Kerby Jean-Raymond, founder and designer of Pyer Moss Couture, became the first Black-American to be invited to show at Paris Couture Fashion Week. He created a one-of-a-kind fashion line that highlights inventions that Black people have contributed to America.
According to Vogue, the fashion icon decided to host the show at the Villa-Lewaro, home of the late Madam C.J. Walker, on Saturday.
In an interview with the designer, he revealed that the idea for this show was a product of an ayahuasca-induced trance.
“We did the ceremony as a team out in Joshua Tree back in March,” he explained. “And that same morning, we’d had a call with Kering when the discussion about applying to be on the haute couture schedule came up.”
“I didn’t want to do this like a regular collection. I wanted to do this like Sesame Street and Pixar,” he said.
Elaine Brown, former Chairman of the Black Panther Party, delivered a meaningful speech about liberation to set the show’s tone, which provided historical context relating to the garments.
“I’ve always told people not to call me an activist until I’m at that level, where I’m doing as much as Elaine has done,” said Jean-Raymond.
“I loved what the black panthers stood for and what they created, and I think there can be a new version of that if we can be organized, and Pyer Moss is that. We’re a platform. That’s what we do well, not just the clothes but the message, the story, and the whole community around it.”
Every couture look displayed on the runway served as a rendition of a Black invention with a unique Raymond twist to it.
The different looks ranged from the horseshoe to the mop, the hot comb, the hairbrush, the cell phone, and many more!
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After his show, Raymond received a standing ovation for his tribute.
