Style In My DNA: 70 years of British Caribbean fashion (Hardback)

A number of black fashion designers have been featured in various publications over the years.To my knowledge "Style in My DNA" is the first concise book to feature designs and styles worn by people of colour. Students wishing to study textiles/fashion design now have an amazing sourcebook at their fingertips. This book will go a long way in highlighting and understanding the diversity in the fashion industry. Yvonne Bell (Teacher) 28.08.2018; It is rare to have a text that not only documents the history of a family, but that also intersects it with both fashion changes and national identity. "Style in my DNA" is especially useful to not only the fashion theorists, but also to costume designers who must often create theatrical realms that evoke the "average" person, that key and non-iconic reality of humanity. "Style in my DNA" is an invaluable resource for this kind of research which I will certainly be incorporating into my courses on the history of "Fashioning the Body". Prof. Dolan; A very special book which reflects the history of fashion over sixty years or so.Style in my DNA is a book to treasure: it is like a giant family album for the many Caribbean people who came to England in the 1950s. These telling photos capture the changing mood of each decade up to the present day and Lorna's commentary reminds the reader of the way styles changed to reflect the period. Miranda O'Connell; An insightful informative book which successfully tracks the evolution of fashion trends amongst the `Windrush Generation' and their children. The pictures and commentary effectively capture the essence of the different decades.Billie Ohene; A number of black fashion designers have been featured in various publications over the years. To my knowledge "Style in My DNA" is the first concise book to feature designs and styles worn by people of colour. Students wishing to study textiles/fashion design now have an amazing sourcebook at their fingertips. This book will go Style in my DNA is a photographic journey covering several decades of the lives of Caribbean people in the UK starting with the Windrush generation. The photographs are rich and captivating in their representation of the people, showing their spirit, dress style and their ability to shine against adversity. Lorna Holder has captured a special time in history, and "Style in my DNA" should be in every library for the younger generation to see and be inspired." Marsha McDermott; Style in My DNA is a fascinating photographic journey and an uplifting personal story of Caribbean influence not only in fashion but also cultural life over the past 70 years in Britain. It is a visual delight with an abundance of original photographs and a reminder of how styles in fashion, music & art are totally intertwined with the history and politics of the time. Truly a stylish book, it is further testimony to Lorna Holder's remarkable achievements since arriving in England as a 7-year-old in 1959. Highly recommended. Yvonne Deutschman; Style in my DNA has motivated to me to probe into my own family history and the stories behind the many photographs out of sight in family albums.L.T.; An inspiring and informative book that should be added to every library. "Style in my DNA" spans several decades from the forties up to present day in Caribbean and British style, fashion and music. It is nostalgic, reminiscing time place and events that we can all relate to. It is clear and succinct in its ' documentation and shows how fashion and music styles have evolved over the years depicting many treasured photographs in the Caribbean and British culture. Well done Lorna.Olive Graham-Desnoes; Being proud of my heritage, loving nostalgia and an opportunity to celebrate, `Style in My DNA' is an important, refreshing and long overdue documentation of part of our Black British history. It is thoughtfully written and collated, adding another string to the beautiful bow and rich tapestry of the Caribbean influence and contribution to Britain - particularly in light of recent Windrush generation events.The book invites you in with a welcome greeting that wraps around you like a warm hug from your favourite auntie.It is a joy to read and browse through stirring genuinely fond memories of similar experiences and scenes. Most importantly, I can share part of my history and journey with my daughter whilst learning even more about my past.Thank you, Lorna, for this precious gift.Gene Huie Manneh; Recently read a new book `Style in My DNA' by Lorna Holder launched at the V&A museum in June. The book is a great resource for my continuing studies whilst also being an important social document of Caribbean fashion history. Serena Lee