This past Friday, Feb. 11th, 2022, SXU’s Black Student Union hosted the annual BSU fashion show at Maguire Hall. This year’s theme was “Express Yo Self,” which featured various categories such as Red Carpet, Business Casual, Daytime Brunch, After Party, and Live Out Loud! For this year’s fashion show, the focus colors were strictly red and black. The participants were instructed to wear either all black, all red, or a mixture of the two. Each participant brought something unique, and the show was an absolute success.
One of the participants, TJ Franklin, spoke about his experience with the show, and how it was a wonderful opportunity for aspiring fashion designers and models.
I prompted that Black fashion designers have existed since the dawn of time and asked him what did it mean to be a part of and promote black fashion, and he stated,
“It is a privilege. I never expected to enjoy it so much, but I did. Being an African American and being able to express me through fashion has become a passion for me, and it is something I encourage people of all backgrounds to do in their own unique way. ”
I then asked what drew him to participate in this fashion show, and what did he get out of being a part of it? He replied,
“To be honest, I did not want to at first, but my friend persuaded me otherwise and showed me that it was an opportunity to express myself, so I agreed to do it, and I am so glad I did. I have always admired how much challenging work goes into fashion design, so it was cool to experience it for myself.”
I also asked him who were some of his favorite African American fashion designers, and replied with Virgil Abloh.
“I do not have many favorite African American fashion designers, but one that comes to mind is the late Virgil Abloh. Off White was created in collaboration with Louis Vuitton. He was unquestionably one of the most talented African American fashion designers to emerge on the scene. He was unique, and I admired how obvious it was that he genuinely enjoyed what he did.”
Finally, I asked him in what ways does he believe fashion shows contribute to black history, and he stated,
“Fashion and black history have always been a dynamic duo from the start; I’ve always seen it as a way for us to not only express ourselves but also show others that we are capable of ruling the fashion industry.” Fashion shows, I believe, allow us to express our creativity, boldness, and individuality.
Overall, the annual BSU fashion show once again gave a stage, to not only African American students, but other individuals who really enjoy fashion as well. Cougars, if you are interested in being a part of the BSU and learning more about African American culture, you can contact the BSU via email at: bsu@mymail.sxu.edu.
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