By Kiyanna Noel
African Unity is hosting their third Annual Fashion Show on Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. in the Warren Ballrooms at the Angell College Center. The theme is “An evening of Cabaret: Mystic Night” representing body positivity and self love through clothes. The hosts for the night are 2020 Plattsburgh alum Yogi and DJ Stonyy.
The expected brands to showcase their clothes are Conscious NYC and Avant NYC. Conscious NYC is a Brooklyn based brand that represents emotions through clothes. One of their messages is “Our brand is not for all, you will know when it’s for you.” Gaining inspiration from magazines and skateboarding, the clothing likely to be shown at Mystic Night is streetwear.
Avant NYC labels itself “The Motivational Brand,” which is represented by the quotes on their clothing and throughout the diversity of their staff. “Consistency Wins Every Time” is on many of the hoodies and sweaters of their “Coherent” collection, showing a different style than other designers seen at SUNY Plattsburgh’s previous fashion shows.
The clothes won’t be the only body-positive aspect of the show. In true cabaret form, it is rumored that many of the models may be wearing lingerie as well to promote body positivity.
Not only will there be fashion designers, there will be dance performances from African Unity Dance, JEDI Dance Productions, High Voltage Dance Factory and Spicy Island Tings. There will also be a spoken-word performance by the African Unity President Abieyuwa Uzamere.
Aissatou Lo, event planner for African Unity, coordinated this event with her team.
“It’s a Valentine’s Day celebration to not only cherish loved ones but our bodies,” Lo said.
Many students auditioned to be models through the House of Divinity Modeling club. Tamia Hubbard, a model in the upcoming show, is excited about getting out of her comfort zone for the show.
“This is my first time, and I have a little social anxiety in front of a lot of people. It will be a new experience,” Hubbard said, “This is the first time I’ll be presenting my body and myself period.”
Not only is this a way for students to get out of their safety zones, it’s a way for them to form new connections with peers and start to feel confident within themselves.
This African Unity event will set the tone for further events on campus due to its diversity in culture, music, clothes and creativity. Body positivity is the intended purpose of this event and will showcase the love of oneself through confidence, stage presence and clothes.
Uzamere said, “Everyone is welcome, but don’t forget to get your tickets.”
For more information reach out to Abieyuwa Uzamere at auzam001@plattsburgh.edu.
