ALANA WINGATE
Staff Writer
With fresh lineups, bolder themes, cultural expression and heritage, the yearly fashion show organized by Fredonia’s Black Student Union (BSU) made its memorable return.
This year’s fashion show titled, “Black Gala,” was held on March 25 in the Steele Hall Fieldhouse at 6 p.m.
The focus this year was distinctive from previous years’ themes. In an effort to present the Black experience as a whole, the theme was meant to be more extensive.
The gala was hosted by comedian Courtney Bee Bledsoe, who appeared on the last season of Nick Cannon’s MTV comedic competition program “Wild n’ Out.”
“With the BSU fashion show history, there’s always been a social media celebrity host, so of course, I wanted to keep that legacy alive by making sure that we have someone who’s known in social media and building up their presence,” said Sangai Keita, a senior double major in public relations and political science, and this year’s fashion show chair.
Opening the show with a “Mean Girls” inspired routine was the EnFusion and EX dance teams, starting the show with a “totally fetch” performance.
Following “The Plastics” departure from the stage, the models walked their runway in full confidence starting with “A Night at the Oscars.”
“I would definitely say it is a big confidence boost. I’m a very shy person. I’m not somebody who likes to use my voice as much, but I definitely like to express myself through my body, so for me, doing a fashion show is definitely a great way for me to express that,” said Genesis Paises, a senior Spanish major with a minor in education of immigrant communities.
This fashion show is one of many BSU activities that promotes diversity on Fredonia’s campus as well as highlights the talents of up-and-coming fashion designers.
The featured designers included Fredonia student Jeremy Casso-Garcia, creator of “Blue Stripss Apparel,” a small, Buffalo-based black-owned company, “Lvsh & Co.” and Izu and Vash, whose Ankara-style dresses were featured in earlier BSU fashion shows in 2017. All of the designers were given full creative freedom to display their vision for all to see.
Even though it looked like a traditional fashion week setting, the fashion display honored Black culture. By highlighting the various cultural facets of the Black identity and its development over time, the program served as a positive depiction of historical progression.
“I feel like a lot of times when it comes to fashion, a lot of people don’t know the history behind it. I wanted to bring more history to fashion and more enlightenment for people to realize it’s way more than clothes,” Keita said. “Not a lot of people know that, in terms of people of color or Black people in general, we wore those things back in the day to represent a rebellion against civil rights [violations] and social issues.”
The models and their bold looks kept the audience engaged throughout the night. With runway lines like “Once Upon a Time,” “DareDevil,” ‘Denim” and a throwback to the ‘70s in the “Soul Train” theme.
“The fashion itself, it did what it had to do. The outfits were well thought out and everyone rocked their look. The brand promotion was the best part. I’d go again next year,” said Anthony Pascal, a freshman public relations major.
The show included a body-positive runway walk where models strutted their stuff in swimsuits or other related apparel that made them feel comfortable in their skin, supporting every model and their uniqueness.
“The reason why I like a lot of the DIY scenes is [because] we get to choose what we are comfortable in. I personally do feel comfortable showing my body, that was definitely an aspect that I brought to the stage,” Paises said. “Whereas, for people who don’t feel that comfortable, they also had the option to stay covered up and still put expression through [their] outfit. I think that was something that I did enjoy – I was in the show last year as well, so it was something that continued through this show as well.”
Grace Ojatunwase, sophomore medical technology major added, “The fashion show was very out of my comfort zone, especially the bathing suit scene because, when it comes to my arms, I’m very insecure about how masculine they are and very toned. With that scene, I was kind of able to just say [forget] it, you know, put it on, walk out there, and do what you got to do.”
Overall, the fashion show was a success for those that participated and attended.
“The fashion show was a good time. The vibes were there, starting with the dance performance. The host had good energy and was really involved with the crowd. [She] also dropped some nuggets of inspiration here or there in the midst of her jokes,” Pascal said.
In the end, the fashion show chair and the rest of the e-board pulled off another annual BSU fashion show. Keita shared that she hopes the tradition continues in the years to come.
“I’m very sure and hoping that next year, BSU continues the legacy of having these big events that bring the students of color on campus together,” Keita said.
Currently, BSU is planning events that will take place this term, like a basketball game between various Intercultural Center clubs. Watch for a Google form in your inbox to sign up for yourself or a team. They also intend to revive the “Kickback” for an all-intercultural welcome celebration or meeting the following year. Be sure to follow their Instagram page @BSUfredonia for updates on upcoming events.
