On Friday, Feb. 20, the student-led modeling group HU Models Inc. put on a spectacle for Howard University’s campus, displaying what they are looking to bring to campus as a new chapter of the modeling troupe Models Inc. The “LEG•A•CY” fashion show marked the group’s first event hosted on campus.
With much promotion by HU Models Inc. members leading up to the show, the crowd truly reflected their efforts as it continued to grow throughout the show’s duration.
The production was entirely student-coordinated, led by chapter president Teron “Royal Inc.” Jones, a junior majoring in strategic communications, with help from other members of the group’s executive board. The show was months in the making. Along with the promotional efforts came production scheduling, verified coordination, organizational support, and, most importantly, numerous rehearsals.
The effort poured into the show was reflected throughout as the crowd watched each executive board member define what “legacy” meant to them in pre-recorded videos that featured visuals of rehearsals between show segments.
“When you go to a Models Inc. show the audience is never ready for how they put it down …It is a performance,” said Mikki Taylor, art professor at Howard.
Art Through Expression
The HU Models Inc. performance included elements of Black modeling, which tends to convey emotion and animation to enhance the fashion show experience for the crowd. The show incorporated elements of skilled showmanship with aspects of coordinated group dance that included voguing, singing, and acting.
The show in its entirety was a memorable experience. Specific moments throughout the show really amped the crowd’s participation and ignited a profound sense of favor. The show’s opening scene set the tone for the night, with models dressed in garments mixed with African cultural aesthetics and futuristic details. As the models walked the runway to a DJ-curated mix, their confidence and poise garnered much reaction.
Later in the show, two models, one being Jones, showcased an energetic voguing routine. Voguing is an art not familiar to many outside of the fashion world, but in this show, it was much appreciated. The scene started with on-stage lip synchronization, then followed the track “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by DJ Twinkle Toes. The crowd loved this scene, which received the most audience reaction.
The group’s vice president Nataiya Johnson, a senior studying sports medicine, and Jones wanted to continue to spread the joy and affirmation they once received as new members of Models Inc. “The ultimate goal is to be united to elevate the Howard campus through our organization, because I think we can do it,” said Johnson.
Howard has been a pillar of fashion standards for a long time, Taylor added. The university’s fashion shows have been prevalent since the 1920s, around the time of Howard’s first homecoming celebration. When viewing a show, it is about recognizing the designer, the talent, theme, and, if conveyed properly, the emotion of the performers.
Taylor mentioned the fact that ‘AI’, a topic impacting all fields, has already begun making changes to the fashion industry. That includes changes to design displays, fully virtual AI shows, or even as extreme as to the point of having profit-obtaining AI models. It is a point she urges people to be aware of in the future and the changes that may occur.
The “Legacy” show was a full display of what the future of fashion holds for Howard’s campus — a new organization making noise and setting a standard that they wish to continue building upon. The group welcomes all with an open opportunity to express the talents that may be stagnant within.
“This organization’s goal is to create unity … we can only help each other,” said Jones. “Everybody does not have the same connections, and everybody doesn’t have the same information. Everybody can learn something from one another … I’m one phone call away.”