“Worth the Hype:” Afrofuturistic Student Fashion Show Celebrates Howard’s 100th Homecoming Anniversary

The Howard Student Fashion Show is an annual Homecoming event that showcases the creativity and ingenuity of Howard University students. This year’s theme, “The Centennial,” drew inspiration from Afrofuturism while paying homage to the University’s legacy as a hub of cultural evolution and innovation. 
 
Embracing Afrofuturism—a movement that blends African culture with futuristic technology and fantasy—the show highlighted how the institution, its students, its alumni, and the communities they serve continue to thrive in a world that’s constantly evolving.  
 
The energy in Cramton Auditorium was electric as students eagerly awaited the debut of their peers’ creations. Hosts Gregory Allen Jr., The 48th Mister Howard, and Ahmad Edwards, Mister School of Business, energized the crowd and set the tone for an exciting night. 

“This is my first Homecoming, and I’m excited to see this part of Howard’s culture because I know fashion is a big part of it,” said Rex Riley, a freshman history major. “Going to class every day is like a fashion show, so I’m excited to see what they bring to the real fashion show, and I just know they’re going to bring it!” 
 
Designers fused cultural heritage with avant-garde concepts. Each segment of the show explored the utopian and dystopian sides of Afrofuturism, focusing on the themes of Light and Dark. The Light segment featured luminous fabrics and sleek designs, while the Dark segment showcased bold, experimental looks, underscoring Howard University’s influence on the future. 

The show kicked off with an introduction to Afropunk fashion. Platinum, fur, and leather. The music during this segment featured a blend of hip hop infused with rock, with tracks like Megan Thee Stallions “Cobra” rock remix and Rico Nasty’s signature punk influence.  the music selections perfectly matched each segment.  

The second segment, “Jordan Afro Streetwear,” spotlighted a collaboration between Howard University and the Jordan Brand, with models sporting modern streetwear accented with Jordan references. Midway through, rappers Monaleo and Stunna 4 Vegas surprised the audience with an energetic performance that had students out of their seats, cheering and dancing along.  

Segment three showcased custom pieces from student designers, while the final segment, focused on Afrofuturism, dazzled the audience with chic ensembles. 

Freshman Elijah Sanford Abdul-Aziz, who modeled in high school, attended the show. “ 
“I was flabbergasted, my mouth was on the floor. I walked [the runway] one time in high school and I wanted to do it here at Howard, so this was really inspiring and worth the hype,.” Sanford Abdul-Aziz attended with Hayden Johnson, a freshman journalism major, who shared, “I thought it was amazing, especially as an aspiring creative director. Watching this gave me a lot of insight into how a good show should look. It was bellissimo, it was amazing.”