because the camp era

I created an end-to-end fashion design 2-piece outfit inspired by two of my favorite Childish Gambino albums, Because the Internet and Camp for the New World Tour (2024). I drew a portrait of Childish Gambino and a repeatable camouflage print pattern by hand. Then, I reached out to Space for Love, illustrator Quiana Lewis, to digitize my drawing, ensuring that it’s a polished, seamless design. “Because the Camp Era” is the first project we collaborated on, which set the tone for the illustrated poetry book. I wanted Gambino’s shirt to be part of the camouflage spots and use a color palette similar to Because the Internet. Our design went through several iterations before it was ready to print. I ordered custom fabric utilizing the design, then drafted, cut, and sewed the outfit in time for the concert. The outfit consists of a boxy, button-up, mid-length shirt with my signature underbust seam and a matching curved seam on the back, paired with 6-pocket, low-rise cargo pants. I also made the velvet bandanna. Two photographers cancelled on me, so my cousin and I went to the park to execute the photoshoot. “Because the Camp Era” was also shot at Tompkins (Herbert Von King) Park in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, NY.