COLUMBIA — As Black History Month comes to a close, Orr Street Studios in Colombia celebrated with a fashion show highlighting Black art, culture, and design.
Models took the runway, showcasing designs of over a dozen artists from across Missouri.
“I think art just takes us into a whole new world. It gives us the space to expand as individuals in a space where we are always kind of being told what to do and what box to be put in,” said lead curator Ronecia Duke.
The annual “Walking Art Fashion Show” brought together fashion, music, and community, all centered around Black creativity.
“When it comes down to fashion for black history month or black culture in general, we’re all one collective, one entity coming into one like a web,” said model coach Khiara Brown-Belancourt.
Organizers said the showcase leaned into the concept of Black Futures Month, a forward-focused celebration of black innovation and possibility.
“Art allows us to expand and create more and innovate, which leads us forward into progression, unity, and the future,” said Duke.
The show encouraged radical self-expression, inspiring young models and future creators like 10-year-old Naysa Marie Duke to be themselves and to urge others to do the same.
“You know what? I can be me and be true to myself and kind of like give that person encouragement by what you’re wearing or how you style your clothes or your attire,” said Naysa
The celebration also carried a note of remembrance.
Artists Kenny Green and Dawn Warren, who passed away last year, were honored during the showcase for their contributions to Columbia’s arts community.
Designer T’keyah Thomas said she wouldn’t be where she is today without her connection with green.
“Everything that I’m making today is just built off of what he, you know, taught me,” said Thomas.
Now, a resident artist at Orr Street Studios and founder of the jewelry brand Ground and Gold, Thomas shared that his legacy continues to grow.
“The collective really seems to be growing, and this was the vision that he had, you know, for the arts community here in Columbia,” said Thomas.
The celebration does not stop there, as an additional fashion show will be held in Jefferson City at 2 p.m. in the Building Community Bridges facility.