Take the A Train: Harlem Renaissance Style

Take the A Train: Harlem Renaissance Style

"An event is something that is heard about on the streets and read about in the papers for a week or two. However, if a series of related events should be strung together, one can be left with something monumental. What we bring to you is not a mere event that happened in Harlem in the 1920’s and 30’s, but a renaissance...

 

The Harlem Renaissance, also known as the New Negro Movement, was a literary, artistic, cultural, intellectual movement that began in Harlem, New York after World War I and ended around 1935 during the Great Depression. The movement raised significant issues affecting the lives of African Americans through various forms of literature, art, music, drama, painting, sculpture, movies, and protests. Voices of protest and ideological promotion of civil rights for African Americans inspired and created institutions and leaders who served as mentors to aspiring writers. Although the center of the Harlem Renaissance began in Harlem, New York, its influence spread throughout the nation and beyond and included philosophers, artists, writers, musicians, sculptors, movie makers and institutions that “attempted to assert…a dissociation of sensibility from that enforced by the American culture and its institutions.”-JCU.edu

"Harlem is vicious

Modernism. BangClash.

Vicious the way it's made,

Can you stand such beauty.

So violent and transforming."

- Amiri Baraka

Some of the twentieth centuries most prolific poets, writers and entertainers came from what would be know as the Harlem Renaissance.  Josephine Baker, Langston Hughes, WEB Dubois, Gwendolyn Bennett, Zora Neale Hurston, Jean Toomer and Dorothy West are included with the greats  to grow from Harlem's concrete streets in the 20's and 30's.

The music, the art, the poetry, fashions and sheer energy of Harlem was something to behold...and it serves as my latest fashion inspiration!
 
My grown and sexy look this summer will be Harlem Renaissance, with a 50's twist.  A lot tailored looks, clean lines with ultra feminine blouses, simply constructed dresses and ruffled hems!  Now, I have breasts, (and a gut) so full on flapper won't do.  However, if you are super tiny, flapper shapes look great on you!

Here are some inspiration photographs for my look (and pieces I put together to complete the looks below)

This is from the 2007 Vanity Fair Photo shoot with Zoe Saldana

This is from the 2007 Vanity Fair Photo shoot with Zoe Saldana

My look!

Nina Shoes-Stasy $99
Kate Spade Sweet Zinni Cocktail Ring $98
Ralph Lauren Collection Seafoam Single Georgette Daphne Top $1,330
Kenzo Textured Pencil Skirt with Peplum  $695
Nine West Mini Bag $39
Macy's Monet Butterfly Pin $25
Vintage Dior Pearl Earrings $605
**Correction Vintage Chanel! Pearl Earrings**

What do you think?  a 2012 Harlem Renaissance? DO you like the look?