Weaving the Threads of History: UIW To Host Two Fashion Shows in Celebration of Black History Month

In celebration of Black History Month, UIW will be showcasing the cultures and artistic talents of Black fashion designers in two upcoming fashion shows: the “Cygne Noir” Runway Show and the African and Afro-Caribbean Fashion Show.

On Friday, Feb. 21, the “Cygne Noir” Fashion Show will be hosted by members of the student organization As One We Will (AOWW), which advocates for social justice on campus and beyond. The show will draw inspiration from Black Swan, Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball and personal journeys to explore themes of transformation, identity and unpredictability.

Dan Williams, AOWW vice president and Fashion student, has demonstrated tremendous leadership and passion during the development of the show. He helped to put on two other fashion events in the past, including “Decoded and Deconstructed” and “La Vengeance de Joan.” All shows have featured works from his own collections, and “Cygne Noir” will be no exception.

“Cygne Noir is really about transformation in both fashion and in life,” said Williams. “It is a showcase of craftsmanship, storytelling and artistic expression. Beyond that, it is meant to appeal to emotion and spark conversation … My goal is for the audience to see beyond the collection ... to feel the narrative behind it.”

Williams expressed that fashion design has been a powerful tool of creative expression for him. Beyond the logistics of creating a garment, it is an outlet for him to convey his own experiences and internal growth. Each fashion show has been a piece of his story that reflects his evolution as a designer. He and the other members of AOWW are excited to welcome the UIW community to view William’s latest designs in celebration of Black History Month.

“Cygne Noir contributes to Black History Month through its themes of resilience and identity, which deeply resonates with the Black experience,” noted Willaims. “The show celebrates personal and cultural growth through fashion, which allows for expression that aligns with the spirit of Black History Month.”

The fashion displays will continue Thursday, Feb. 27 when the office of International Student and Scholar Services hosts the African and Afro-Caribbean Fashion Show. This will be the third year the office hosts this event and in collaboration with the African Student Organization (ASO) and Women Connecting Globally. Each contributor has been immensely helpful in expanding the event over the years.

“When we first met to plan this event, we wholeheartedly agreed that our intent is to authentically showcase African and Afro-Caribbean culture,” explained Kelsey Dwyer, international student immigration advisor.

This year’s show will feature designs from Nichelle Hosley, an award-winning interior designer and Interior Design Meets Fashion creator and show producer. “With over 25 years of experience, Nichelle is part of the elite when it comes to beauty, interior management and fashion show production. Through her vast experience and extensive knowledge on working with world renowned luxury furniture brands, access to some of the most beautiful fabrics and her connection with local boutiques and designers, Nichelle continues to craft unique fashion shows as well as beautiful spaces that leave impactful impressions" (InteriorDesignMeetsFashion.com).

“We are excited to host this event every year because celebrating and honoring different traditions is a crucial part of our work in International Affairs,” noted Dwyer. “Through this event we can celebrate Black culture internationally – culture that is varied and vibrant across each of the countries in Africa and the Afro-Caribbean – by spotlighting the fabrics and ways of dressing that these cultures claim as their own.”