The Afrofuturism fashion show and art gala celebrated designers, artists and models at the Burge Union on Thursday. The second annual homecoming fashion show highlighted Black brilliance in a futuristic night of carefully curated aesthetics.

The collaborative event between Black Creatives Collective (BCC) and Gifted Empowered Motivated Sisters (GEMS) showed innovative collections from local designers. This year also introduced local cosmetic artists to assist with hair, makeup and nails to bring this year’s Afrofuturism theme to life.

In their opening remarks, BCC President Sasha Sandoval-Williams and GEMS President Leslie Koffi reflected on the importance of the event and its creation last year.

“We wanted a chance to highlight the talents of our people because we know, in general, and especially at a PWI [predominantly White institution], we’re often overlooked, and we want to give everyone the chance to shine and watch each other shine as well,” Koffi said.

Williams said this year’s fashion show was able to incorporate returning artists and designers, as well as being a first for some. 

“For a lot of the artists, visual artists, this is their first time kind of showing off their work in an exhibition-style opportunity,” Williams said. “So this is just an opportunity for them to get comfortable and hopefully be able to show off their art in other spaces as well.” 

Esteemed hosts and KU students Douglas Jamal and Alex Liddell kicked off the fashion show. They started with introducing a boho-chic collection designed by former KU track athlete and alumna Honour Finley, who combined her love of fashion and crochet to create a colorful array of clothing and accessories.

The following category, streetwear, was composed of over 25 models and five designers. The first collection from sophomore Nate Sullivan, co-founder of the clothing brand Vega, featured looks that incorporated monochromatic colors with hunting camouflage patterns to blend streetwear and skater styles. 

Subsequently, junior Ahmed Gharib delivered a bold collection from his brand AKA Moe. Co-host Jamal described the collection as a testament to Black philosophies and how ancestors understand the spirit of culture and wisdom that transcends time. He added that the collection resonates with young and fashion-forward hearts.

The next collection was activewear from Ant & Bear Clothing, a clothing line created during the pandemic in 2020 by a mother-and-son duo Lillian Barry and Anthony Talley. The collection was followed by freshman designer Jakweli Gist, who incorporated elements of upcycling to create Y2K-inspired futuristic looks.

The final collection was designed by sophomore Gavin Ayoade. The two outfits paired red and blue hoodies with light-wash jeans and a white maxi skirt, creating simple yet unique statements. The collection was “mixing style with purpose and inspiring people to be their authentic selves,” Liddell said.

The finale showcased the last category — Black opulence. The designs featured luxurious, eclectic ensembles from formal designs to streetwear.

GEMS Vice President Anaya Dewey bridged the fashion show and art gala with a breathtaking performance of “Cranes in The Sky” by Solange, which brought a roar of applause from the audience.

“I think Solage and a lot of her music centers around Afrofuturism. Basically, what it would look like for Black individuals to live, like, a life without restriction in the future,” Dewey said.

The art walk and mingle followed the performance, and attendees got the opportunity to see various forms of art ranging from photography to paintings. 

GEMS Treasurer and artist Jada Williams exhibited a piece titled “Mount Excellence,” which featured the faces of Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman and Malcolm X on Mount Rushmore.

“Black is beautiful,” Williams said. “I wanted to do it for our founders, our Black people founders that paved the way for us.”

BCC aims to create a safe space for Black creatives to display their talents and help artists reach their full potential. More information and future events can be found on the BCC’s Instagram. GEMS supports Black women and femmes at KU through creative expression and welcoming environments. More information can be found on GEMS’ Instagram.