South African born photographer Koto Bolofo [IG] has long captured AOC’s eye. Like this black and white fashion story ‘Polo’ for Numéro 240 [IG] September 2023, women and horses are a common theme in Bolofo’s art.

Models Louise de Chevigny and Mika Anastasia are styled by Rebecca Bleynie in goddess-worthy fashion and equestrian/polo playing equipment. The shoot location is the Polo Club de Chantilly [IG]./ Hair by Annesofie Begtrup; makeup by Maria Olsson

In our usual search to learn more about the creatives and activists featured on AOC, a fascinating factoid popped out just now. Born in Lesotho, South Africa in 1959, Bolofo was raised in Great Britain after his family fled the country in 1963, with a first stop in Switzerland. The artist’s father was accused of spreading anti-apartheid propaganda.

Continuing on to learn more about the photographer, I found myself on Connolly England “a British classic clothing and leather goods brand, located in Mayfair.” My observation roadster roared in, saw that Connolly England is primarily an online fashion site, and immediately moved into a hairpin turn on my way out.

Only then did my brain kick out of autopilot, and the the word ‘Goodwood’ flashed across my frontal lobe. Slamming pretty hard on the brakes, I backed up slowly in a state of marvel.

The words that bind driving enthusiasts — VROOM! VROOMS! — persuaded me to park and read. In his own words, Bolofo wrote for Connolly England, who featured his prints in an online exhibition:

The Tale of Goodwood Style begins in July 2004, where Koto happened to be doing a fashion shoot for Italian Vogue using the backdrop of the racing circuit of Goodwood revival with beautiful elegant long legged fashion models.

“I recall the Duke coming to introduce himself on my shoot and observing what I was doing. During one session photographing the models, Lord March kindly invited me to come to Goodwood Revival Festival and photo document the spectacular event which was to take place in September 2004.

On my arrival a new world lay in front of my eyes, with my ears burning to the sound of beautifully designed, one of a kind magnificent VROOM! VROOMS! The revving sounds of these cars was bliss to my ears, a peace of mind. With my Hunger and thirst to capture this unique moment with my camera, the hunt was on.

Anne, why are you telling us this interesting but not terribly relevant information?

Answer: Because two weeks ago, we covered the Polo [get it?] Ralph Lauren Fall 2023 campaign, shot by Richard Phibbs at the famous Goodwood Motor Circuit racetrack.

Remember? AND, because I love deeply the imagery in the campaign — anything that Phibbs shoots will be covered on AOC — there is a corresponding need not to racewash historical realities.

So I sent Lulu [AI] off to report on the racial history of Goodwood, and to also contrast the access to high-quaity educational experiences for people of color in Britain, compared to America. Which she did in some detail. Of course, Britain won. More research will come on this topic.

Today we add to that narrative with Koto Bolofo’s Goodwood Style experience in 2004 and his Numéro September 2023 fashion story ‘Polo’.

When AOC uses the phrase “we are travelling on the same moonbeam”, this is exactly what I mean. This experience is a small one compared to others in my life that are jaw-dropping.

But this little discovery does confirm the South African word ‘ubuntu’ — I am because of you or we are all connected. As humans, we seem not to want to understand or accept this reality. Look at Hamas and Israel in this very moment.

Still, ‘ubuntu’ generates hope for people like me and AOC as a thoughtful website. Onward. ~ Anne