Street Fashion: Afro Punk Festival 2013

            Brooklyn has been hosting a lot major events this weekend. Besides the VMA’s, we also had the Afro Punk Festival. On its website, the festival is described as “open-minded, non-conforming and unconventional” “inspired by alternative music” event. The New York Times also defines it as “the most multicultural festival in the US.” I’ve heard of Afro Punk from a friend and I’m so glad I went. I wouldn’t miss an occasion to see some Brooklyn street fashion. However, what I got to see amazed me more than I expected. Afro Punk was more than just a reunion of Brooklyn people celebrating and expressing different cultures. I had the opportunity to observe all of these people embracing not only their culture but also their authenticity. Often, people forget who they are and where they are coming from. But, at Afro Punk, it was not the case. Nobody was trying to fit into a mainstream genre, no pretending; everyone was just being themselves. What I valued the most was observing all these Black women embracing their natural hair.

Seeing all these Black women rocking their natural ‘Fros and dreads made me feel so much at home; and, I’ll explain why. If when I first start growing my natural hair out, most people thought I was crazy. Today, most of these same people are wearing their afro out, too. I used to get asked how I was going to deal with it, comb it out, or even go on a job interview. However, these days, people are realizing that it is totally “normal” for a Black woman to wear her hair at any occasion the way it naturally is. Wearing your hair in its natural texture is now becoming a trend in the African American community and I get very excited anytime I run into another “naturalista” like me. (To those who are not familiar with the term “natural hair,” – although I think most people know it by now- it’s basically the natural hair texture of Black person with no chemical products that alternate his natural texture permanently applied to it; the kinky, curly natural state of their hair.) Anyway, I’m not here to discuss Black women’s hair. Let’s get to the interesting part of Afro Punk and the most original streets fashion that I got to come across.

So here are the first cool people I ran into. Unfortunately, I did not catch their names or where they got their outfit from; but, this skirt definitely caught my eyes. The slits are perfect and these black-and-white stripes would definitely help your legs look longer and slimmer. But, hey, if you know where I can get this skirt, please, let me know!

A few minutes later, I got to meet Raphael. Her hair is so beautiful and her pants are so lovely. Her superb pants are from American Apparel so you could check them out. And, who wouldn’t be wearing a bandeau like her on this hot day if they had her body?

And, check out that body suit Karmenife is wearing! She got it custom made. Her outfit is definitely original. 

Here are some more gorgeous people from Afro Punk: Claire and Mike. Claire’s romper is from eBay, can you believe it?

Next, we have Destiny. I was not surprised when she told me she was a model. Her long twists are amazing. I like her shirt made out of African fabric. Her cut-off and bleached jeans were definitely a yes to me! There are a lot of DIY tutorials on YouTube to get your regular jeans or shorts like this. Do let me know if you want me to attach links.

Undoubtedly, I did not miss this cutie! Her name is Ofonime and she got her nice skirt from a store in Harlem. Local boutiques in Brooklyn and Harlem definitely acquire you what you are searching for if you’re looking for an Afrocentric look. 

I also ran into a gorgeous woman who has the same first name as me: Jessica. Her skirt is from a store on Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn. Her natural hair is on point, too. 

I didn’t miss the vintage look of these ladies: Sydney and Cynthia. It was not Sydney’s intention to cut her shirt off like this; nonetheless, her accident actually worked.Thank God for accidents!

I also ran into some of my former Queens College fellow students. I would definitely wear Charisma’s pants.

This is what I wore, a wrap dress that you can wear many ways. I came up with a style that was not even on the list. I got this dress last summer from a small local store in Queens which is closed now.

And, unquestionably, I saved the best for last! Here is my favorite street fashion of Afro Punk. Meet the stunning model, Macayla! Her skirt is actually a shirt that she wore as a bottom and she tucked the sleeves in to make them look like pockets. So guys, go ahead and be creative! If it works, rock it, just like Macayla!