Quarantine Couture: The Black History Month Fashion Show concluded February’s celebrations with flair, as models served us looks inspired by bedroom Zoom sessions, pandemic protections, and Michelle Obama’s slay at the recent inauguration. 

The fashion show committee, a subcommittee of the Black History Month Committee, consisted of Director and Faculty in Residence of Afrikan Heritage House Dr. Candice Raynor, College fourth-year Jasmine Mitchell, and College second-year Jillian Sanford, who have all been working since August to execute Mitchell’s vision. 

“It took a lot of coordination with the Student Union, Concert Sound, and Facilities to figure out how to design and organize the space and flow of the show to ensure we were within ObieSafe guidelines and still able to pull off Jasmine’s creative vision via livestream,” Raynor said.

Several volunteers from various campus communities were instrumental in helping out on the show day. Although the annual event had to be modified for COVID safety, many traditions stayed the same.

“The planning process was the same as it has been in previous years in regard to deciding which models will walk in each line, and picking out outfits that not only fit the themes but also respect each model’s comfort level and reflect their personal style when possible,” Raynor said.

While the show was live streamed, energy was high for students in-person and at home as people cheered on their peers over social media.

“I’m glad that it all came together so well,” Raynor said. “Celebrating Black beauty and cultural expression through fashion was a wonderful way to conclude Black History Month.”