BY J.MONROE
SUN. AUGUST 24th | 6:00pm | Cafe Erzulie
894 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Brooklyn Hues is the next chapter in the Reawakening series—a live cultural assembly and editorial shoot rooted in natural beauty, ancestral memory, and Black futurism. Staged in Cafe Erzulie in Brookyln NYC during golden hour, this flashmob-style shoot features men and women in rich blue fashion, styled with natural hairstyles—afros, braids, locs—and adorned with bold silver accessories.
WHAT TO WEAR:
Outfits: A spectrum of rich and electric blues—from denim and silk to mesh and structured tailoring. Includes jumpsuits, wide-leg pants, crop sets, layered pieces, and flowing gowns. Fit ranges from sleek to oversized, blending streetwear with high fashion.
Hair: Natural textures—afros, braids, locs, bald heads—worn with pride.
Jewelry: Statement silver and metallics, layered and sculptural
The Harlem Renaissance
Aaron Douglas, a founding visual voice of the Harlem Renaissance, serves as the foundational inspiration for Brooklyn Hues. His iconic silhouetted figures and rhythmic compositions inspire the staging and storytelling approach of the shoot. Just as Douglas used form, shadow, and layered tones to depict movement and Black identity, I aim to do the same—through the body, hair, and light.
Specifically, the image titled "The Harlem Renaissance" offers the grounding framework: movement, collective energy, and a glow that feels both celestial and rooted. Brooklyn Hues borrows from this energy, translating it through a modern-day visual narrative that honors history while shaping the future.
PRESS & IMPACT
J.Monroe's Cultural Assemblies have received national press recognition, including a feature on ABC News during the Met Gala. Redefined – Harlem reimagined Black masculinity and was praised for its bold styling and cultural depth. These works, influenced by legend Gordon Parks 1963 image, have helped establish Monroe's role in shaping modern Black visual narratives.
