Sanaa Collective

Inspired by 19th-century Zaire (present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo), where hairstyles symbolized cultural pride and identity. Different ethnic groups showcased unique styles, often using braids and decorations to express heritage and social status. However, colonial powers violently imposed Western grooming standards, pressuring people to conform. Despite this, many Zairians resisted, clinging to tradition amidst forced cultural changes.

Today, the DRC faces a crisis of imperialism, known as neo-colonialism. Though colonial powers may not be physically present, their systems still exert control over people, land, and resources. Organizations like are vital, providing community education and material support to combat resource theft and exploitation, including exploitative work conditions in mines and U.S.-backed militia groups from neighboring countries like Uganda.

Decolonize Black Hair: An exploration of Black Hair through the looking glass

An ongoing series exploring Black hair beyond the Eurocentric lens.

Black hair transcends mere appearance. It embodies our resistance, culture, and identity, spanning from pre-colonial times to the present day. Decolonizing Black Hair is a journey towards exploring various African hairstyles to reclaim our narratives - for and by us.

Visit the link to explore more about “Decolonize Black Hair”: https://www.sanaastudiocollective.com/



Executive Director/Producer - Stella Okech Executive Producer - Mungo Ligoya
Set Assistant/Writer - Salome Paul
Hair Stylist - Tenesha Luckett
Assistant Hair Stylist - Allie Berry .braids /
Models - Agau Kuek , Nyaweka Choul

Our website is live!

Click the link in our bio to read more about “Ode to the Hood Black Girls” and explore our other photography series.

Sanaa Collective is revamping and we’re looking for creatives to add to our team.

Are you a creative from a Black, Indigenous, or POC community that is interested in telling stories that create impact? If so, then send us your resume.

We encourage those with little to no experience to apply!

For full transparency, the positions advertised are unpaid. As we work on securing funding, we hope to be able to pay our creative team in the future.

Thank you and we look forward to your applications!

ODE TO THE HOOD BLACK GIRLS: THE ORIGINATORS, THE CREATORS & THE INSPIRATION

Black women for decades have been creating and setting the trends. However, Gucci, MuiMui, and countless other “high fashion” brands have continued to steal from their creativity and ideas. These brands effortlessly get to rebrand the ideas of these women into “high fashion” and turn it into their own profitable gains. Leaving the women and girls who created the trends to continue to deal with the exclusion of wealth and the resources to their communities and left with perpetual racial stereotypes as a reward.

Who defines what is high fashion?

This series was put together by an all BIPOC team of creatives. Special thanks to:

Creative director:
Photographer: Stella /
Wardrobe stylist: Aadryan
Hairstylist: Saysha
Makeup artist: Cassie .bamakeupco
Nail tech: Kayla
videographer: Mungo
Assistant: Linh
Models: Beverly , Sharmaine , and Imani

TELFAR

In 2018, Telfar changed the fashion industry by creating its now flagship “Shopping Bag.” The popular vegan-leather accessory was originally offered in three sizes across an array of muted and vibrant colorways, while its democratic price points made it an accessible introduction to a luxury brand without asking consumers to pay conventional luxury prices. The bag’s cult status soon earned it the nickname the “Bushwick Birkin.”

Much of Telfar’s appeal lies in the fact that designer Telfar Clemens treats his customers like his community. As the slogan says, Telfar is “Not for you — for everyone,” a rather democratic stance in the luxury market.

Article link: Behind the Criticism of Telfar and Other Black-Owned Brands; https://www.thecut.com/2022/04/telfar-criticized-black-owned.html