‘It Wasn’t Because I Was Authentic’ — Toshiko Akiyoshi Quote Tee | Wear Words Black-on-White Statement Shirt — Oversized Tee

“It wasn’t because I was authentic. It was because I was strange.” Toshiko Akiyoshi said this to the Los Angeles Times, looking back at her 1950s arrival in American jazz — a Japanese woman playing ferocious Bud Powell piano, drawing press she knew was for the spectacle more than the playing. She answered the only way that lasts, by becoming undeniable: she led her own big band for decades until the music was the story.

**AS Colour 5082 “Faded Bone” — Oversized Tee (Cream finish).** 100% carded cotton, heavyweight 240 gsm, garment-dyed — each tee fades a little differently, so no two are identical. Oversized, boxy relaxed fit, dropped shoulders, wide twin-stitched ribbed neck, side-seamed, pre-shrunk (size down for a less roomy look). Care: machine wash cold inside-out with like colors, do NOT bleach, do NOT tumble dry (line dry in the shade to protect the garment dye), cool iron inside-out (never iron the print).