Celebrating Windrush Fashion – Designer Bianca Saunders and Author Lorna Holder feature on The Black Curriculum

Windrush Fashion

In a captivating new video feature by The Black Curriculum, author, producer, and designer Lorna Holder engages in a thought-provoking discussion with menswear designer Bianca Saunders. This enlightening conversation delves into the intersection of fashion and business, showcasing how fashion can serve as a potent medium for storytelling and a tool to uncover our history. From exploring the influence of the Windrush generation on business to shedding light on the under-documented British Caribbean fashion, this conversation highlights the significance of ownership in the legacy of the Windrush.

Lorna Holder, a highly accomplished figure in the fashion and retail industries, brings over 35 years of experience to the conversation. Raised in Nottingham, UK, after being born in Jamaica, Lorna has made substantial contributions to cultural events, visual and performing arts, and the fashion world. With her expertise in fashion and textiles, she has worked across various locations, including the Middle East, New York, and London. Her invaluable knowledge and extensive involvement in the industry make her an authority on the subject at hand.

Click here to read our roundup of Bianca Saunders SS24 Collection

Bianca Saunders challenges conventional notions of masculinity through her groundbreaking work in menswear. WDrawing inspiration from her British and Caribbean background, her designs blend classical and avant-garde elements. It’s fitting that this be released just days after Bianca’s Spring 2024 Menswear Collection launched at Fashion week.

Through their conversation, Holder and Saunders underscore the transformative power of fashion as a means of storytelling. They shed light on the influence of the Windrush generation on business and discuss the historical gaps in documenting British Caribbean fashion. By reclaiming their narratives and asserting ownership, both designers demonstrate how fashion can be a vehicle for cultural expression and empowerment. By examining our past and embracing diverse perspectives, we can foster a deeper understanding of our history and the contributions of marginalized communities.

Images taken from Lorna Holder’s book ‘Style In My DNA

The Black Curriculum’s video feature offers an enriching conversation between Lorna Holder and Bianca Saunders, illustrating the profound impact of fashion in storytelling and understanding our collective history. Holder’s vast experience and Saunders’ disruptive designs serve as a reminder of the power of ownership and cultural expression. By exploring the influence of the Windrush generation and addressing the lack of documentation in British Caribbean fashion, this conversation encourages us to reassess staid notions, embrace diverse narratives, and celebrate the transformative potential of fashion in our society.