The University of Connecticut African Students’ Association (ASA) hosted its annual fashion show on March 25th at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts.
The ASA aims to connect with African and diasporic communities at UConn and beyond to demonstrate their presence and support. “Hailing from many different countries, we are here to promote culture, create fun, educate and support our African community on campus,” ASA shared on its Instagram.
This year’s theme, “Threads of Time: A Legacy Unfolding,” combined fashion with storytelling, transforming the runway into a time machine. The event featured afrobeats music and performances by Afrobina, ASA’s dance team.
The show kicked off with a vibrant marketplace scene followed by models showcasing traditional African clothing designed by Obioma Fashion. The event also featured modern streetwear from African vendors like Khenny and KAP&ND.
Emcee Tsagli engaged the audience with interactive activities and a Best Dressed competition. Models strutted the stage in various attire from formal wear to swimsuits, each showcasing their unique personality and style.
Students like Ikechukwu Ugwa, a statistical data science student, expressed the freedom and creativity they had in creating their walks. The show closed with acknowledgments to ASA’s E-board and everyone involved in making the event a success.
Attendees like Krista Bamfo praised the event for overcoming obstacles and coming together successfully. Teangeley Centeno, a physiology and neurobiology student, highlighted the importance of events like this in inspiring and encouraging others to step out of their comfort zones.
The fashion show not only celebrated African culture but also promoted cultural exchange and inclusivity. Bamfo emphasized the welcoming nature of the event, inviting everyone to experience and appreciate African culture without any barriers or restrictions.
