The Wisconsin Black Student Union (WBSU) capped off Black History Month Thursday night with its annual fashion show, focusing on the global impact of Black fashion and culture.
The event, “Tailoring the Black diaspora: Black Brilliance through the Ages,” featured four design themes: The Harlem Renaissance, Black Icons from the 1980s to early 2000s, a futuristic 31st century category based on Childish Gambino’s song “3005” and a Black Excellence category.
When structuring these focuses for WBSU’s third annual fashion show, co-directors Ana Garcia and David Simeon aimed to give their designers creative freedom while highlighting the global impact of Black fashion.
“Each category in the show represented different eras of Black fashion throughout the diaspora, from traditional African textiles to the evolution of streetwear,” Garcia and Simeon told The Daily Cardinal. “More than just celebrating aesthetics, our goal was to showcase how Black fashion has always been a tool for cultural expression, resistance, and innovation.
Standout models from this category included Brendan Noel, who based his 3005 outfit on the video game Assassin’s Creed complete with a sword as an accessory. Cheers from the crowd in the Masonic Lodge gave the Harlem Renaissance outfits the win in a voice vote.
“Black fashion has always been integral in global culture, whether credited or not, Garcia and Simeon said. “Black fashion doesn’t follow trends — it creates them.”
They added mainstream fashion often borrowed from Black culture.
“This show was a way to reclaim that narrative — to show that these styles aren’t just fleeting trends but deeply embedded in our history and identity,” Garcia and Simeon said.
The showcase combined both fashion and music, with event organizer Marques Watts offering audience members an opportunity to stand up and share their own outfits during lulls during the show. WBSU resource coordinator Alicia Obiakor kicked off the show, stunning the audience with a solo performance of “Summertime” by the Paul Smith Quartet.
During intermission, multiple student groups performed, including a dance set from the University of Wisconsin-Madison dance groups “Vivid” and “Unity Dance Group.”
Despite technical difficulties with lighting and sound, the audience and organizers remained optimistic, leaning into any surprise blackouts with laughter and witty commentary.
“There were technical difficulties that we had to navigate on the spot, and while we did our best to prepare, there are definitely things we can improve for next time.” Simeon and Garcia told the Cardinal.
“That said, the energy in the room never dropped. The models, crew and audience stayed engaged, and the essence of the show still came through.” they said.
WBSU’s showcase came at an important time. With a national debate about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in education, Simeon and Garcia told the Cardinal it’s all about visibility.
“With policies threatening to cut funding for cultural centers, scholarships, and initiatives that support marginalized students, events like this are more than just celebrations—they’re a statement,” they said.
TWBSU’s mission is essential for Black students to find community, advocacy and celebration at UW-Madison, and the Showcase was an extension of this mission, Simeon and Garcia said.
”It’s more important than ever to make sure Black students — and all students from underrepresented backgrounds — feel supported and seen. Whether through cultural events, advocacy, or simply making sure our community has spaces to come together, Ana, myself, and the entire BSU e-board are committed to making sure these initiatives remain strong.”
In March, WBSU’s programming will be focused on uplifting and recognizing Black women on campus, according to Simeon and Garcia. Later in the year, they are set to host their annual Ebony Ball.
