Top image: Grace Wales Bonner SS16 collection, Malik

During Frieze week, designer Grace Wales Bonner is launching her second zine, titled Everythings for Real, Volume II.

Cultural codes are woven into Wales Bonner’s designs. Taking influence from historical references the CSM graduate looks to stimulate dialogue via her collections. Malik Ambar was the reference point for her SS16 collection, Malik: the historical figure’s powerful story struck a chord with the designer’s own thought process; having been sold into slavery as a child he later broke free from the shackles, both figuratively and literally, to carve his own path, becoming a powerful leader in India.

Everythings for Real, Volume II’s content stems from this reference point, exploring the ‘rhythm of black love and the aberrations of blackness across the Indian Ocean.’ With a sun bleached Nollywood inspired cover and bonus CD featuring the soundscape to Malik composed by James William Blades, Wales Bonner curates secondary sources such as imagery, ephemera, prose and poetry from various sources into a collage moodboard, providing yet another dimension to her poignant designs.

The zine launch also coincides with Wales Bonner’s performance as part of the ‘Transformation Marathon’ this Saturday at the Serpentine Gallery, reflecting on the theme of ‘transformation’.

Grace Wales Bonner will be performing as part of the Transformation Marathon at the Serpentine Gallery on 17th October