Ikiré Jones' Of Saints And Savages

Photography by Rog Walker

It's editorials like the latest from menswear brand Ikiré Jones that contradict the notion that fashion, while artistically driven, is void of representing social and political current events. Their Fall/Winter 2014 collection, Of Saints and Savages, presents a dialogue among those "resolved to tell [their] own stories." Indeed, their new collection comes with the following note:

"To whom it may concern. This is a challenge to the zealously held belief that Africa is a monolithic village in need of perpetual saving. This is an open assault upon the delusions of those who cry endlessly of desolate stomachs and doorways darkened by disease. This is a public disavowing of all who think the cradle of civilization has nothing more to offer than unmolested raw materials and an army of open palms awaiting aid... There are those who look past Africa's beauty in the hopes of seeing savagery; so that they may preen and posture as saints..."

Ikiré Jones is a menswear brand dedicated to crafting pieces with unique identities and histories. Creative director Wale Oyejide and tailor Sam Humbler pride themselves in storytelling. They explain on their site, "There is magic in the idea that every item we produce means something; and more importantly, means something different to different people." Their Fall/Winter '14 collection editorial emphasizes this notion with a collections of short stories describing the diaspora's interaction with the West, and it's here that the reader determines "who is Saint and who is Savage."

Accompanying the editorial is a short film titled Ritual Union, featuring a courting ceremony of suitors in Ikiré Jones attire as they do their best to impress the bride. Watch the clip below and see above for key looks from Ikire Jones' Fall/Winter 2014 collection, Of Saints and Savages. For more, see the label's Spring/Summer 14 collection of Dandy Sapeurs.