We visited the V&A to take in its show Africa Fashion, with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable group from Meet Me at The Albany. We found not just an exhibition of clothes, but an important representation of history and lives re-told through style and design, which was further brought to life by our Meet Me members who had experienced this first-hand.

Eminent V&A curator Dr Christine Checinska gave us a fascinating talk before we visited the exhibition. Emotions and pride surged in the room, as we acknowledged what an important moment this is for recognition of the contribution Africa has made to the world of fashion and design.

Dr Christine Checinska

Meet Me women have great experience in the wearing of these fabrics and also in dressmaking and design. They shared their expertise and stories, naming many printed cloths, and they asked important questions about how we can hand over the knowledge and expertise to future generations…

Enjoying the introductory talk

Identification of prints: The prints in the photo were identified as ‘Ghana’ ‘Key’ and , ‘Snail’ by Meet Me members

ABC print (below). “This print is from Nigeria. We have all worn this print. One day we will all wear it to The Albany, together”. See some video chat about it here: https://www.instagram.com/meetmystyle22

Stella explaining ‘ABC’ print

Beautiful mannequins have been specially designed for the exhibition – they showcase four different hairstyles (including Bantu knots) and four different skin tones to represent the diversity within the African diaspora.

Grace admiring the mannequins

Four of our Meet Me members were joyful to find a wall of Warri fashion photos – especially the ‘Star Beer’ dress. They were proud to see models from their homeland included in the exhibition. “We are Warri!”

‘Models from Warri’ wall – photos taken in Birmingham c.1960 by Arthur H. Downes.

“We are Warri!” Our 2022 models.

Afterwards we spent some time chatting, sketching and thinking about colour and print design.

Pauline sketching up some of her own designs

#Meet My Style 2022