The Ask
I was tasked with creating a location-inspired apparel line and presenting it in a professional line sheet. I developed a cohesive assortment with styles, colorways, SKUs, pricing, and size runs, all inspired by the culture and visual identity of a specific location.
Skills
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Skills *
Adobe Illustrator • Presentation • Pattern Making • Photoshop • Line Sheets • Pricing/Margin
Why I chose this theme?
The Black Panther Party movement was an impactful time in the 1970’s. In recent years, with movements like “Black Lives Matter” was a catalyst is producing conversations about racial equality which would align with today’s activism.
Even though The BPP was founded in California, Chicago held a lot of the party’s activities. With that, I decided to do a line inspired by the Chicago culture.
It was something I was not too knowledgeable and being Black, I wanted to understand where we come from during the Civil Rights Movement.
Huey P. Newton: Co-founder and Minister of Defense, leading the party's ideological direction.
Bobby Seale: Co-founder and Chairman who helped organize the party and its community programs.
Eldridge Cleaver: Minister of Information and author of Soul on Ice, who escalated the party's revolutionary rhetoric.
Fred Hampton: Charismatic chairman of the Illinois chapter who was killed by police in a raid.
My Inspiration
I chose to center my collection around the Black Panther Party because of the parallels I see between today and the 1960s especially in conversations around civil rights and racial tension. I wanted to create something that not only acknowledges that history, but also feels personal to me and where I come from.
This collection is rooted in more than just aesthetics it represents resilience, discipline, and the ongoing fight for purpose and identity in America. Through each piece, I aimed to reflect strength, unity, and pride, while honoring a legacy that continues to shape culture and influence how we show up today.
Highlights
The Result
I completed a polished, culturally inspired activewear collection with organized SKUs and pricing, and presented the line sheet to my class, highlighting my ability to plan a cohesive assortment and deliver it professionally.