Black Girls Rock! stuns the runway with a celebration of fashion and identity | Multimedia

From the crisp colors of autumn to the radiant glow of summer, fashion took on the essence of every season at SIUE’s sixth Annual Black Girls Rock Fashion Show. “The Seasonal Affair” was more of a celebration of culture, creativity and Black excellence than just a runway show.

From left to right Diamond Billings, Ariana Carey, Elijah Johnson, Kyla Parker, Zayleah Davis

At 5 p.m., Feb. 15 in the Meridian Ballroom in MUC, the Black Girls Rock show took place and was sponsored by Student Government. Doors opened at 4:30 p.m., allowing guests a bit of time to explore a variety of vendors. 

Visitors signing in to enter Meridian Ballroom for Black Girls Rock! Fashion show.

As the lights dimmed and music filled the venue, models took to the runway in looks inspired by the beauty of nature’s four seasons. 

                                              Akira Mclntyre in white and Nyra Marrow in red

“It’s a celebration of the Black culture here at SIUE — all of the different skills and different talents that Black women can show and offer,” Kaylin Paige, president of Black Girls Rock, said.

From left with a fur jacket – Arie Johnson, Gianni Dogan in the middle and Colette Jackson in the right with a blue bag.

The show was a vibrant display of talent, with designs inspired by the changing seasons. Models took the runway, showcasing the spirit of each season through fashion.

Ariana Carey entering the frame from the left, Zayleah Davis walking towards the camera and Elijah Johnnson on his way back.

Paige said organizing the event was a challenge, with preparations including practices beginning last fall.

“The planning process took a lot of time and a lot of energy,” Paige said. 

Tasks included playlist selection, stage setup, choreography and making sure the models’ outfits looked their best.

From left to right, Aerie Johnson, Tamia Kelly, Colette Jackson, Gianna Dogan and Sequoia Tyus.

“This year’s theme, ‘The Seasonal Affair,’ was simply a way to explore different styles appropriate for different times of year,” Paige said.

                                                    From left to right, Pawelle Kole in red jacket and Alexis Allen in black

”EJ” Mooty 

Pawelle Kole

From front to back, Mikayla Fuller, Tamia Kelly, Sequoia Tyus and Ariana Carey

from left to right, Fega Obiebi, Kya Stewart and Tmerah Cunningham

 

“We do a lot of things, and society tends to put Black women in a box,” Paige said. “All we do is just continue to break expectations and go higher and achieve much more than what people would think we would do.”