All photos by: CreativeSoul Photography
In an effort to fight negative perceptions of natural hair among young Black girls, an Atlanta-based studio named CreativeSoul created Afro Art, a stunning series that features girls from across the country in elaborate styling from costume to hair.
Hailing from New York, California, Texas and Georgia, each girls’ look was inspired by Baroque, an era of European art originating in the 1600s that is characterized by drama, exuberance and grandeur. The gorgeous looks were created by Regis and Kahran Bethencourt, the husband and wife team behind CreativeSoul, and hair designer Lachanda Gatson. Kheris Rogers, the 11-year-old who founded the clothing line “Flexin’ In My Complexion” after she was bullied at school for her skin tone, is also featured in the series.
“We feel that it is so important for kids of color to be able to see positive images that look like them in the media,” Kahran told My Modern Met. “Unfortunately the lack of diversity often plays into the stereotypes that they are not ‘good enough’ and often forces kids to have low self-esteem. We hope that viewers will see the beauty and versatility of afro hair and we hope that girls around the world will be inspired to love their unique differences and beauty within.”
Check out more stunning photos below and see how CreativeSoul is redefining the standard of beauty one image at a time.
