FRD Case Study: Black Beauty Archive
Join us as we present a case study that explores the importance of preserving Black fashion history through the lens of Black beauty culture.
“The Black Beauty Archive collection contains over 1200+ objects including Full Issue Magazines, books, hair tools/hot tools, wigs, cosmetics, photographs, posters, oral histories, interviews, a/v tapes & more! A significant amount of our collection has been recovered, acquired, and donated from elders, artists, and collectors alike. All objects displayed are primary sources preserved within BBA collections, digitized for educational purposes only.”
Founder and Principal Archivist of the Black Beauty Archive, Camille Lawrence, will lead us through a presentation on the evolution of Black Beauty Archive and the importance of this archival work, followed by a Q&A.
Saturday, February 24, 2024
1:00 – 2:00pm EST (virtual)
Zoom Link and Passcode will provided upon registration.
FRD Members visit and log into our Calendar webpage for your complimentary access code.
About Camille Lawrence
Archivist, Curator, Consultant.
Founder, Black Beauty Archive.
Camille Lawrence's work as an archivist focuses on the art history, innovations, and diversity of artistic expression across the African Diaspora. She is most interested in exploring and archiving identity formation throughout the African diaspora and culture through three foundational principles: Oral, Physical, and Ritual. Lawrence's background as an art historian, artist, and beauty practitioner informs her approach to archival work. Her projects include the Black Beauty Archive and contributions to NYU Hemispheric Institute, Urban Bush Women, and BAM DanceAfrica.
Camille completed her BA in Art History with a minor in Global Black Studies from SUNY Purchase and Beauty Industry Essentials Certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is completing her MLIS with a Certificate in Archives from CUNY Queens College.
More about our theme for February, “Black (Fashion) History Month”:
The contributions of those who identify as Black or part of the African diaspora has been critical to the development and allure of the fashion industry. Oftentimes overlooked in fashion history books, lessons, fashion exhibitions and films, Black designers, models, photographers, editors and stylists have added coolness and driven innovation throughout a racially-homogenous landscape.
The multi-trillion-dollar fashion industry in fact owes a great debt to the enslaved ancestors who toiled the land to benefit those who mass-produced garments for profit. Despite navigating persistent mis-representation, discrimination and underestimation, The Fashion and Race Database is celebrating the creative triumphs and beauty that the Black community has brought to fashion history throughout the month of February.