This New Fashion Editorial From Ikiré Jones Is an Assault on American Hypocrisy

Ikiré Jones returns with yet another striking approach to storytelling through an editorial presenting their FW17 line, Awake & At Home In America.

The meticulous tailoring and bold prints are accompanied by prose that makes America hold up a mirror to take a discerning look at itself.

"Although the promises of the past may not have been made with us in mind

We fully intended to hold them to account

Regardless of what tongues we speak

Regardless of what names we choose to call in prayer

Regardless of what offense it might cause to the delicate sensibilities of the old guard

We are the America that is here to stay

We are awake and we are very much at home"

We caught up with the brand's creative director, Walé Oyéjidé, on the purpose and inspiration of the line.

"This collection continues in the vein of my work mining the refugee and immigrant experience," Oyéjidé says. "Previously, we examined the lives of migrants in Europe. Now, we are turning our lenses to people on American soil that are seen as outsiders even though they have just as much a right to be here as anyone else."

He continues:

"The collection affirms the notion that the principles that this country were founded upon have not historically been applied to all its citizens. It is also a reminder that many of the people who so firmly claim ownership to this nation are themselves descended from immigrants (to put it kindly).

The collection is a call to denounce hypocrisy and embrace hope. Because ultimately, that is the only way we are going to keep this grand experiment we call a country in one piece."

Take a look at our favorites from Ikiré Jones' Awake & At Home In America editorial, photographed by Joshua Kissi, below:

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Credits

Photography: Joshua Kissi

Models: Alysia Beckford, Mominatu Boog, Lawrence Annunziata, Jason Kusimo, Naima

Make Up: Alana Wright