Baya is a proud Black British creative whose work is deeply rooted in culture, activism, and storytelling. Through fashion and visual art, she explores the realities of growing up Black and British beyond the stereotypes often presented in mainstream media. This collection was inspired by the misrepresentation of Black British people on screen, where narratives are frequently muted, filtered, and centred around struggle, violence, or hardship. While those experiences can exist due to systemic issues, Baya wanted to highlight the vibrancy, creativity, and individuality that shaped her own upbringing.

Inspired by the emergence of grime, Afroswing, and Black British cinema, the collection reflects the energy and colour that defined a generation. Films such as Rye Lane and Anuvahood, alongside music like Little Derek by Sway DaSafo, played a major role in influencing the mood and storytelling behind the work. The bold colours, oversized silhouettes, and layered styling reference a culture that has always been expressive and influential, despite rarely being recognised for its impact on modern British identity.
Having studied at BRIT School, Baya was able to develop her creativity in an environment that encouraged experimentation and freedom of expression. She values collaboration and community, often working with like-minded creatives to bring concepts such as this photoshoot to life. Her work exists as both celebration and protest, using fashion as a tool to reclaim narrative, honour Black British culture, and express activism through art.