Dame Fatima (Le  Col)

The "Lady Fatima" series links the importance of appearance and value in society.
In the history of Western pictorial art, Black people were depicted late in life; when this finally happened, their roles were those that only history can attest.
As in the past, clothing still has its importance today; it distinguishes the rich from the poor, politics from the common people, codifies professions, restores confidence, stigmatizes, and beautifies body shapes.
Beginning in the 16th century, the strawberry collar was worn by nobles and the bourgeoisie. Enslaved Africans during the same era wore clothing that codified their place in society.
In this project, I focus on a lingerie collar called "the strawberry" or "the strawberry collar." I want it to be worn by a young Black woman, in order to normalize this status symbol for people of color. It's a way of reimagining history through another lens, that of thinking that a simple fashion accessory like the "ruff collar" might have made all the difference.
The series consists of six portraits, one of which received an honorable mention at the Monochrome Photography Award:
https://monoawards.com/winners-gallery/monochrome-awards-2023/professional/conceptual/hm/18757