43 Afropunk Best Looks & Street Style 2018

Eve Sanford, 35, artist "The hats came out of an idea for a photo project I did. It was inspired by African deities and Buddhism and the idea of ... Eve Sanford, 35, artist "The hats came out of an idea for a photo project I did. It was inspired by African deities and Buddhism and the idea of giving people their flowers while they're alive. I was a teacher for a long time, and some of my students died unfortunately from violence in Chicago, so I was really inspired by giving people their love and flowers while they're living." Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Monet Allen, 20, artistic entrepreneur "My friend made the jacket, it's all patches and rings. I met her a year ago doing a shoot in this jacket ... Monet Allen, 20, artistic entrepreneur "My friend made the jacket, it's all patches and rings. I met her a year ago doing a shoot in this jacket and really liked the message it gave off. It's like, 'Fuck main stream and patriarchal society. Just live your life and be happy and don't care about anyone else.'" Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Allie Jackson-Hing, 23, enrollment specialist at the Department of Education "When you come here people are dressed up so amazing, and I felt lik... Allie Jackson-Hing, 23, enrollment specialist at the Department of Education "When you come here people are dressed up so amazing, and I felt like I was thinking too hard about it. I was just looking for some prints because I normally wear creams, so I found this scarf and turned it into a top." Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Thandisizwe Jackson-Nisan, 27, artist "My boyfriend and I wanted to match, so I got a print for both of us. I did the makeup and accessories base... Thandisizwe Jackson-Nisan, 27, artist "My boyfriend and I wanted to match, so I got a print for both of us. I did the makeup and accessories based on that. It's great to see black people finally unashamed of our hair, our culture, and our appearance, and finally taking pride in it." Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Yaaserwaah Akuoku, wearable art designer “This piece is part of an exhibit that I did. I am an artist, but I display my work in wearable form. My back... Yaaserwaah Akuoku, wearable art designer “This piece is part of an exhibit that I did. I am an artist, but I display my work in wearable form. My background is in fashion. I studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology. This particular piece focuses on self-reflection, specifically the concept behind Sigmund Freud's concept of the psyche. I thought it was a great way for me to think about the wholeness of black people, and that's why I have the sign that says "Everything Black Matters." Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Lizzy Lightyear and Venus, musical artists and members of Big Hair Girls "Every year when we come to Afropunk we try to go a little bit bigger an... Lizzy Lightyear and Venus, musical artists and members of Big Hair Girls "Every year when we come to Afropunk we try to go a little bit bigger and a little bit harder than the year before, so this year we were like, we need to go full out unicorn fairy. This is our interpretation of that." Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Christine Pluvoise, 19, filmmaker and program assistant at a documentary center "Today I am wearing a lovely piece by one of my great friends, Na... Christine Pluvoise, 19, filmmaker and program assistant at a documentary center "Today I am wearing a lovely piece by one of my great friends, Naomi Jackson. I felt that it just made my skin look really well. [My skin] is something I have learned to love, and it's like, why not choose colors that show it off properly the way it should be? The gold and blue is for royalty." Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Sade Smith, 20, accountant "There's still a lot of oppression that goes on for black people, so I'm re-creating the Statue of Liberty, but the to... Sade Smith, 20, accountant "There's still a lot of oppression that goes on for black people, so I'm re-creating the Statue of Liberty, but the torch is a Black Power fist to symbolize and rep for my people." Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Mary Denerville, 29, student advisor "I was feeling a little bit blue, a little bit vintage. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone. I thought t... Mary Denerville, 29, student advisor "I was feeling a little bit blue, a little bit vintage. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone. I thought the festival would be a good place to bring something out of me. Blackness, in general, we tend to stick in a box. This festival is a good way for us to express ourselves." Photo: Cheryl Dunn

JaQuam Mitchell, 23, fashion designer "This is blue foil paper. I'm mimicking the ocean with the crushing and the crashing of the paper. I just w... JaQuam Mitchell, 23, fashion designer "This is blue foil paper. I'm mimicking the ocean with the crushing and the crashing of the paper. I just want to be flowful. Afropunk is the perfect place, everyone is so open to being peaceful and flowful." Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Ivi Lewis, 25, filmmaker and Jada West, 25, visual merchandiser Lewis: "Everything was last-minute. I just found out that you could make a crown ... Ivi Lewis, 25, filmmaker and Jada West, 25, visual merchandiser Lewis: "Everything was last-minute. I just found out that you could make a crown out of zip-ties. Jada is a designer and I bought this out of the thrift store. She cut it up and pinned it up, and that's how I look good right now" Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Ja Quam Mitchell, 23, fashion designer; Shelby Williams, 19, community organizer; Kenneth O'Veal, 29, menswear designer O'Veal: “Today I'm just repres... Ja Quam Mitchell, 23, fashion designer; Shelby Williams, 19, community organizer; Kenneth O'Veal, 29, menswear designer O'Veal: “Today I'm just representing Afrofuturism. I hope in 2045 everyone is walking down the street dressed like this. Give the whole city, you know, some visual effects to appreciate.” Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Mshari Whaley, 32, artist, entrepreneur, designer "I am an artists who likes to create so I designed this a year ago, and it was just pretty much... Mshari Whaley, 32, artist, entrepreneur, designer "I am an artists who likes to create so I designed this a year ago, and it was just pretty much to put the focus on natural jewels and copper, which is great for wellness and blood circulation. I am a living example of how the energy flows with crystals and copper together and while looking adorned, I am healing myself as well.” Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Hazel Blachaz3, 27, social worker "This top is something I got when I was a kid, I'm from Ghana. I own a [fashion] company called "Fist Up ... Hazel Blachaz3, 27, social worker "This top is something I got when I was a kid, I'm from Ghana. I own a [fashion] company called "Fist Up Afros Out" and because I'm a social worker, I try to combine it with my creativity." Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Akua Shabaka, 20, designer "I wanted to encompass the idea of Mardi Gras meets Voodoo meets androgynous woman." Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Hadiya Barbel, 39, soul renewer and artist; Mshari Whaley, 32, artist, entrepreneur, designer Barbel: “I am inspired by nature, by love, by transforma... Hadiya Barbel, 39, soul renewer and artist; Mshari Whaley, 32, artist, entrepreneur, designer Barbel: “I am inspired by nature, by love, by transformation. The butterflies represent transformation. The flowers represent the beauty of all women. And the colors represent the people." Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Chrismiss Bright, 30, freelancer and mother "I saw some meme on Instagram that was talking about Zendaya rumored to be the new Little Mermaid in ... Chrismiss Bright, 30, freelancer and mother "I saw some meme on Instagram that was talking about Zendaya rumored to be the new Little Mermaid in the live-action movie, and I saw that some people didn't feel that she could be because she's black. So I felt like showing people that black girls can be mermaids." Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Shelby Williams, 19, community organizer “I am a Rastafarian and a follower of the Rastafari movement, to share my blessings. I show my Rasta in my ro... Shelby Williams, 19, community organizer “I am a Rastafarian and a follower of the Rastafari movement, to share my blessings. I show my Rasta in my roots as an Afro-black person. I am a black woman who embodies and adorns the black body. I'm here to show out. I love all my fucking n*ggers out here being beautiful and black and just loving each other.” Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Rittney Brian, 25; Rachel Topping, 29; Jordan Brian, 18, all owners of the brand Nappy Headed Club “We really just want to make people aware of our pr... Rittney Brian, 25; Rachel Topping, 29; Jordan Brian, 18, all owners of the brand Nappy Headed Club “We really just want to make people aware of our project and celebrate the word Nappy, which is really controversial and has been used in a very derogatory way. We are reclaiming that word and showing people that nappy is dope.” Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Cameron Williams, 19, intern "This outfit is an homage to the black church. I remember growing up and going to church with my mom and seeing the ... Cameron Williams, 19, intern "This outfit is an homage to the black church. I remember growing up and going to church with my mom and seeing the men in bulky black suits and the women in the gorgeous adorned hats. So I wanted to see how it fit on me. Afropunk is the place for it." Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Jahsiah Bell, 20, student “I've been planning this outfit for a long time. Black people should be able to be themselves, and this outfit is my way of ... Jahsiah Bell, 20, student “I've been planning this outfit for a long time. Black people should be able to be themselves, and this outfit is my way of being myself.” Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Immani Bermingham, 20, model "The first thing I wanted to do was flowers in my hair, so that's what the outfit is based on. I made these pants, a... Immani Bermingham, 20, model "The first thing I wanted to do was flowers in my hair, so that's what the outfit is based on. I made these pants, and the green complements the red." Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Crystal Anderson, 36, operations manager "Emily Ridings created the dress, she won a Parsons School of Design contest this year. She weaved it he... Crystal Anderson, 36, operations manager "Emily Ridings created the dress, she won a Parsons School of Design contest this year. She weaved it herself in Kentucky. In a world where black people aren't always appreciated it's nice to be in a space [at Afropunk] where you look to your left and look to your right and there's a brown person who's like, I see you and what you're doing. There's nothing better than that. " Photo: Cheryl Dunn

LaTrese Wright, 39, costumer for FOX TV “This is my second time here and I like to go for an Afrofuturistic look. My favorite part is the mask which I... LaTrese Wright, 39, costumer for FOX TV “This is my second time here and I like to go for an Afrofuturistic look. My favorite part is the mask which I ordered online from Dolls Kill." Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Iyanna James Stephenson, 25, model, dancer, bartender “This outfit is my type of vibe. It is intergalactic, it is just out of this world, and I love t... Iyanna James Stephenson, 25, model, dancer, bartender “This outfit is my type of vibe. It is intergalactic, it is just out of this world, and I love to express myself in ways that are bigger than what is just reality.” Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Alex Brown, 26, consultant and Alexandra Maye, 25, nurse Maye: "We feel like royalty. We actually do [match often]. We matched on a recent vacati... Alex Brown, 26, consultant and Alexandra Maye, 25, nurse Maye: "We feel like royalty. We actually do [match often]. We matched on a recent vacation to Greece and we had red-and-white outfits." Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Magnus Juliano, artist and designer "It's inspired by Afrofuturism. We see a lot of representation at Afropunk of the past and of the present. Bu... Magnus Juliano, artist and designer "It's inspired by Afrofuturism. We see a lot of representation at Afropunk of the past and of the present. But I want to let everybody know that we will be in the future." Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Watson Meur, 31, painter "The look that I was going for is mostly just embracing the African side of myself. My parents are from Haiti, but we ar... Watson Meur, 31, painter "The look that I was going for is mostly just embracing the African side of myself. My parents are from Haiti, but we are still connected to Africa, so more so just channeling that part of my instinct, my bloodline." Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Watson Meur, 31, painter Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Stephon Mendoza, 23, designer "This look embodies everything that I am and it makes me feel so comfortable. A few years ago I was so self-conscio... Stephon Mendoza, 23, designer "This look embodies everything that I am and it makes me feel so comfortable. A few years ago I was so self-conscious with being thin but now I'm just embracing what God gave me." Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Chanae Isaac, 26, DJ, and Kelvin Valdez, 26, artist Isaac: "I'm always fashion-forward and over-the-top. I wanted to keep it Afro-centric, so tha... Chanae Isaac, 26, DJ, and Kelvin Valdez, 26, artist Isaac: "I'm always fashion-forward and over-the-top. I wanted to keep it Afro-centric, so that's why I did the hair wrap, and keep it crazy because that's how I am. The hair wrap completes me."

Tahhjana Mccoy, 24, fashion blogger "Some people call me Black Panther, that's my nickname. So I wanted to go for Pink Panther today." Photo... Tahhjana Mccoy, 24, fashion blogger "Some people call me Black Panther, that's my nickname. So I wanted to go for Pink Panther today." Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Thaddeus Coats, 23, graphic designer and model "I was going for a neo-Victorian meets Afro-futuristic idea. If Shakespeare meets Roots meets naut... Thaddeus Coats, 23, graphic designer and model "I was going for a neo-Victorian meets Afro-futuristic idea. If Shakespeare meets Roots meets nautical." Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Rania Ghoneim, 20, student "This is a dashiki outfit and I decided to brush out my hair and put the flowers in it. The tattoos are henna, I wante... Rania Ghoneim, 20, student "This is a dashiki outfit and I decided to brush out my hair and put the flowers in it. The tattoos are henna, I wanted to get real henna tattoos but I just got the fake ones instead." Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Darius Goldsmith, 25, model and stylist "I wanted to play on traditional festival dress. You see a lot of tie-dye and fringe, but I wanted to do ... Darius Goldsmith, 25, model and stylist "I wanted to play on traditional festival dress. You see a lot of tie-dye and fringe, but I wanted to do something that was my style and gender-neutral." Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Deasha Singh, 21, student "I woke up this morning and I didn't have anything planned. I just woke up and put this on. I love my hair, my Afro.&qu... Deasha Singh, 21, student "I woke up this morning and I didn't have anything planned. I just woke up and put this on. I love my hair, my Afro." Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Zachary Richardson, 26, artist “I have a show coming up where I'm putting a lot of rhinestones on a lot of different things, so I wanted to bedazzle t... Zachary Richardson, 26, artist “I have a show coming up where I'm putting a lot of rhinestones on a lot of different things, so I wanted to bedazzle this. My favorite part is my hair. It took me about 2 hours to get ready this morning." Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Janae Sumter, 23, artist, community organizer “I'm wearing all green. I decided to be in the space while thinking about chakras. I am also wearing ros... Janae Sumter, 23, artist, community organizer “I'm wearing all green. I decided to be in the space while thinking about chakras. I am also wearing rose quartz. I'm really trying to channel love and encourage healing. I feel like being in this space today is encouraging all of that. So I really just wanted to bring that to the forefront and share it with all of the people here today.” Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Breon Holland, 25, stylist "I made this. I didn't have anything to wear, so the concept is find whatever you can and throw it together. I sewed t... Breon Holland, 25, stylist "I made this. I didn't have anything to wear, so the concept is find whatever you can and throw it together. I sewed two shirts together and all the pants and jackets are just sewn together." Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Tenneille Johnson, 22, model "Half the sleeve is Prince, and half is Black Girl Magic. I just want to spread love. Prince was himself, and I thin... Tenneille Johnson, 22, model "Half the sleeve is Prince, and half is Black Girl Magic. I just want to spread love. Prince was himself, and I think people are afraid to be themselves. I hope people who look at my outfit can feel happiness." Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Eka Eyoh, 25, model "I love jumpsuits, so I wanted to go for ajumpsuit that had that '70s feel. Afropunk is full of vibrant colors so I wanted to... Eka Eyoh, 25, model "I love jumpsuits, so I wanted to go for ajumpsuit that had that '70s feel. Afropunk is full of vibrant colors so I wanted to get in on that." Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Andrea Nicole, 26, designer "My mother right now is going through breast cancer. I wore this outfit to honor her with the crown and everything I'... Andrea Nicole, 26, designer "My mother right now is going through breast cancer. I wore this outfit to honor her with the crown and everything I'm wearing.” Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Carl Brewer, 36, security officer “I found this while looking for an outfit on Ebay. It was pretty cheap. I thought it was perfect for Afropunk and ha... Carl Brewer, 36, security officer “I found this while looking for an outfit on Ebay. It was pretty cheap. I thought it was perfect for Afropunk and had to wear it. My favorite part are the shoes. I love leopard print. This is my first time wearing them.” Photo: Cheryl Dunn

Ebonee Davis, 25, model "This look is from Just.A.Bond, she's a black girl out of the midwest who reached out to me via Instagram. I have a '70s ... Ebonee Davis, 25, model "This look is from Just.A.Bond, she's a black girl out of the midwest who reached out to me via Instagram. I have a '70s soul already, in terms of my aesthetic and how I like to wear my hair. I wanted to be cool and breezy and there's quite a few holes in this." Photo: Cheryl Dunn

43 Insanely Well-Dressed People Explain Their Afropunk Outfits

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