I was drawn to this vest because of how Wales Bonner connects London identity with global culture. The piece was inspired by Lovers Rock — a genre of music that grew out of British-Caribbean communities in London in the 1970s.
The vest mixes British and Caribbean influences: the Fair Isle knit pattern is traditionally British, while the colours reference Caribbean aesthetics. I like how she uses clothing as a form of storytelling — showing how London’s culture is built from many influences that merge and coexist.
This piece reminded me of how much of London’s identity is shaped by migration, music, and subcultures.
