Fashion
Larry Jay presents the SS20, ZONGO lookbook
He was born and raised in one of the widely known slums of Accra, Zango (corrupted to Zongo). It has always been considered a ghetto by non-residents because of the heavy population and disorganized social behavior of some of the inhabitants.
He has always yearned to change the negative narrative formed by these non-residents by showing them the beauty of its complex lives and an endearing positive side through fashion.
The Zongo communities are not only settled by Ghanaians, they are also populated by Muslim migrants from northern Nigeria, Mali, Senegal, Burkina faso, Niger, Algeria, Guinea etc. They migrated for trading purposes and also in search of a good and peaceful life. However, regardless of the diversity of their backgrounds, residents of these communities still find it necessary to cultivate a sense of unity and solidarity among themselves in order to survive in their new urban place of residence. A common feature shared, apart from religion, is the use of the Hausa language as their lingua franca.
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The SS20 as well as AW19 cotton (brocade) fabrics were hand tied and dyed with vintage techniques by Guinean artisan dwellers who migrated to these communities in Ghana to trade and also enhance their livelihoods.
Larry decided to take everything back to the community that brought him up because his mission is to build a sustainable brand that is ethically and socially responsible to its environment, a brand that will empower and give back to these communities in its own little way.
The brand allowed itself to be inspired by the antique shapes and cuts of these settlers which is in accordance with the brand’s aesthetic of minimal and flowy silhouettes yet unusual.
Scenic brass accessories with gold and silver finish made for this collection were inspired by migrants from the Sahel areas.
The brand’s new Najdi Sandals introduced this season originated from the Islamic Arabians in the late 17th century and was widely used by both men and women in the Sahel African areas.
