The groups revealed, as we had hoped, the significance of african print clothes uk lived experiences to the complex history of African fashion. Talking about how the exhibition would be told, whether or not African languages could be used, how to emphasize the variety and diversity of African cultures, and ideas for the events program were especially important. Additionally, it was essential to consider ways to acknowledge the group's contributions to the exhibition and to raising public awareness of this type of community engagement. After the exhibition was over, we heard loud and clear that it was important to find ways to keep the community involved; This has to be the beginning, not the end, of our relationship. Below, eleven adult focus group participants share their own photographic fashion stories in addition to recalling their participation in the group.

A PHOTO OF A STORY, circa 1963–4, african clothing store, Leicester. "This picture was taken in Leicester at the first wedding," says Avril Horsford. There were their friends from our village in Antigua, as well as my aunt and mother. The bride had moved into a tiny cabin with my mother and several other women who had never left home before on their way to a new life in Britain.

“Memorable shared experiences, such as their buba and soro of snow and their first encounters with Africans, with whom they shared a traumatic ancestry, exemplified the cultural distance traveled upon arrival; explored through their exuberant fashion appreciation as an expression of their unspoken inner emotions.

Around July 2014, Bumi Thomas of the african home dress was in Beckenham, Kent, UK. Photographer: According to richard Barr, "My dear companion Richard Barr snapped this photo for my introduction EP, Quill Pearl." I had no idea at the time that it would become a symbol of resistance to injustice in migration in the United Kingdom. My sense of style is influenced by the flamboyance of my parents; When arranging and tastefully communicating my character, I generally ensure I have some of them on.

Headwrap: The wrapper that my mother used: african maxi dress, taken from my father's Klan Top: T-shirt from a Soho vintage shop from the 1970s Earrings: Silver from David Bromfield Two's Company, February 1984, Battersea, South London; present from a friend Photographer: Hyacinth Bromfield: "My sister Hyacinth took this picture of me and my girlfriend in February 1984 at my 21st birthday party at the family home in Battersea, South London, England." My girlfriend and I had escaped the packed rooms of revelers so that we could capture this special moment. I refer to this image as Two's company. We didn't need anyone else to make us happy because all of the guests were just the icing on the cake for my birthday.