Part of Me: Exploring the British West Indies and Punjab Style Narratives Since 1960s

BRIEF

The Battle of Britishness: Exploring British West Indies and Punjabi style narratives since 1960s

The West Indies and Punjabi fashion in London has evolved and developed over time but has never lost its deep roots in the immigration culture of moving from one place to another, fitting in while standing out but without forfeiting one’s identity. Whether one is a first-, second- or third-generation immigrant, the influence of ancestry and upbringing rings true through everyday style choices.

Focusing on the communities that would often been seen as the outcasts from the working class. This shoot will display a number of scenarios referencing Malick Sidibe work, into which we shall create visuals showcasing the dynamic fashion styles of these communities.

Research Background: Post-colonial perspective (Afro-Caribbean and South Asian Diaspora) , Punjabi migration, Windrush, Daytimers, Subcultures, Steel Pulse, The Specials, Apna Sangeet, Apache Indian.

The Best Of The Specials (1979-1984)

Myrtle Shakes, shop assistant and tenant at the Hayre family home with Jaspinder Hayre (1966)

Mr Jain represents the early migrants arriving from India to the UK at Heathrow (1960)

Steel and Pulse

Bhangra Daytime Discos (1980)

Bhangra Daytime Discos (1980)

James Barnor, cover of Drum magazine (1966)

INSPIRATION

Julie Driscoll by Brian Augar (1968)

Lovescream Presents in Dance Concert Big Brother and the Holding Company and the Humble Beginnings (1967)

Vintage Motown Stevie Wonder Marvin Gaye Concert Poster

TYPOGRAPHY

For the front cover for a client’s dissertation titled ‘Part of me: Exploring the British West Indies and Punjab style Narratives since 1960’s’. I collated imagery from the cultures he researched and created a collage for the background. For the text, I wanted to use a typography that was synonymous with the era. So I went for a font that gave a bold and retro feel. I decided to use Bookmania in Black Italics then curved the corners of the text so it was not too harsh. I then layered it with a pattern to give it more dimension.

Crosshatch