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Welcome To Ends

Aiyana-Monet Ashie-Rochester

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Hi, I’m Aiyana-Monet , an upcoming graduate of BA costume for performance at London College of Fashion. My work has a huge emphasis on storytelling and the impact that costume has on the interpretation of that story. I blend historical garment structures and silhouettes with contemporary elements. I often draw inspiration from Folklore, Black Culture, Identity and auto-ethnographic experiences.

Hi, I’m Aiyana-Monet , an upcoming graduate of BA costume for performance at London College...

This project is a protest. A reclamation. A celebration.

It explores the intersection of Black femininity, historical fashion, and protest culture through costume-led storytelling. challenging the stereotypes that have long tried to strip Black British women of their femininity, grace, and power.

By merging 18th-century womenswear with contemporary Black British streetwear, I’m reclaiming space through grand silhouettes, delicate ruffles, beading, and layered fabrics that speak to both historical opulence and modern resistance.

This is for every Black woman and girl who’s ever been made to feel like she doesn’t belong.

This is a place to belong.

To be seen.

To take up space.

Final work

  • A women standing inform of the houses of parliament with a banner open that says reclaiming my femininity
  • A women standing in front of the houses of common as a protest
  • Two women standing infant of the houses of parliament
  • Women crouching down in front of the Houses of parliament
  • Women posing infant of the Houses of Parliament
  • Women posing in front of the Houses of Parliament
  • women standing against lamppost
  • women posing
  • Women posing with fabric

Welcome To Ends

The final film uses the streets of London as a political stage, turning costume into a medium of protest. My designs are both personal and universal it's intended to challenge perception, spark conversation, and affirm that Black women not only belong in historical narratives, but are powerful rewriters of them.

Research and process

  • image from the project
  • image from the project

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Welcome To Ends

This project is a protest. A reclamation. A celebration. It explores the intersection of Black femininity, historical fashion, and protest culture through costume-led storytelling. challenging the stereotypes that have long tried to strip Black British women of their fe...

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