“There’s no excuse for the young people not knowing who the heroes and heroines are or were.” Nina Simone
WHAT is ICONS?
The ICONS Collection is an empowering fashion-meets-art, sportswear range consisting of bomber jackets, shirt-dresses, t-shirts, caps and accompanying accessories. The collection is inspired by the 60s civil rights style and 90s collegiate pieces mostly seen on the hit TV show, “A Different World.” The designers appropriately call this the #StyleOfTheStruggle.
ICONS is #StyleOfTheStruggle.
The CONCEPT
We are in a unique time in history where we, as people, have advanced so far in innovation yet socio-cultural issues are still a challenge across the globe.
Artist, Terrance Wilson, created the ICONS Collection to celebrate those he calls “his heros.” Original drawings of iconic figures in history such as Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., Corretta Scott King, Nina Simone, Angela Davis, Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder are among those in the collection.
The simple yet striking drawings emblazoned on the pieces adds a unique aesthetic and versatile wearability to each piece.
“These are just some of the figures in my life that represent perseverance, hope, love, excellence, strength and courage. The message is to energize young people to get involved and operate in love to help change the hearts and minds to unite ALL people.”
Terrance Wilson
Historically, art has served as a vehicle to bring awareness to issues in politics, culture and the human condition. Terrance hopes the ICONS Collection will spark positive conversations and encourage people to DO SOMETHING.
In the words of Martin Luther King Jr.,“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
THE SHOW
The ICONS fashion show took place on Dec 3 ‘2016 at the newly renovated Dolphins Stadium in Miami, during the country’s largest art festival; Art Basel.
The styling drew influences from the Black Panther’s Movement era, vintage military and even early 90’s hip-hop culture.
“These were times when young people were AWAKE and involved in the happenings of the world around them,” explains Terrance.
Vintage military jackets covered in pins, appliqués and patches with the ICONS drawings & words such as “DON’T SHOOT” & “STANDING ROCK.” Images of cross-cultural marches and protests covered the screens that surrounded the runway. The sound for the presentation featured MLK delivering one of his many epic speeches followed by a medley of songs from Common’s latest album, BLACK AMERICA AGAIN.
Guests jumped out of their seats at the end of the presentation in applause with some with fists in the air to symbolize their solidarity.
In the midst of the lavish partying and creative exchanges made throughout ART BASEL , the ICONS fashion show offered a political message about the times we are facing as a community of human beings.
“The show was electrifying, pieces cutting-edge – a truly thought-provoking collection with clear messages that can be universally embraced.”
Genelva Meikle, Mish Mash Communications LTD
To view the ICONS Launch (photo and video), visit here
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Further information
WHAT IS COOL?
COOL is to Create Out Of Love – everything you do should come from the heart, with LOVE as the message.
To learn more about the innovative brand: CreateOutOfLove.com
Contact: [email protected]
“We VALUE freedom, disruptive ideas, fulfilment, love, simplicity , empathy, helpfulness and optimism.”
COOL Creative 2016