Recap: The BSA fashion show makes ‘Hairstory’ | Culture

The Black Students’ Association’s annual fashion show brought a sold-out crowd this past Saturday through a vibrant “Hairstory,” this year’s theme that celebrates the versatility of Black hair in modern society. 

The show transformed The Wave to celebrate the diversity of Black hairstyles in different fashion genres like cyberpunk, formalwear and elegance. 

“I wanted it to be about Black culture in modern spaces and being in spaces they’re not usually accepted or wanted in, so it’s very upbeat and very lighthearted,” said Khaleya Linton-Smellie, a third-year media, information and technoculture student and the creative director for the show.

Linton-Smellie was motivated by the commonality of hair in the Black community. She explained that no matter the cultural differences Black people share, hair is essential to their culture and identity.

“No matter our cultural differences, we all share hair. We all share the importance of hair and how central it is to our culture,” said Linton-Smellie.

The show featured three themes or “books” that highlighted different aspects of Black hair and fashion in contemporary society: Liberation, Convergence and Opulence.

The book of Liberation showcased natural afros and business wear, challenging workplace norms by reclaiming professionalism through Black identity. 

Models first-year management and organizational studies student Joshua Graham and fourth-year science and pathology student Noah Matsakawo strutted across the runway with “BSA ON TOP” written on a briefcase. As they fought over the briefcase, it exploded money onto the unassuming crowd, with many reaching to grab as many bills as possible. 

Convergence, the second theme, was characterized by headwraps and combined traditional wear with Afro-futuristic themes. Linton-Smellie explained that she wanted to challenge the idea that traditional wear must be separate from bold, cyberpunk fashion.

“When I was thinking about the parallels, the stereotypes and the norms that we follow, I kind of wanted to allow these to intersect to show the world that traditional is not only staying in traditional,” said Linton-Smellie.

Sisters first-year English student Daniella Loubandha and third-year English student Kelly Loubandha wrapped up Convergence with a flowing, synchronized dance that garnered loud screams from the crowd.

The final book of Opulence aimed to redefine the idea that braids shouldn’t be worn for special occasions. Extravagant formal wear met braids and beads to display Black creativity in its most luxurious form.

Between each book, local Black artists insyt., Tianna Thompson, Abigail Kiene and Veena Wadu performed songs from different music genres to match each book’s theme. 

Linton-Smellie noted that most of the pieces from the fashion show were thrifted from Value Village and Mine 101 or sourced from the models’ closets.

BSA also partnered with local shops Luksa Hair, K-Laba Hair & Beauty Supplies and Braids & Wigs, to give away 20 gift bags with different hair-related products during intermission and the end of the show. 

Linton-Smellie noted how the fashion show serves as a safe space for Black students to express themselves and their culture while providing non-Black students an opportunity to appreciate Black culture.

“I know sometimes there’s a notion that BSA events are only for Black students. While that is important and a safe space, we’re also welcoming to every group on campus because we want to be able to have that connection to everyone on campus,” said Linton-Smellie