Cosmic Expansion

‘Cosmic Expansion’ – a fitting title coined from one of Threaded Tribes’ launch events, as well as their plan to communicate their visions on the global stage through social media, and physical pop ups, of which I had the honour of attending a few months ago in Nairobi.
The ‘Cosmic’ aspect is derived from our unconventional design elements – such as colour and aesthetic sensibility, and the contrast they have with the person wearing them and the environment at large.
It was quite a task to consolidate such themes before, during, and after the shoot, the images had to be a delicate balance of the brand’s unique Ghanaian heritage, Awurama’s vision, and my approach to balancing such aspects that are relevant and original enough to be possibly viewed by their audience and part of their visual catalogue.

Words by Thomas Seward, The Photographer
September 2022, Nairobi,
Kenya Karun, Yatsiliel Briggs
Creative Director: Awurama Mankatah
Styling: Sally Minoo
Makeup: Terianne Iraki
Photographs by Thomas Seward

This first set in the series is a reflection of the brand’s adaptability and faithfulness to preserving its heritage.
I was inspired by Solange’s portrayal of African Americans in the southern states of the USA, and how they adapted to American culture whilst preserving their African roots in her visual album, When I Get Home. The pants, coupled with the silk cloak and cowboy hat, and the model’s posture in a natural environment are a fitting representation of such themes.