This week I’ll be speaking in Houston and San Antonio as part of the Design Arts Seminars program.
As I’ve emphasized in the ethniciti blog, dramatic changes in demographics and lifestyles have created a heightened interest in African-influenced design. Manufacturers of home fashion goods must understand the need to develop collections inspired by regional artistic styles: East African, sub-Saharan, West African, etc. During my seminar presentations, I define African styles to help designers grasp the modern African-American consumer’s fundamental preferences.
I go beyond the traditional to consider an organized eclecticism that best matches today’s African-American’s purchasing motivations in home fashion. I explore contemporary, modern interpretations of African cultural influences, as well as the impact of Cuban, Brazilian, Caribbean, and regional U.S. inspiration. I emphasize the necessity to avoid the trite and cliché by creating authentic design solutions that speak to the modern African-American’s ancestry.
Designers must surpass standard classifications to develop a unique interpretation of Classic, Contemporary, and Casual through a prism of ethnic-inspired design.
Take a look at the overview video and let me know what you think.
