Harlem-based designer Whitney House has a message for the masses. Woke and Ready, or W.A.R., is the name of her latest collection. She created the collection to take her mind off the antics of the last presidential election. Whether Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump won, she wanted the world to know that this generation was prepared for it.
W.A.R. was created by House in a little less than a week, started on a Saturday and completed the next Friday at 4 p.m. This collection consists of hats, book bags, chokers, bracelets, T-shirts and hoodies. Bold base colors of black and camouflage can be seen throughout the collection. Each inscribed with phrases such as “woke,” “War” or the fall collection phrase, “Woke and Ready.”
When asked by the Amsterdam News what type of war she is waging, House replied that she was referring to a mental war being waged. A changing of our thinking so to speak, where we utilize our mind as the weapon. This attitude can be seen in the details of the collection. For example, on the hoody you see WAR on the front of the hood, which symbolizes the battlefield being in the mind.
The Amsterdam News asked House what her take on the Black nation’s reality in America is. She responded by stating, “We are equipped because the people who are supposed to be woke are awake. I have come to understand that not everyone will be woke, and I am OK with that. We as a culture are getting there, though. For example, my closet is filled with predominantly Black-owned designers. That says to me more and more Black people are opening businesses. We in the culture that know what to do are doing it.”
House chooses to focus on the positivity in the Black community, without denying the harshness of our reality, utilizing her craft as a tool to be a voice of hope in our community.
Asked what is her take on Black America today, an optimistic House replied, “I see the growth and shift and influence of leadership in Black culture. Also more art being created and businesses being opened.” She told the Amsterdam News that she expects to see “a lot more Black faces in main stream media.”
She added, “And for me as a Black woman—that gives me hope and inspiration. It lets me know that I am on the right page.”
House notes that she herself is participating in this positive shift of influence in the culture. “By showing more action and less talking by producing consistent work,” she said. “The majority of people are visual and they like to see something visually to inspire them.”
House has a message to those of folks who may be afraid of Trump’s presidency: “Keep creating producing and moving forward. Stay motivated stay positive. Turn negatives into positives.”
House said that she will be taking a break from designing in January, but people should make sure to stay tuned for the Black History Month collection dropping in February. All pieces are hand crafted and one of a kind. You can find this collection online at www.thecreativeera.bigcartel.com, and follow her movement on all social media handles @thecreativeera.
