A cheering crowd, stomping feet, clapping hands and friends screaming your name as you make your way down the runway — this was the energy given to the models and designers of the “Black Explosion” fashion show, held downtown on Saturday, Feb. 22, by the Black Student Union (BSU).
In addition to the performances, the show included speeches, immaculately dressed models and an engaged audience. It was a true culmination of the hard work and dedication of the organizers and designers at the BSU.
As posted on the BSU Instagram page, this year’s show theme was “Black Butterfly, A Journey through Darkness into Light,” featuring four distinct looks, each representing a different stage of transformation for the Black community. First up was the “Cocoon Stage,” symbolizing “Historical Roots and Struggles.” Next came “Breaking Free” highlighting the “Civil Rights Movement and Rebellion.” The third look, “Emergence,” embodied “Empowerment and Cultural Revolution. The show concluded with “Full Bloom,” celebrating “Black Excellence and Power in Modern Times.”
Bobbi Cheves, BSU president and senior business administration major, shared more about the experience of the show. Cheves said she was “inspired by all the designs,” but most by her sister Aniyah’s. “I am inspired by my sister’s drive, efficiency and the love for the craft of designing,” Cheves said.
Cheves was first exposed to the fashion show in 2024 after she joined the BSU e-board and fortunately got to help facilitate and plan Black Explosion’s 2024 rendition. After being encouraged to walk in the show, she felt ready to direct this year’s Black Explosion.
“As the Black Student Union, hosting Black Explosion every year, especially during Black History Month is extremely important. Black Explosion showcases every aspect of Black talent, creativity, and art,” Cheves said. “During this month, and every month, it is crucial for us as the Black community to come together and not only showcase to the world, but celebrate amongst ourselves all that we can do together.”
Similar sentiments regarding the importance of the event were echoed by a couple audience members.
Josephine Alexis, a senior psychology major who came to the show to support her friends explained how versatile fashion can be. “It doesn’t matter your size, race, age or social class. You can always put on something beautiful that still represents who you are,” she said.
Alexis further added that she believes these events to be “super important.”
“I enjoy being in an environment where we can celebrate our history, our style and most importantly our friends,” Alexis said.
“This event is one of the biggest events of the Black Student Union, one of the biggest events on campus,” Mani Nicole, a senior in political science, law and criminology said. “It shows us fashion has history and meaning more than people know.”
Marina Noack is an assistant arts editor and can be reached at marina.noack@ubspectrum.com
