a tough business. Wonder who of our current crop of singing stars will last as long!

Louis said it best!

In times like these, it's all too easy to forget that there are so many reasons to wake up and celebrate a new day.

Reggae Poster Contest 2012

This is exciting! An international competition to design a Reggae poster. Check out www.reggaepostercontest.com for more information and also submit your design.

Could you be the winner?

Might have a go myself!

http://arcthemagazine.com/arc/2011/12/the-first-international-reggae-poster-contest-2012/

JUSTICE for Stephen Lawrence!



13 September 1974 – 22 April 1993

Two down, three to go!