August of this year saw the fashion blog scene go into overdrive, as Afropunk festival hit Commodore Barry Park, Brooklyn. Hair and lips were colourful, statement jewellery was huge, and the clothes themselves had everything screaming with originality. With performances from country singer Valerie June to punk band Fishbone, Afropunk also provided a diverse music selection.

The festival’s ethos is based around DIY and the fashion reflected this with a mix of thrifted vintage pieces, bold handmade accessories and outfits reminiscent of 80s prints and tailoring. Some of the most striking looks seen at the festival were inspired by traditional attire such as printed African head wraps and tunics dyed in flamboyant colours. This tribute and transformation of cultural heritage through fashion really underpins the character of the festival.

Despite the festival’s name, the hairstyles were far more limited to afros from beaded dreadlocks to patterned buzz cuts. Make-up was equally vivid, with elaborate eye designs and lips painted every colour from neon green to white. The festival clearly not only celebrates creativity and music but also colour and the history connected with it.

Afropunk received a huge amount of media attention this year and it is due to this that the festival is set to be even better next year with more and more people coming together to celebrate music, tradition and DIY fashion at its very best.