To me, you are Beloved – Joviale and Brian

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 To me, you are Beloved siblings Brian Nasty and Joviale share stories of their mother’s bold approach to style, and how it’s impacted them to see fashion as a valuable means of expression.

Joviale and Brian Nasty for Roundtable Journal x GUCCI by Delali Ayivi

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 line. At once meaningful and playful, these portraits by Delali Ayivi have been styled and shot to allude to fond memories captured in family archives. Led by a team of women of colour, ‘To me, you are Beloved’ is a love letter to Black British identity and family history.

Growing up Black and British often entails forging your own path. It’s a quest Joviale, 26, and Brian, 22, know all too well. The British-Congolese siblings from north London are individual musicians working on their respective careers. Joviale provides a multi-sensory experience through her mesmerising vocals, and Brian never fails to impress with his murky synths and raw rap lyrics. Joviale and Brian have been defining their style for much of their lives. Stand in a room with them and you’ll notice that they move with tenacity, and their sense of style stands firm against mundanity.

Joviale Brian Nasty for Roundtable x GUCCI by Delali Ayivi

Brian describes his style as being “anything but muted” and attributes his bold and flamboyant aesthetic to their Congolese mother who he says has “always been into fashion.” Both Brian and his sister are living homages to the vibrant legacy that is Congolese sapeurs culture – yet they have reframed it as undeniably Black-British. Brian explains: “Congolese people are flamboyant with their fashion. I guess I’m that but in a different way”. Congolese fashion is an art form that’s been passed from generation to generation. Moving to London from the Congo and readjusting to life in Britain – as his mother did – brings with it a longing to celebrate all that is left behind.

Joviale for Roundtable Journal x GUCCI by Delali Ayivi

Growing up, Joviale used to steal her mother’s jewellery, but as she got older her mother’s sense of fashion became a springboard for her to define her own style. She labels her mother as a starting point for figuring out what she does and doesn’t like. Now, Joviale sees fashion as a necessary way to express herself, much like she does music. Ever the nonconformist, she says: “I’ve always done my own thing. It’s just what it is.” This sentiment rings true and is apparent in both her music and the clothes she wears. Joviale is ultimately creating a world of her own making.

Brian Nasty for Roundtable Journal x GUCCI by Delali Ayivi

For To me, you are Beloved, Brian and Joviale chose to recreate an image of their mother and uncle standing together at a bar in a pair of dazzling two-piece suits. The date or location is unknown, but Brian believes that his mother and uncle radiate comfort, and for him, that’s what it’s all about – being comfortable with how you express yourself through clothes.

The siblings are a subtle celebration of their heritage. Yet they aren’t afraid to challenge it and combine it with their own experiences to create something new and different. For them, music and style are vital means of expressions and ways to define themselves on their terms. And it’s clear that they are dedicated to doing just that.