Villagecore is an aesthetic that centers indigenious rural inspired fashion and living. Villagecore can encompass rural/village life of any diasporan area, which makes it more inclusive than other rural aesthetics.
This aesthetic can include bold colors along with patterns, muted colors, nuetrals and natural tones. Various nature related, traditional prints, local handmade and artisan made accessories are essential to this aesthetic. Due to the historical fluxuations of diaspora cultures due to colonialization, imperalism, and the slave trade, this core often has some euro- antiquated elements. Villagecore centers on connecting with community, intimate moments of reflection, nature and culture.
It is important to note that villagecore is distinct for various peoples and tribes. Therefore, although it is listed as one core, it is by no means a monolith. Additionally, it is important to be respectful of the traditions and symbols of the represented to discourage culture erasure. Many of the examples listed are particular to Western & Central Africa and South & Central America. However, it is important to note that the villagecore legacy is also practiced by those from other lands that have shared history with colonization and indigenious people like the West Indies, Caribbean Islands, South Asia etc.
Villagecore & Cottagecore[]
Villagecore is distinct from cottagecore. Cottagecore offers more Euro centered elements while villagecore caters to more afro-indigenous and like communities. And although the shared experience is that slow living, literally down to earth lifestyle -- it is VERY different. It's more of an AND culture rather than a VS. culture. For example, there is more emphasis on complexity AND Simplicity (which is seen in fashion), sand/desert as well as agro (which is reflective in color choices and plant cultivation), slow living AND hustle.
Fashion[]
While this style can have overlap with cottagecore in English, French, Spanish & Portuguese village fashion due to the complicated history with imperialism and diasporan peoples; Villagecore emphasizes natural woven fibers such as cotton, hemp, silk, wool, and linen.
- Monochromatic
- Puffy sleeves
- Form fitted
- Flowy skirts
- Shawls
- Bold Ethnic Prints
- Head Wrapping
- Turbans
- Face paint
- Floral prints
- Nature prints
- Embroidery
- Bold and muted naturally occurring colors
Media[]
TikTokers[]
- @stellawomack
- @jasmeeniebobeenie
- @annemarie_akin
Shows & Movies[]
- The Choosen
- Black Panther
Songs[]
- Brown Skin Girl - Beyonce
- Put Your Records On - Corinne Bailey Rae
- Golden - Jill Scott
- Nights Like These - Asha Elia
- Life - Sharyn
Authors to Read[]
- Maya Angelou
- bell hooks
- Alexandra Elle
- Sonya Renee Taylor
- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Activities[]
- Afropunk
- Picnics
- Beach lounging
- Cultural Celebrations (ie: Juneteenth, Carnival)
- Henna
- Cooking & Grounding spices
- Foraging
- Climbing Trees
- Walking
- Hiking
- Painting
- Storytelling
- Bike riding
- Swimming
- Hopscotch
- Double dutch
- Dance
- Handgames
- Visiting Cultural Museums
- Journaling
- Small group
Visuals[]
