black beauty in the garden fashion film, 2024
This film was created as part of Blkrunway’s fashion show, inspired by this year’s theme, “Black Beauty in the Garden.” The theme speaks to resilience, creativity, and elegance—a reminder of how, even in a world where seeds of oppression were planted, we’ve managed to bloom into something extraordinary. For me, this film is about growth, transformation, and the necessity of rebirth. It reflects how we evolve through life’s challenges, finding strength in our connection to the natural world. I wanted to capture the ways our experiences mirror nature—how we grow, shed, and bloom again, always interconnected with the world around us. Every piece featured in the film was handmade, honoring the incredible work of all nine designers who contributed to the show. Their creations carry a sense of care, intention, and artistry that mirrors the film’s message. Through this project, I hoped to celebrate not just the beauty of their work but also the deeper story of transformation and renewal that unites us all.
The process
The process
I have always loved being able to witness the process in which a project was born. Continuing on this page will be the journey from inception to completion as I unveil glimpses of both the pre-production and production phases. Enjoy :)
Black beauty in the garden Storyboard
Black beauty in the garden music
This piece of music draws its inspiration from the rich tradition of Malian folk music, hailing from the vibrant landscapes of West Africa. In Mali, music is a deeply cherished part of culture, intertwined with everyday life. The heartbeat of Malian melodies is carried by an array of traditional instruments, each with its own story to tell: the ngoni, a 4-5 stringed lute; the mesmerizing tones of the kora, a harp-like instrument; the rhythmic pulse of the jembe drum; the expressive cadence of the tama, or talking drum; the resonant calabash, a gourd drum; and the enchanting bala, also known as the balafon, a xylophone-like instrument. And let's not forget the kamele ngoni, adding its own unique flavor to the musical tapestry of Mali.
The tone of the music is hopeful, while the mood is euphoric.
Black beauty in the gARDEN wardrobe & Styling
This scene featured a dress that I made out of cheese cloth while the model was on set. I really wanted it to match the “mask” that the model was wearing.
Wardrobe & Styling: Jadea Knight
Model: Sami Jenkins
Wardrobe Assistant: Glenn Porter
This scene featured an outfit made out of raffia material, which covered the model head to toe.
Wardrobe & Styling: Jadea Knight
Model: Thomas Olds
This scene featured two hats that I created out of cardboard and drop cloth.
Wardrobe & Styling: Jadea Knight
Wardrobe Assistant: Tremaine Etheridge