Newark’s rising cultural curator Ayana Morris just dropped a game-changing love letter to Black hair—and the beauty world is buzzing. Her newly launched exhibit, “Don’t Touch My Hair,” isn’t just another art show; it’s a vibrant manifesto celebrating the politics, pride, and poetry of Black tresses.
The Exhibit: Where Art Meets Afrocentric Glory
Morris transformed the gallery into a sacred space for Black hair worship, weaving together:
- Photographic tributes to everything from baby hairs to blowouts
- Interactive installations challenging stereotypes (no, we won’t let you pet our curls)
- Historical deep dives into the cultural legacy of Black hairstyling
“This isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about autonomy,” Morris told Fashion Bomb Daily. “Our hair holds stories of resistance, royalty, and revolution.”
The Launch: A Who’s Who of Black Beauty Royalty
The opening night was a masterclass in Black excellence, with icons like:
👑 Mikki Taylor (Essence Editor-at-Large) in a Marco Hall gown—proving Newark designers deserve global stages
👑 Misa Hylton (architect of Lil’ Kim’s purple pasties) in Bottega Veneta citrus heels—a nod to her Macy’s collab
👑 Fashion Bomb Daily’s Claire Sulmers in Jovani velvet + Ayaba Hair—because Black media queens deserve glam too
Not to mention radiant guests like hairstylist Nikki in sunshine yellow and influencer @PerfeklyMPerfek serving DIY chic with Cartier flair.
The Fashion: Black Girl Magic, Head to Toe
While the focus was hair, the lewkage was lethal:
- Ayana’s LaQuan Smith skirt + Dolce boots = “I’m the curator AND the muse” energy
- Mikki’s Marco Hall dress—a full-circle moment for Newark talent
- Misa’s head-to-toe slay reminding us she invented hip-hop glam
The Takeaway: This Is Just the Beginning
Between the sisterhood, style, and substantive convos, Morris’ exhibit did more than showcase hair—it reaffirmed its power. And with Claire Sulmers teasing the return of “Convos with Claire” in 2025, the dialogue is clearly just getting started.
✊🏾 Visit “Don’t Touch My Hair” in Newark—and check back here for tour dates!
💇🏾♀️ Tag your favorite hair muse below—who reps Black hair best?
🔥 For more Black beauty brilliance, follow @FashionBombDaily.
Final Thought: As Ayana Morris proves, our hair isn’t just hair—it’s heritage. And this exhibit? It’s the visual anthem we’ve been waiting for.
