New ‘Street Culture’ book reveals an Authentic Celebration of City Style

In the fashion world of who’s who, and faces that often go overlooked, photographer Seleen Saleh’s debut book celebrates the stand-out style of black creatives.

Black lives Matter, and the documentation of black experiences in fashion, art & entertainment are often the stories that perpetuate this movement. “I’d wreck my brain trying to recount my ‘racism in the fashion industry stories.’ It is perhaps one of the easiest places for racism to exist.” Quotes our own Tony Triumph, Triumphant Scoop’s Editor-in-Chief. “Why? Because, like caviar and first class tickets, it falls into the whimsical graces of elitism and capitalism.” He stated.

But in this domain of exclusivity, Street Style has become such an important algorithm to the world of digital influence that it’s created its own alley of famous faces.

As a result of fashion week’s domain of exclusivity, street culture was born. An ode to the struts and sashays of fashion show attendees (and some onlookers) hoping to shine on Vogue.com Essence.com– successively, the platform where Saleh rose to notoriety. 

And as sheer as Black style is effortless, extraordinary, and very much observed, it often- unfortunately- goes unpublished and kicked to the wayside by mainstream media. Stylish black people have been skipped over and ignored in street style culture for years- yes, even by black photographers.

The Epiphany Birthed at Essence

Recollecting such moments, Seleen Saleh has shot dozens of images for Essence magazine’s multicultural take on street style, which reportedly boasts 658K unique visitors every month. From shiny eccentric coats to endless afro-chic coiffures, Essence’s platform is where Saleh’s Street Culture book was born. 

“Street style is a creative expression that presents the opportunity to project who are, where we’ve been, and where we are going, to the world. Often times it’s an outward expression of our experiences and lineage. I enjoy capturing subjects who’s personal style expresses this ideal the most.” – Seleen Saleh

Featuring cultural influencers Antwaun Sargent, Tai Beauchamp, Young Paris, Tamu McPherson, and our very own Tony Triumph, Street Culture is our salute to resilience, style, and a celebration of black culture.

• ‘Street Culture’ is available for sale on Amazon.com
• For more of Saleh’s work visit her website here.