Let There Be Light is entirely black owned and operated and the First Installment marks the taking back of what has been stolen from us. Inspired by the late Trayvon Martin, our oversized, comforting hood runs deep. We are making it acceptable to wear a hood as a black man without fearing death. We are making it acceptable to be black. We are making it acceptable to be different. And most importantly, we are making it acceptable to be unapologetically, you. These beliefs are represented in each respective garment we create, individually hand stitched just for you, a member of this church we are building. Inspired by our own journey navigating the path from nowness to eternity, Let There Be Light marks our collective coming of age.
fter a two year journey, Let There Be Light is born. A collection rooted in spirituality, our history, and your reality, the Renaissance is upon us all.
JANUARY 4, 2021
SELAH
ORANGE
/ˈôrənj,ˈärənj/
The pillar of this collection, our orange colorway defines a dream deferred. A dream born inside each and every one of us that is so powerful it causes us to retreat.
I lost my way in the process of putting this collection out, but orange saved me. Orange energy overflows with positivity and warmth. Sunrise and sunset allow for God’s graceful light to touch all of life. From our great appreciation for the hue that radiates off the sun, the orange colorway was born.
It is said that the truth shall come to light. Orange calls awareness to the systemic problems facing us as a brand led by Black designers. Why is it that a color radiating so much positivity is used to identify those incarcerated? The infamous orange jumpsuit is an iconic symbol used to dehumanize our own people. Let There Be Light has reappropriated the orange jumpsuit, standing firmly on the need for criminal justice reform. There is no space in this world for limiting potential or boundaries - the only thing prisons are designed to do. We must innovate together and find ways to enforce love. Orange can never limit you, only wake your spirit up.
BLACK
/blak/
Encapsulating a dark mystique, the black colorway seeks to redefine years of oppression that has plagued black people. Each individual seam is constructed from our own pain and confusion over our blackness, allowing us to find beauty in the struggle.
Black, a force which drives out the appearance of all other colors, has no choice but to stand alone on the color palette. Unable to mix, black is a powerful, noticeable, and fear evoking color. The same traits that the color black holds translates directly to what black means in our society.
To be black is to be beautiful. To be black is to be loved. But to be black is to be feared. Hated. Mistreated. Singled out.
The Black Rebirth Sweatsuit pushes our culture forward to a place of no longer feeling ashamed of all that it means to be black. Instead of making the attempt to acquiesce blackness into society, we are coming with a storm, with a vengeance. It is okay to be angry, black teaches us to channel this anger toward the positive change of the renaissance that is on the horizon.
With black velvet draped on your body we are no longer running from what it means to be black, but rather choosing to love our power, influence, and significant contribution to this world.
WHITE
Introducing white, a love letter to Heather.
Crafted from feelings of purity and hope, the white color-way is for those passed on, but still with us. For those whose spirits are just around us, but dimensions away. In wearing white you are paying homage to all angels around you.
White is a color of sanctity and grace. Oftentimes we are left in this universe alone, but we must remember the everlasting connection we have with those who have died. As our planet dances in the palms of angels, we are reminded of earth’s natural beauty. A luscious green landscape appears no more beautiful than when covered by a fresh layer of snow. The quiet, calming aura of white snow evokes internal peace. Our White Rebirth Sweatsuit too acts as a blanket of serenity over the body.
A tribute to those forever in our heart, white reminds us to appreciate the daily gift of life. In never losing sight of how far we have journeyed, we must always remember how proud our angels are of who we are becoming.
I love you Mom, enjoy.
/(h)wīt/
Models
&Team
