“I hope [attendees] take away inspiration to be creative and to also never feel boxed in,” said Kubb Bennett, the Creative Director for the 2024 Homecoming Fashion Show.
Students poured into the 2024 Homecoming Fashion Show on Oct. 22, styled in the latest fashion to see various student brands being modeled by their peers.
The theme of this year’s fashion show was “The Garden” which explored the biblical journey of chaos, sin, and redemption to represent the struggle between good and evil within today’s world, according to Ahmere Harper, the Director of Logistics.
Some of the designers include: Ayana Colon, Ola (MarkedbyOJ), Kubb Bennett (Party of 1), Zion Clark & Ishmael Carter (Off the Backend), Olivia Gettis (CNSRD Misfits), Isaiah Parrish (Beneficial), Zuri Murph, Chris Smithers, and Darah (The Muse Brand).Â
The show consisted of five scenes, the third being modeled by New Era Modeling Troupe.
“To prepare for the performance we had endless nights of practice, perfecting our walks, the choreography, and making sure the theme was executed,” said Carson Moore, a model in the show.Â
The purpose of the show was to allow audience members to gain a deeper message on sin, the way of the world, and to offer a different perspective. It gave young black creatives a space to feel seen and showcase their talents.
“I liked the overall theme and how the visual effects such as the lights, the music, and the clothes all came together to portray the themes of each of the scenes,” said Brionna Gillis, a third-year journalism major and student in attendance.
To make the show as decadent as it was, much planning went into the event several months prior. Handpicking individuals to work on different committees such as media, sponsorship, outreach, and audio and booking the DJ were just some of the ways the folks behind the scenes ensured the structure of the show.
“I kept everything organized by planning ahead and keeping an ongoing google document that was labeled as well as relying on my assistant director, Aniyah Barnett, who also helped keep everything organized as well,” said Harper.
By the awes and ovation from the crowd, it’s clear that many who attended the event felt fulfilled by the performance they received.Â
“My favorite scene was definitely between the second scene, Chaos and fifth scene, The Rapture. Also, my favorite part was just seeing the excitement on everyone’s faces,” said Harper.Â
Numerous people worked on the show from designing, modeling, and coaching. Each individual involved was allowed to showcase their talents.
“I hope [attendees] take away inspiration to be creative and to also never feel boxed in,” said Kubb Bennett, the Creative Director.
Although the fashion show was a success to many, the creatives behind the scenes had much to offer for what could be changed.Â
“I think just in terms of timing, I hoped to get things rolling earlier to give us more time for execution. However, I’m super proud of the production we put on,” said Harper.Â