In the Black community, fashion is about more than just garments on a body. The art form is ingrained in the community's identity, making it a vehicle for celebration and expression. This year’s theme was a nod to the late Frankie Beverly’s classic song, “We Are One,” as the show’s mission was to “unite the community in a dazzling celebration of Black Excellence, Black Joy and Black Culture,” according to Think Three Media.
The show, which coincided with Juneteenth's 160th anniversary, was a culturally rich experience from the start.
Before the show began, guests were given complimentary fans adorned with the official Juneteenth flag. As the night progressed, the fans evolved from a tool for cooling to a means of emphasizing applause.
Attendees of the show were encouraged to wear white, which was perhaps a nod to Beverly, as it was known as a silent rule of sorts that wearing white was a must for his concerts.
However, writer and cultural historian Deah Berry Mitchell graced the stage to provide a history lesson. Mitchell educated us that white attire is a celebration of an enslaved woman named Sally Tate, who famously used white fabric to sew a dress in an act of rebellion after gaining her freedom on Juneteenth. The garment became a cultural staple known as the “Emancipation Dress,” which is currently on display at the San Antonio Witte Museum.
Miss Texas ,Annette Addo-Yobo, served runway royalty in the guest runway competition while hosts Michael Shawn and Lady Jade looked on.
Charles Farmer
The night’s emcees, Lady Jade and Michael Shawn, kept the crowd engaged by beckoning them to rise from their seats and give us a “fit check” while strutting their stuff down the runway. Naturally, this led to adults and children alike hitting the runway, with Miss Texas 2024, Annette Addo-Yobo, leading the way.
In the same spirit of offering a platform, the show allowed for the next generation of designers from Cedar Hill High School’s fashion Program to showcase their creativity. Their designs were featured in a competition for a cash prize, with winner Morgan Akins taking home first place.
The actual runway shows included a variety of styles and a plethora of choices for new outfit inspiration.
Brands like Sacred Heart Collections, which is tailored toward Black Greek Letter organizations (also known as “the Divine Nine”), showed standout looks. Streetwear brands One Street Sales and Saintlamo commanded our gaze with more fashion-forward, slick styles.
Can we get this Pink Lucy by Tiffany Walker look in every color?
Charles Farmer
Womenswear brands Pink Lucy, And Made, House of Dasha, and Justice Cole provided vibrant, approachable looks for occasions ranging from formal attire to resort wear and date night. The night also featured looks from Project Runway season 12 contestant Kahindo Mateene and her namesake label, Kahindo. We were particularly impressed by the size inclusivity we saw coming down the runway throughout the show, too.
Meanwhile, the menswear brand Superfine Tailoring by Dr. R. Keith Harley Jr. featured versatile suits for the dapper gentleman unafraid of bold color and print statements.
And of course, we would be remiss not to highlight the show’s accessories. Deseri, a line of luxury handbags, had our eyes shooting second looks up and down the runway.
Dallas Fashion royalty and Emmy award-winning stylist Catrina Henderson was on hand to add her touch to two sections in the show: a streetwear segment with One Street Sales and a second section dedicated to the avant-garde genius of Erykah Badu. Henderson tapped into looks inspired by the queen of neo-soul by honoring Badu’s signature futuristic-meets-bohemian style, Texas-sized hats and other unique headpieces.
LeVenity, founded by Dallas’ Vinny Etienne, was the night’s headliner. Etienne is a Project Runway alum and favorite of stars like Beyonce and Cardi B, so it came as no surprise that his attention to textures and colors provided a stunning showcase of the model muses who enhanced his work.
In addition to the fashion show, line dance instructor Olivia Ibezim, also known as “Coach O,” led a dance party intermission. From dances attached to classics like "Electric Slide" and Cameo’s "Candy," to newer favorites like "Boots on the Ground" by 803 Fresh, the hand-held fans were popping so loud they probably could’ve been heard echoing throughout Legacy Hall.
Above all, the show was a testament to community, one that not only welcomed fashion lovers but also lovers of African American culture and its love for joyous celebration.
