Words by Nick Slay
During NYFW 2018, returning black owned urban clothing brand “Chicago Playground” expanded on its themes of Black excellence. Known for bomber jackets and sweaters that proudly touted black culture and historically black universities, this year their focus leaned toward the motherland. With Jackets themed with the with nations of Africa, Chicago Playground also took a shot at the current presidential administration’s slogan with black leather jacket labeled, “Make Africa Great Again.”
“We as artists are here to change the narrative of how & what things should be according to society” – Rodnell Harris
Creator of Chicago Playground, Rodnell Harris got his start designing custom jackets for the likes of Wale, Def Loaf, David Banner, and Lil’ Turk. Deciding to bring his designs to the masses he partnered with a leading clothing boutique in Chicago to make his brand available to the public. This fashion week makes it his second appearance as part of The Style Fashion Week production. One of the highlights of this year’s collection is, “The Story of OJ” bomber which takes inspiration from Hov’s retrospective grammy nominated hit.
