WASHINGTON — Howard University’s fashion is in a league of its own. When it comes to style and uniqueness "U-Know", Howard makes every fashion list that exists. Just walking through the yard, you will see everyone dressed to impress, any day of the week.
But on this particular Thursday, necks were left broken. Everyone from staff to students showed up and showed out with their individualistic styles at Howard's annual Student Fashion Show.
The Fashion Show kicks off Howard's Homecoming weekend every year. This year's Homecoming theme was "Revival," with a focus on community and reviving the pride back into Howard, and the overall rebirthing of what Howard used to be.
When WUSA9 spoke with students on campus and asked them to describe the fashion culture at Howard, they all shared the same sentiments: Howard is an eclectic melting pot that allows everyone the freedom to explore different avenues and styles free of judgment.
On Thursday, students filled the Cramton Auditorium to watch the magic unfold. The pieces in the show felt like New York in the '90s with help from the audio department transporting the crowd to a time when high tops and fades reigned supreme.
One designer from the show took inspiration from John Galliano's infamous newspaper dress and turned it into a men's ready-to-wear two piece set paired with a bearskin and black Timberland boots.
Howard's Homecoming weekend isn't just for current students, as a large number of alumni traditionally attend as well. This year, recent Howard graduate, Rachel Motley, was asked to contribute to the fashion show and was one of the featured designers.
Motely majored in marketing during her time at Howard and is now a multi-disciplinary artist based in New York. Motley has partnered with Walmart to create custom merch at this year's Rock the Bells Festival. Motley was also a featured artist at the Black Art Matters Pop Up festival earlier this year.
Now, she's partnering with Febreze, to design a "Fresh AF" (As Febreze) tracksuit. Febreze sponsored this year's Fashion Show where Motley's designs were showcased by Howard's dance team during an intermission performance.
This isn't the first time the Howard Student Fashion show has garnered the attention of a global brand. In 2018, the event were sponsored by Coach. The show featured pieces from their 2018 Fall/Winter collection, alongside student-designers Ron David, H.B.I.C, Boom the Label, and Project 96.
The Coach scene was styled by fashion design student, Madison Star Brim, the daughter of iconic celerity stylist Misa Hylton. Brim has since launched her own brand, Madison Couture, which was featured in this year's New York Fashion Week.
Howard has helped to launch the careers of many designers.
Kahlana Barfield Brown who was once the Fashion Beauty Editor for InStyle Magazine, recently partnered with Target to design their first collection in the Target-owned 'Future Collective' brand.
Ashley Walker, a Howard alum, founded Leimert Park Threads, an urban streetwear brand based out of Los Angeles. The popular brand was featured on the last season of HBO's 'Insecure'. They have also partnered with Nike, Diane Von Furstenberg, and have been featured in Vibe Magazine.
Kenzell Munroe, a Howard senior, partnered with Atmos to showcase the intersection of fashion and sustainability. Atmos, a streetwear brand, took notice of Munroe's work with upcycling pieces and asked him to create a tote bag ahead of the Jordan 11 Retro Varsity Red Sneakers release.
To those far and wide, Howard is called the 'mecca' for a reason. It draws people from all over the country and the world, to a place where raw talent is nurtured and careers are catapulted before they even walk across the stage.