KAMARA, IBRAHIM

K ,   STYLIST, MAKE-UP ARTIST AND HAIR STYLIST

Ibrahim Kamara is an Anglo-African stylist

Born in Sierra Leone in 1990, Ibrahim Kamare grew up in Gambia and moved to London at the age of eleven. He enrolled in Central Saint Martin, where he worked on a project called “2026”. With this project he explored black men’s masculinity and how it might look in the future. The project was then exhibited at Somerset House as part of the exhibition “Utopian VOices Here and Now”. After his studies, he was hired by Kenzo.

The exploration of male corporeality, especially of African men, continued in his posthumous works. With the help of the model and stylist Barry Kamen, he worked on the costumes for the singer Sampha’s video “Process“, directed by Kendrick Lamar and Beyoncé. He conveys social messages through his works. With regard to the question “Do you think that through fashion you can give voice to the #BlackLivesMetter movement?” he answered:

Sure!Sure! Images are very important and can be offensive or progressive. Pictures can make a group of people feel included or excluded.

Ibrahim Kamara’s career and portfolio

Ibrahim uses images and create political looks that can communicate a social message. He is known for his bold and genderless style. In 2018 he was appointed fashion editor for i-D magazine. He also created editorials for Vogue Italia, British Vogue, Love, Double, AnOther and for Le Monde. He also collaborated with many well-known photographers such as Paolo Roversi, Mert & Marcus, Glen Lunchford and Sam Rock.

In addition, he offers consultancy for international brands including: Fenty, Hermes, Nike, Emporio Armani, Dior, Stella McCartney, Burberry and Erdem. In 2017 he curated the styling of the #StellaBy campaign for Stella McCartney, shot in Nigeria by Nafine Ijewere. Kamara also curated the looks of Beyoncé, Rihanna and Madonna. In 2020 Kamara was appointed director of Dazed & Confused and collaborated with Roversi for the Pirelli Calendar. In addition, he collaborated with the Browns project “A family affair” with the photographer Rafael Pavarotti. For the event he stated:

“I always think that experiences can influence work, and in my case this is what I bring to fashion. My past experiences and the new experiences are coming together.”

A recurring element in his looks are masks, a key element of Kamara’s work: they symbolize protection, in fact, but also transformation.

Kamara Emporio Armani campaign

Kamara’s Emporio Armani campaign

He curated the styling of the fall 2021 collection of Commes des garçons and that of Virgil Abloh for Louis Vuitton, for which Kamara curated the digital presentation of Fall Winter 2021.

Louis Vuitton 2021, styling by Kamara

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