The accomplished 28-year-old menswear designer from Chicago came to Central Saint Martins with an impressive track record, having studied at School of the Art Institute of Chicago BFA and won the John W. Kurtich Travel Grant 2014, SAIC The Walk Menswear Grant 2014 and the Propeller Fund Grant 2018. Compton Quashie’s CSM Graduate Diploma collection explores aspects of Blackness that cross geography and generations. He focuses on the themes of distance and connection across the Black diaspora through documentation of club music, environments, movement and visual culture. “Since moving to London, I have acutely felt the rifts between Black people in this global city,” he says. As a Black American, he has been confronted by the reality of how much has been denied to him and the community. It’s the first time he has been asked “Where are you from?” and not “Where are your grandparents from?” by other Black people.
His process begins by collecting images from different sources and creating reading/watch-lists of content that might be potentially inspiring or are connected to his favourite themes, including queer sci-fi and music. The print design process is a particular pleasure. He acknowledges that sometimes he thinks more about music, colour, movement, feelings and performance rather than clothing, but then he gets inspired to make something cute to go clubbing in. The personal message behind his work is simple – “I’m here for myself, my expression and happiness.” But beyond the personal, the entire collection is a homage to other Black people around the world who are striving to carve out a place for their community.
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Words: Sophia Mozzali
Video: Jessica Gianelli