Beginning on April 5, Howard University’s Undergraduate Student Assembly hosted a variety of events for the university’s SpringFest, from talent showcases to Friday’s “Cultural Extravaganza” concert to the highly anticipated “Golden Age” fashion showcase on April 15. Hosted in Cramton Auditorium, the fashion show left many students in awe and frustration.

The theme for the highly anticipated fashion showcase centered 1920s Harlem tying in the general Springfest theme: Renaissance and the fashion show title“The Golden Age.” Led by Maiz Lawson and Madisen Suel, the show highlighted the unlimited creativity that walks Howard’s campus.

Upon entry, a sense of elegance and luxury filled the auditorium as a lit Golden Age sign sat on the stage between two winding staircases. UGSA reps previously shared with Cover 2 Cover that the set alone took two days to build.

Act One, “Day in Harlem,” featured designs dramatized by tight leathers, gleaming whites, and glistening metals that brought elegance to the fictitious streets of New York City. With obvious fashion choices inspired by the urban and evermoving borough of Manhattan and subtle allusions to fashion during the Harlem Renaissance, the versatility of act one stood as a testament to the resourcefulness and creativity that Harlem will forever be known for.  

Taking a stark departure from the urban, practical styling of the first act, Act Two was defined by a succession of sequined gowns, pearl necklaces, furs, and textures that breathed life into the romantic innuendos being brought to life on stage. The heated romance fostered by Act Two’s “Love in Harlem” spread throughout the aisles of the auditorium. 

By far the liveliest act of the event, the models’ striking authority, commanding presence, and voguing brought audience members to their feet.

While the successful efforts of the student creative directors, designers, hairstylists, and models involved cannot be understated, the incandescence of the show was undoubtedly overshadowed by UGSA’s haphazard organization and poor communication with event attendees.  

Students who lined up outside of Cramton Auditorium ahead of the event said they felt misled by UGSA, as they were given false information about the event’s start time and ticket distribution. 

“We went from being told that we wouldn’t need anything but our IDs to get into events to being told on the day of those events that we have to line up for tickets,” said junior psychology major, Rayanna Tucker, ahead of the show’s start. “It just doesn’t feel like they’re being considerate of us or our time,” she added.

Students shared that while they appreciate the efforts made by UGSA to host events, its disorganization has the potential to distract students from the feelings of celebration and joy that the assembly works to promote.