In case you'd somehow avoided it, fashion month is currently taking over catwalks in New York, Paris, London and Milan as well as our social media feeds, meaning the biggest names in the business are bringing their best looks to get papped outside the shows and in the front row. However, we're turning our attention momentarily from those models, bloggers and fashion editors to focus instead on some even more interesting personal style – style that is authentic, inspired and a bit more DIY than that on the streets outside fashion weeks.
Beginning over a decade ago in 2005, Afropunk is an annual music festival originating in Brooklyn, New York. It quickly garnered global attention and now the event takes place in Paris and London too, hitting the capital for the first time over the weekend at Alexandra Palace. For its debut UK edition, the incomparable queen of fierce, Grace Jones, headlined the festival, reigning over an impressive lineup of performers across the day, from the worlds of punk, rap, hip hop and dub including Laura Mvula, Mercury Prize winners Young Fathers, Birmingham’s leading lady of grime Lady Leshurr and acclaimed British Ghanaian singer and songwriter Kwabs.
But Afropunk is more than a music festival – it is a necessary, uplifting celebration of black culture and diversity, particularly at a time when we are constantly campaigning that #BlackLivesMatter. The attendees – young, old, black and white – push the boundaries of fashion, fearlessly expressing themselves with colourful, bold outfits inspired by diverse references and a multitude of subculture influences.
Join us in championing individuality and inclusivity with some of our favourite outfits from Afropunk London in the gallery ahead...
The Nova Twins performed at the event on Saturday and we're into their matching ripped denim, fishnets, heavily safety-pinned and badge-studded looks in a big way.
Photographed by Phill Taylor.
Unfortunately, it's already polo neck season but Frances Aougah keeps things colourful in her multi-tonal stripes, mini skirt and Vans.
Photographed by Phill Taylor.
Ruth Adeniran's feminine off-the-shoulder, floral summer dress is toughened up with black lace-up boots.
Photographed by Phill Taylor.
Londiwe Ncube certainly caught our eye in her head-to-toe red getup and detailed accessories.
Photographed by Phill Taylor.
Martha Mboya dresses up her dungarees with XL platformed creepers, a lace bra and clashing print.
Photographed by Phill Taylor.
More proof that it's time to put your polo necks back on. Mina Chapman teams hers with a fishnet skirt and leopard print plimsolls.
Photographed by Phill Taylor.
Ruta Tzeggai gives us a lesson in layering print. NB: Not one for less is more dressers.
Photographed by Phill Taylor.
We don't know where to begin. The fan, the bag, the platforms, the all-white ensemble... 10/10 Jocelyn.
Photographed by Phill Taylor.
Jamie Clercx's floral dress is one part Vetements, two parts Little House on the Prairie and we love it.
Photographed by Phill Taylor.
From the metallic trainers to the colourful co-ord and pink eyeshadow, Sabea Morgan gets an A+ for effort.
Photographed by Phill Taylor.
Vanessa Jade Powell transforms a simple outfit with an eye-catching green sarong skirt and dainty hair accessories.
Photographed by Phill Taylor.
Mimi Fresh brightened up the day in vibrant orange platforms and black and red layering.
Photographed by Phill Taylor.
Pink-haired presenter and model Snoochie Shy wears a full look from Kiwi & Yam alongside friend Misi Africa, the girl behind the brand.
Photographed by Phill Taylor.
Vanessa Russell shows us how to do dungarees in autumn.
Photographed by Phill Taylor.
Cheyenne Taylor kills it in a DIY halter neck and asymmetric black skirt.
Photographed by Phill Taylor.
Check flares and a knotted crop top shouldn't work in theory but Alexa Kesta puts it into practice and nails it.
Photographed by Phill Taylor.
Bardha Krasniqi teams a maxi denim skirt with a '70s inspired vest.
Photographed by Phill Taylor.
Is it a dashiki? Is it is a football shirt? Either way we're totally obsessed with Alina Sudra's look.
Photographed by Phill Taylor.
Carianne Annan wears a bright yellow Puma T-shirt with high-waisted flares, pink Converse and a puka shell necklace.
Photographed by Phill Taylor.
Singer Connie Constance smashes it in varying shades of blue and black.
Photographed by Phill Taylor.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Under The Abaya Highlights The Street Style Of Saudi Women
The Best Of Paris Haute Couture Street Style
24 Coachella Outfits That Offer A Fresh Take On "Festival Style"