the softest parts are black
- jay katelansky
the other day my friend told me i embodied a recent internet famous aesthetic called “cottagecore”. it’s all about flowy dresses, flowers, embodying softness and a return to nature. i searched the tag on instagram, and though there weren’t as many black girls as there should be, i can admit that I totally align with the look and the idea of reflecting ease in ones fashion and lifestyle choices. it reminded me of a shirt I bought awhile back from philidelphia print works that says in soft lavender letters “the softest parts are black”. designed by artist jay katelanksy, the “softest parts” shirt is jarring in a beautiful way. every time i wear it i’m reminded to embrace the softness of myself and the delicacy of blackness. read more from the artist below.
“A few years back while I was living in Madison, Wisconsin, I read Long Divison by Kiese Laymon. One of the main characters in the book says something that stuck to my bones: "I looked at her face and, more than anything, I just wanted her to hug me. Sounds crazy, but after getting your legs stomped to dust by white dudes in sheets, you kinda want someone black to touch you in a way that’s soft.” Collectively as a people it is so important to hold each other in a way that is soft. I hope these shirts will stand as an affirmation and confirmation of our softness.“ — Jay Katelansky, Artist.