HBCU FASHION SHOW CELEBRATES HISTORY AND SUSTAINABILITY
CULTURE | NOV. 13, 2023
Photo taken by Morghan Langston
By MORGHAN LANGSTON
It was November of 1973, and the Palace of Versailles was looking for a way to raise money for its restoration. What better solution than an all-out battle between French and American fashion designers showcasing their different talents from across the world? Unexpectedly, this event was a massive success for the American designers bringing a social and cultural shift to the fashion industry. From the use of African-American models to a presentation based on made-to-wear fashion, this event was a fight for America to prove they deserved a seat at the fashion table.
50 years later, we celebrate fashion genius through the creative designs of HBCU students from across the country. Students from the Atlanta University Center, Bowie State, Hampton University, Howard University, North Carolina Central, Norfolk State, and Xavier University of Louisiana came together to create their own looks for the Sustainable Fashion Showcase, highlighting The Battle of Versailles’ effects on “diversity, equity, and inclusion” in fashion, hosted by Howard University alumni, faculty, and students.
This event, held at the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C., included two panels, a reception, and a fashion show.
The panels included conversations about the importance of the Battle of Versailles, and the significance of access to sustainable energy not only in the fashion industry but in other sectors of the world as well.
The first panel titled “Versailles Forward; The Impact of Battle Versailles of 1973 on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” featured a conversation surrounding the question, “Where are we now [in fashion]?”
The Impact of Battle Versailles of 1973 on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion panelists.
The second panel, “Good Energy Forward with Environmental Justice”, consisted of a discussion of how sustainability can become an equitable option for all.
The fashion-and-fun-filled night also included an exhibit of artwork from a handful of Howard students telling their own stories through their work.
Pieces from the monochromatic patchwork collection created by Jocelyn Parker.
The fashion show portion of the evening was a display of the creativity and talent that young scholars around the country possess. Using curtains, used denim, pearl necklaces, quilts, scraps, and more miscellaneous accessories, the artists repurposed materials to bring their garments to life.
Each student used different mediums to execute an outfit of their choice creating pieces that ranged from dresses to jackets, and even intricate pant designs. My personal favorite is the collection of monochromatic patchwork outfits.
The winner of the design challenge Tucker walks with their model.
The Battle of Versailles was an introduction to the appeal of made-to-order and made-to-wear fashion which was deemed lacking in comparison to couture fashion of the time.
Hopefully, in the near future, we will see an evolution in sustainability from both producers and consumers in this industry. Maybe we too can look in our closets and create art out of our own clothes, learning as a society to repurpose instead of replace.
