Beauty & Fashion

Beauty and Fashion Archive

Model posing in Kenlock’s studio in the mid 70s

Neil Kenlock took beauty and fashion photos during the 60s, 70s and 80s of upcoming and well known black British models. He captured the blended Caribbean and British fashion scene at the time, reflecting styles worn at social events and places of work.

His collection demonstrates the influence that African-American fashion had on black British culture, while setting their own trends. Styles like the glamorous winter fur coats, Teddy Boy shoes and 6 inch platforms were embraced in the 60s. This was followed by African wooden necklaces, The Afro hairstyle, ‘bush’ army jackets and Shaft inspired leather coats in the 70s.

Visions of Beauty

Kenlock created stunning visions of black beauty capturing women in a range of environments and moods. Some of the models featured in his archives were shooting their very first portfolio, while others were beauty pageant queens or professional models. His collection is one of the few that documented black women during that period expressing themselves and embracing their colour and bodies.

For more information on this collection or to view some of these photos please contact us.