Meet the newest Assistant Professor of Black Visual Culture at @parsonsdesign. During my first year at Parsons, I will hold a joint appointment as a Fellow in History of Art and Visual Culture at the Costume Institute at the @metmuseum.

When I sent Arti Sandhu a shirt I designed, I imagined it would be styled, photographed, and shared as a reflection of our shared interest in fashion as a form of storytelling. What I didn’t anticipate, but deeply value, was the conversation that followed.northstar.nyc/the-shirt-i-co…

Relembrando o sol do Brasil do ano passado ☀️

🚨 New headshots alert 🚨 A few weeks ago, Jonny Echevarría and I wandered around my Brooklyn neighborhood in the rain. Between dodging puddles, we shared our anxieties about the impending election, bonded over our experiences as queer men of color navigating the arts, and swapped stories of hilariously awkward professional moments. Somewhere between the laughter and what felt like impromptu therapy sessions, he managed to capture these incredible shots of me. I asked Jonathan to photograph me because I’m diving into a new project, @northstar_nyc, and envisioning the next phase of my career—with two exhibitions opening next year. Let’s be honest: the pandemic selfie that I’ve been using since 2020 was no longer servicing me. Huge thanks to Jonathan for braving the rain, finding my light, and proving that it really does take a Jonathan to truly understand a Jonathan.

From the third @northstar_nyc collection 💫

ev delafose x Malachi Smythe

.@naomyhgp, the Haitian Olympic swim coach, pays tribute to her 2016 Opening Ceremony outfit designed by Maëlle Figaro David. She stands with fellow Haitian Olympic swimmers, Mayah Chouloutte and Alex Grand'Pierre who don their 2024 Olympic uniforms designed by Stella Jean.

On this Juneteenth, please follow my sister project @northstar_nyc. Like my other work, North Star is inspired by Afro-Diasporic and African American art, fashion, and visual culture. North Star, however, has with a greater emphasis on making and embodied practices.

I spoke @RaBergstein of the @washingtonpost about the enduring legacy of Ann Hollander's "Sex and Suits," and my own relationship with suiting.

.@stylesquared, a Rendering Revolution co-founder, contributed to “Trans Hirstory in 99 Objects,” in which he explores a portrait of Romaine-la-Prophétesse by artist Manuel Mathieu. Romaine, a Haitian revolutionary, was possessed by a female spirit and identified as a prophétesse

Scrolling through my camera roll for a birthday selfie, I stumbled upon this baby photo. Mom's choice of dressing me in this patriotic tee brings back memories. It resonates with the work I'm doing alongside @northstar_nyc, reclaiming American iconography through a black and queer perspective. Here's to another trip around the sun for me, and exciting new projects on the horizon!

For my "History of Fashion" class, we were graced with a visit from the dear Natalie Nudell. She shared insights into her scholarly practice, particularly the Fashion Calendar Research Database. Follow the project on IG: instagram.com/fcrd_fit

This young girl, shot by @JamelShabazz in 1980 in Brownsville, Brooklyn, is forever on my mood board. It’s not only what she is wearing, but how she is wearing it. With her hands jauntily thrown into her pockets, she effortlessly brings the vibrant red dress to life.

Brooks Brothers' sheep logo is embedded in American consciousness in the mid-19th century. My research explores its ties to slavery, evolving from an emporium to a symbol of American elite fashion. Merging the logo with North Star branding riffs off these intertwined histories.

I’m excited to share the launch of the North Star website, skillfully designed by @Com_Art. The site includes a long brand statement as well as lookbook images from Collections 01 and 02. Check it out now: northstar.nyc

Renowned textile designer Althea McNish left a lasting impact on London's art scene until her 2020 passing. After seeing her 2022 retrospective, I was inspired to incorporate her "Grenada bloom" textile into my designs, seen in Collection 02's durag and cropped button-up shirt.

Embracing the start of the new spring semester with a heart full of memories from our whirlwind month-long trip through Brazil 🇧🇷 Brasil é [sempre] uma boa idéia!

On October 8, 2022, I organized the first North Star photo shoot. The phenomenal Malachi Smythe served as the photographer. Models: Kai Toussaint Marcel Gabriel Wadford Makeup: @livelifemelissa Lighting: Edolia Stroud Design and styling: @stylesquared 🙋🏿‍

O Rio de Janeiro continua sendo #bomanonovo 🌴🌅🚠🎆

I just found this photo that my friend Laurie took of me circa 2016 during a trip to Davis, California for an interview for a job that I'm grateful I didn't land! At the time, I remember feeling a bit washed up and doubted my hireability. Fast forward to today, I think this looks like an album cover. What would my album have been called?

Unlike Fashioning the Self in Slavery and Freedom, @northstar_nyc focuses on making and embodied practices, taking inspiration from my research on Afro-Diasporic fashion and dress practices.