To me, you are Beloved
Roundtable collaborates with GUCCI and agency A Vibe Called Tech on a photo and essay series capturing the essence of Black British identity and family history – in celebration of GUCCI’s Beloved line of handbags.
For this series four sets of creatives and entrepreneurs were invited to recreate a moment in time, using old family photographs as creative inspiration, whilst incorporating pieces from GUCCI’s Beloved Lines.
At once meaningful and playful, these portraits by Delali Ayivi allude to fond memories captured in family archives – featuring parents, grandparents or other relatives. Led by a team of women of colour, To me, you are Beloved is a love letter to Black British families.
The GUCCI Beloved Lines reference the House's past and the way it is defined now. Each GUCCI Beloved handbag is designed by Alessandro Michele with a contemporary approach to archival elements. These motifs and styles, so inherent and distinctly Gucci, become renewed in pieces that are created to be worn again and again, transcending seasons and trends. In a similar vein to how treasured things are passed down and given new life from generation to generation - whilst unwittingly assuming the style of those who came before.
SIBLINGS JOVIALE + BRIAN
The British-Congolese siblings are musicians on their respective paths. Yet they share a radical approach to fashion – something they inherited from their mother. For this series, Joviale and Brian recreate a photograph of their mother and uncle taken decades ago, and talk to us about the importance of fashion in Congolese culture.
K SOUL
Performer K Soul is daughter to Lady Phyll, the founder of UK Black Pride. She shares how her mother’s dedication to living life on her own terms has led her to do the same. For this series, K Soul recreates a photo of her mother taken in 2008 which captures a significant time in both their lives.
MOTHER AND DAUGHTER
LISA + DJENABA
For composer Djenaba and singer-songwriter Lisa, music is a powerful tool for self-discovery. It’s been passed down from mother to daughter and has shaped how they both see the world. For this series, Djenaba and Lisa chose to recreate two photos of relatives at gatherings where music played a vital part.
MISS JASON + CHOSEN FAMILY
In queer life, family is often chosen, constructed by hand and by heart and built on shared experiences. Internet show host Miss Jason has built his chosen family on these very tenets. For this series, Jason and his close friends Pedro, Zoe, Annie and her two-year-old son Eli recreate a photograph of Jason’s family from the 90s and talk to us about the joys of lifelong friendship.
CREDITS
Creative direction Wase Aguele
Art direction Zoe Alakija
Project coordination Nicolle Nyariri
Photography Delali Ayivi
Styling Simone Konu Rae
Set design Bubby Nurse
Makeup Michelle Leandra
Hair Karla Quinonez Leon
Manicurist Corrinna Bianca
Lighting Nathan Ford
Post Alberto Maro
Set assistant Niccolo Binda
Makeup assistant Zoe Kramer
Hair assistant Kreszend Sackey
Lighting assistant Domizia Salusest
Styling assistant Aspen Pattinson
VIDEO
Director Olivia Lifungula
DOP Louis Mackay
1st AC Juan Minotta
Music and sound arrangement BYFYN
Colour grading Michal Florczak
Editing Josh Homer
Sound recordist Oriol Campi