On Feb. 14, the Boston College African Student Organization (ASO) put on its annual fashion show, inviting BC students, faculty, and alumni to celebrate “ASO Cup of Nations.” Though the term fashion show does not begin to quantify the dedication, effort, and beauty of the production.
The fashion was intertwined with dance performances by BC’s Presenting Africa to U (PATU) and BU’s Afrithms, all announced by charismatic MC Allou Kallo, an ASO alum and BC ’25. When he wasn’t announcing, Kallo used his time on stage to search for a Valentine.
Braelyn Guin, MCAS ’28, a member of PATU, spoke about how ASO’s fashion show is more than just showing off breathtaking garments.
“It’s about uplifting and celebrating the diaspora during Black History Month,” Guin said.
In his speech, Guin gave a gentle reminder that the show is larger than our small BC community—it’s a testament to and a celebration of the Black community as a whole.
This element of community was evident in the way that attendees were also dressed up for the event. They were decked out in their finest attire, stunning variations of both traditional and modernized fashion.
ASO’s mantra “Culture, Unity, Family” was apparent throughout the night. Kallo served as an example of how the ASO family runs deep, as he returned to guide the audience’s journey through “ASO Cup of Nations.”
Unity, in particular, was highlighted with the interactive games and comedy skits sprinkled in the program throughout the night. For example, Kallo called on attendees to participate in an egg-spoon race and invited those who were best dressed in the crowd to walk the runway themselves.
There was also a series of scripted scenes that featured a dysfunctional family watching an Africa Cup of Nations game. The skit succeeded in its purpose of illuminating the similarities that people share with each other, despite being very different in other ways.
But what stole the show were the models.
As they moved in synchronized rhythm down the aisle, people watching were able to get a close look at the details of the clothes. Dresses and other articles that looked like they were made for royalty had the audience transfixed and in awe. Also, each model was properly accessorized from headcoverings to canes, each outfit styled to 100 percent perfection.
The models walked with such precision because, as ASO presidents Esosasehia Owens, CSOM ’26, and Temidayo Eniola, CSOM ’26, pointed out, they have been preparing for this event since the summer of 2025.
Each movement was choreographed and greatly contrasted the rigid movements people typically associate with fashion shows.
On this Valentine’s Day, admiration, appreciation, and love for these cultures filled the air as the crowd roared with excitement for every model walking by. The night served as an important reminder to all, and the Black community in particular, that we can find love within ourselves and others during these times of pressured assimilation and conflict.