Inspired Aesthetics: Spring 2024 Fashion Week

This week, the College of Agriculture, Humanities, and Environmental Sciences (CAHES) hosted yet
another resonant and riveting Fashion Week. Brought to you by the Fashion and Business (FAB) Lab and
the Fashion Merchandising, Design, and amp; Textiles Program, each day of the week boasted a new,
fashionable function. Kicking off on Monday was the Sew Fresh x Sew Clean Toiletry Donation. It was
followed on Tuesday by the Fit Check x Mic Check Industry Panel & Brunch, providing a chance to fuel The mind and body while listening to voices shaping the future of fashion.
Wednesday’s Cash Out x Pop-up Fashion and Food Fest was a campus highlight of the week. Held on the
lawn of Pinkie Thrift, passing students were beckoned by an entrancing atmosphere of lively music and
delicious food. The main attraction, however, was a collection of Southern University student vendors
and local businesses, given the chance to retail and advertise their skills and merchandise. Maya Campell,
a senior majoring in Fashion Merchandising, presented her own clothing embroidery business titled
Delight. Also representing SU was Janaiya Kensie with her business Mejestik, which displayed an array
of bracelets, phone cases, and other pragmatic items.
As for local contributors, 12-year-old Kennisen Smith represented Busy Being Amazing, a self-care
business originating from Baker, Louisiana. June will mark four years since her business began marketing
organic, environmentally friendly, and beautifully fragrant soy wax candles and room sprays in a variety
of alluring scents.
Behind a table of vibrant patterns and colors was Shaddae Smith, Founder, and CEO of Jamaican-owned
athleisure wear company Lead Athletics. “One of the biggest things that we care about is teaching young
women to take care of their mind, body, and soul when it comes down to their health. This brand is a
physical manifestation of that mission.” Shaddae Smith, CEO Lead Athletics. Having conceived her
business out of college when it would be difficult for most to afford quality athleisure wear, Lead was
designed to provide the same quality at a much more amicable price.
On Thursday was the marquee event of the week, the Rhythm x Threads Fashion Show. Contributing
designers adhered to a ’90s theme, which warranted an array of leather and denim-inspired looks.
Synonymous with the theme were pop-art spray paint decor and a vinyl record-lined catwalk. Models were
compiled of SU students (including members of the Modeling Club) and esteemed alumni. RJ Wiggins, a
sophomore Psychology major, describes his first experience walking in a fashion show. “I felt a little
nervous coming down the ramp, but as soon as I got on the floor, it all faded away. It felt natural more to
me than anything. Would do it again!”
Models were accompanied by a live performance by Junior Keon Hilare of his original music.
From those experienced to first-timers, designers to models, the show was a seamless depiction of the
plethora of creativity that resides on this campus.
Closing yet another SUccessful Fashion Week was Pinkie Thrift’s Pre-Loved Clothing Convention hosted
by the Elite Fashion Society. “A lot of the clothes are second-hand; some are collections from the
members of the Elite Fashion Society. We’re a small organization that’s had trouble securing funds. The
money from this event will allow us to host more free classes for Southern students.” Ja’neice Allen,
a sociology major and president of EFS. Clothing ranged between prices of $5-$30, all proceeds going
toward the Elite Fashion Society. They predicted this event would create revenue for murals and sewing classes in the future, which they hope to organize for the upcoming fall.