Carleton University’s Black Student Alliance (BSA) sold out its first-ever fashion show on March 24.
The fashion show, held at the Fenn Lounge in Teraanga Commons (formerly Residence Commons), highlighted Black fashion through the decades with outfits from the 80s, 90s, early 2000s, modern-day and traditional African clothing.
Musicians NTHN and DJ Temi also sponsored and performed at the event.
“I thought it was really nice to see Black kids … express their creativity. I know Black people always love to show up and show out, and it was nice seeing that in an event,” Nugent said.
David Onowu, a third-year criminology student and co-host of the fashion show, said while he is a recent member of the BSA, he acknowledges the work he and many other participants put in to make the show a reality.
He said there are many cultural and historical messages embedded in how the Black community dresses.
“Our clothes don’t just come from stores, they have stories behind them. All the traditional [clothes], all the streetwear—all of it is all part of our history. Our sense of style has developed through the decades and that’s really what we explored tonight,” Onowu said.
Zainab Adebayo, a second-year health science student and model at the event, said the fashion show was a great opportunity to strengthen the Black community at Carleton.
“With this kind of turnout for this event, I’m sure many more people would want to sign up [and be included],” she said. “It only takes one event, and once people see how great it is … they’ll keep showing up for more. It’s particularly a safe space for every Black person to be themselves.”
Featured image by Hannah Daramola.
