Style Diary: My CultureCon Fit Honored Nolan Wells

Brooklyn, NY

CultureCon is easily one of my favorite events of the year if not my absolute favorite. The Black creativity, the Black style, the Black joy… it’s just unmatched. For generations, Black fashion and personal expression have served as vital visual manifestos. I’ve always thought of it as a powerful form of resistance, dignity, and communication. This mode of expression speaks volumes when words are not enough.

This year, I was on the fence about attending CC. I wanted to support another event happening in Memphis. However, two thoughts kept coming up for me: You need to be at CultureCon. You need to honor Nolan Wells. Especially with the theme of this year’s iteration being Museum of Us—a poignant reminder that our style choices carry deep historical weight. They also honor a rich lineage of resilience.

So, in my new faith walk, I listened to God. It was absolutely a last-minute decision. Once I realized that MBJ and Colin Kaepernick would be there, it was solidified. However I decided to honor Nolan, I knew those two would appreciate it.

Scurrying to come up with something, I had a dream — a vision if you will — about a floor-length durag bearing Nolan’s name. In that moment, I knew that had to be it. I’m no stranger to expressing myself through fashion; that’s kinda my thing, actually. It’s always been a  way of honoring ancestors who used adornment itself as defiance and self-affirmation. So, as I was connecting with a local seamstress, Southern Girl Styles, just four days before leaving for New York—I was also dreaming up a custom nail set.

Everything was intentional.

The nails were designed to honor people who are constantly on my mind: Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain, Sandra Bland, and Tyre Nichols. People who should still be with us. They belong in my museum. Luckily, my nail artist is a beast and took on the challenge without hesitation.

As one CultureCon staff member noted while admiring the detail: “It’s veneration, but make it fashion.” To balance the statement pieces and keep the overall look effortless, I opted for a sleek two-piece set. I paired it with knee-length boots from Fashion Nova. This is a modern continuation of using style as both visual armor and a performance of moral courage.

I’m so glad I listened to the spirit of my ancestors because now this look can also be put in a Museum of Us.