Body Politik

On May 15th at WonderRoot, the talented Onisha Roman will showcase the latest adaptation of her fashion line Body Politik for the fundraiser artist market and fashion show Gypsy Caravan. On occasion I run into the ambitious fashion designer while out on the town, typically at art walks or shows where she is more likely to be found than the party scene. Ms. Roman is and always has been an artist, and Body Politik is just one way of releasing her creative energy under the noble tasks of both sustainability and perpetuating the body image of a natural woman. I synched up with Ms. Roman, who we like to call “Oni” for a quick interview before her upcoming show. She talked about her fashion background, the philosophy behind Body Politik, tips on summer fabrics, and of course details on her upcoming fashion show.

WonderRoot

Body Politik

Oni told me she’s beginning to feel like she wears a uniform with her rolled up, knee length, cut off pants/shorts, tee, and sneakers. Her hair is bravely cut boy short and bleached on the top. Even with a bare face (no makeup), she’s the type of girl who gets noticed. She’s an individual, confident, and opinionated. She is a total tomb boy… not exactly the type you would expect to have a studio filled with needles, thread, sewing machine, fabrics, dyes, pushpins, and a tailor’s mannequin. I wondered how did this come to be?

Oni shared with me some insight into her past. When I asked her how a tomboy came to be a fashionista, she answered simply, “I like dressing up!” She went on to explain how when she was in highschool she was a bit over the top and liked wearing costumes. She even had a stint as a Goth. When she started going to raves, she was the candy kid! Oni recalls having fun with her dress up and getting a good response from others. She realized she could make a career out of the creative outlet she found in dressing up, and after bouncing around different art programs, she found her way into fashion school (in London no less). In fashion school, Oni was trained in pattern making, textile manipulation, and the entire fashion process.

Body Politik

Body Politik was started about two years ago as a creative outlet and a return to the studio environment Oni missed from her school days. From the beginning she made to sure to include ethics for sustainable materials and maintaining domestic production. All Body Politik production is made in house and all fibers used are sustainable in one shape or form. On these efforts, Oni commented, “I feel we, as entrepreneurs, should have ownership on what we do and the effect it has on our surroundings”.

Body Politik will be showing three different looks at the upcoming fashion show at WonderRoot. The looks are an extension of the designer Onisha Roman’s previous collection, restyled, re-purposed, and remixed for an all new concept. Alot of Oni’s work touches on textiles and the manipulation of dyes and techniques. The looks that can be found from Body Politik are classic shapes and comfortable fabrics. The richness of the colors makes the looks vivid and striking. Oni says her goal for what she makes is “to have it have longevity and it is all about the styling”!

Check out a few videos from my interview with Oni below. Make sure to check out her tips on summer fashion fabrics and don’t forget the Gypsy Caravan fashion show at Wonderroot this Saturday, May 15th to get a glimpse of Oni’s latest work for Body Politik.

For more info on Body Politik please check out the website www.bodypolitik.net