Amanda Laird Cherry brings the Black Lives Matter movement to the SA runway

For most of the 2020 lockdown, the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement dominated news headlines and social media feeds. It was local designer Amanda Laird Cherry's introspection about this and other race matters that led to the creation of her new monochromatic collection.

“I am [based] between SA and the US so I wanted to highlight the injustice of law enforcement,” says Cherry.

The collection, which debuted digitally at the recent SA Fashion Week, opened with a number of white garments in Cherry's signature voluminous style representing the imbalance of power that continues to exist thanks to systemic racism.

Clothes in dark colours then took over the runway reflecting the momentum of the BLM movement. The final look paid homage to the lives lost, presenting a challenge for much-needed reform.

“Clothes are not just about fashion. They tell us about ourselves and about our society. It has always been important to me in my career to use clothing as a vehicle for questioning and to portray things that are going on in society,” says Cherry.

“I think more South African customers need to support local brands and give them the esteem they deserve because your carbon footprint is lower when you are not buying stuff that was made all over the world,” says Cherry. “It also assists with employment within SA's borders.”

Currently selling through The Space stores, Amanda Laird Cherry is looking to dominate in the e-commerce space and is planning to expand on the ALC women and menswear ranges.

• To see more of the designer's work, visit amandalairdcherry.com

• SA Fashion Week took place digitally from April 29 to May 1 2021.