Department of Fine and Performing Arts

Cheyvonne Armstrong

The Player’s Ball Collection

Thesis Statement

cheyvonne armstrongThe title of my collection is The Player’s Ball Collection and is inspired by the pop culture that surrounds the modern caricature of the “pimp,” specifically in Blaxploitation cinema of the 70s. Despite the negative connotation of pimps and their association with female prostitution, pimps still had a heavy influence on fashion. A well-blended cultural mix of 1940’s poise, with elements of 1970s disco and the swagger of the 1980s. Their persona of such a confident yet mildly arrogant character allowed them to exhibit their wealthy and exquisite taste in fashion. The brightly colored suits paired with extravagant prints, patterns, and furs, were perfectly accessorized with flamboyant jewelry that transcended society’s fashionable sense. My collection is a modern interpretation of suit jackets catered for those who are bold, outgoing, and fashionable. Just a few characteristics that truly embody and are the most suitable – no pun intended, for this adventurous fashion concept.

  • Working as an assistant costume designer on multiple film production sets, my favorite part as a designer is creating a character. After exploring Blaxploitation films of the 1970s I decided to put my creative skills to the test and pursue a taboo subject that most designers would not dare to construct. I now present The Player’s Ball Collection, a unisex suit jacket collection with a modern-day spinoff of the 1940’s zoot suit. Fictional characters from films such as Cleopatra Jones, The Mack, Dolemite and many other films of this genre were just some of my many inspirations behind this collection. Despite their notorious personas, “playas” of the 70s would often flaunt their wealth through their exquisite taste in fashion. A unique combination of being bold yet classy. Brightly colored suits paired with extravagant prints, patterns, and furs, that were perfectly accessorized with flamboyant jewelry sent fashion standards to a new level. I gained more inspiration from Teyana Taylor’s ‘Bare With Me’ music video and other musical artists including, Megan Thee Stallion, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Foxxy Brown and others. Another major inspiration was the rising drag ball culture scene of the LGBTQ+ community. Blaxploitation cinema and the ballroom scene are both prominent subcultures of the African American community that is often neglected or portrayed in a negative spotlight. With this Player’s Ball Collection, I wish to exhibit the unique, creative, “ghetto fabulous” that lies within Black culture.