The Designer Takes on the Role of Guest Editor and Creative Director for the Magazine That Celebrates African and African Diaspora Art and Culture
Italian fashion designer Riccardo Tisci is teaming up with Boy.Brother.Friend, a publication that delves into Africa and the African diaspora through the realm of contemporary art, fashion, and theory. His involvement marks a first for the print and digital platform, launched by KK Obi in 2020, as Tisci steps into the role of guest editor and creative director.
The eighth issue, featuring Tisci’s direction, will be available later this summer with the central theme of “faith.” Its narratives will explore concepts of trust, community, and future potential, and highlight the works of both established and emerging creatives in Africa and the diaspora.
Tisci is in charge of the issue’s 40-page fashion cover story, offering a spotlight to Michaela Coel, a Ghanaian-British actor and filmmaker with whom Tisci has previously collaborated. Coel, photographed by duo Inez and Vinoodh, will be a key attraction for the issue. Tisci has also invited other influential creatives and cultural catalysts to contribute to the issue.
Since their first issue I have followed the important work that Boy.Brother.Friend has been doing to spotlight the voices of those often under-represented. This editorship is very personal and special. It enables me to use my platform to power and propel the enormous wealth of African and African diaspora talent and cultural pioneers working today.
Riccardo Tisci
He expressed his eagerness to work with the next generation of creatives and hailed them as the future of community and creativity. Obi, a stylist and creative director who shuttles between London and Lagos, revealed that he desired to work with Tisci due to his unwavering support and encouragement of their mission and work.
Tisci’s collaborative history spans across fashion, footwear, and art industries. He signed with the United Talent Agency a year ago. Among his celebrated works are his ongoing collaboration with Nike, bespoke costume designs for performers such as Rihanna, Beyoncé, Madonna, and Jay-Z, and costume designs for operas like Boléro at the Opéra Garnier, and The 7 Deaths of Maria Callas, helmed by his close friend Marina Abramovic.
In December, Tisci shook up the fashion world by creating a custom gown for Coel, who wore his design to the London premiere of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”. The event marked Tisci’s first design for his namesake label in 17 years.