Behind the Runway: A Campus Plus Fashion Show Special

Courtesy of HU Campus Plus via Instagram

By Olivia Armstead

The Hampton University chapter of Campus Plus hosted its annual fashion show last Wednesday in the student center ballroom at 7:16 pm. The fashion show’s theme was Threads of Rhythm: Black Sound, Black Style and was described as an experience that was inspired by Black culture and moved by Black sound. 

Participating models and stylists rehearsed for months on end, perfecting their looks and curating styles that fit the showcase’s themes. This year’s fashion show’s themes were representative of different genres of music including country, rock and spiritual. 

 The show truly encompassed what Campus Plus is all about with the organization’s mission being to challenge unrealistic beauty standards that have been established in today’s society, empowering plus-sized women, and creating spaces where authenticity is amplified and where people can feel comfortable being themselves. 

Keeping this powerful message in mind, the selection of models that walked were diverse, with every model representing different eras of fashion and Black culture. 

Jaya Jamison, one of the modeling coaches for the showcase, spoke about how inspiring coaching the participants was and how the event was reflective of Campus Plus’ mission. 

“The show perfectly reflects the Campus Plus mission by creating a space where being different is celebrated over perfection,” said Jamison. “It’s about more than just a walk, it’s about providing the platform for people to find their voice and take up space without apology. Coaching these models was deeply personal for me … watching [them] overcome their own nerves and being able to transform [so powerfully] on stage was incredibly moving.”

For a lot of the models, this was their first time ever participating in a runway show. Amari Singleton, a model in the show, details the challenges and the rewards that came with being a model in the showcase. 

“Being in this fashion show taught me a lot about myself. I faced challenges with prioritization and time commitments,” said Singleton. “I had to find new ways and adapt to stay committed to my peers and this show. It takes a lot of courage and boldness to audition for something like a fashion show [and] I didn’t let [anything] stop me from trying out.”

The Campus Plus Fashion Show continues to leave its mark as a demonstration of Black excellence and an amplification of all voices of Black people.