In a world where fashion can often be driven by consumerism, there is a need for both film and print editorial, to reflect the individual creation of style and go beyond just surface aesthetics, telling stories of creativity and originality. It is often rare that you find this. Joshua Kissi & Travis Gumbs of Street Etiquette are believers in this concept and it is through their vision along with fellow collaborators; the Visual Supply Company and Photographer Rog Walker, their latest project SLUMFLOWER, came to life.
SLUMFLOWER, an editorial, gallery exhibition and short film, is a visually articulate insight into the fallacies formed about public housing in the United States. Much of the editorial centres around a little boy, who endeavours to find the beauty in would what would otherwise be considered a concrete jungle. Along with 20 odd immaculately well dressed men, the use of high end design tells a story of dreamers, of what could be and what should be. Each image is a story. An anecdote with depth, complexity and intrigue. Each landscape true, interaction honest and individual authentic.
The editorial poses many questions and messages.Two seem to resonate. One; beauty is not confined to granduer. True beauty is everywhere we look. It is in the everyday, it is in the house we grew up in, it is in lines on our face, it is in scars in our hearts. Most of all it is in the interactions with every individual we meet. Two; Do not let social confines dictate what you can and cannot do. No matter who you are or where you are from, you are capable of greatness. Always.
With the forthcoming short film yet to be released, the complete editorial can be viewed online.
View STREET ETIQUETTE SLUMFLOWER
“Great dreams of great dreamers, are always transcended.”