I struggled with the dual nature of my identity, often negotiating my original African culture and my assimilated American culture. My work explores the dissonance of this duality through patterns and motifs. Through this exploration, I am not only able to gain an understanding of the contradictions and complexities that embody my identity, but also admire the humanity that is laced within it.

This collection is derived from the women who raised me while I was in Togo. Reflecting on lived experiences and looking through old family photos, I draw inspiration from the ways my aunts and cousins dressed. I was able to recreate some of the silhouettes that were unique to West African culture, but nuanced with western influences while simultaneously fabricating contemporary textiles. This brings forth my intention of creating a modern African identity, one full of intent and awareness of the world. I also look at the dress practices of Togo and other parts of west Africa and use it as a source of influence to how I confront masculinity through my work.