The fashion scene this past weekend at the African Student Association’s (ASA) “Coming to America” cultural event didn’t just give the audience a taste of high fashion, but presented a visually inspiring piece transformed on the runway for years.
Backstage the models were adorned in elaborate, colorful custom African garbs worn by women in places like Nigeria and the Ivory Coast. Models like D’andre Quinnerly found this experience life-altering, because African students on campus could share a part of their culture with the UMass community.
With a full house expected, hair and makeup was an essential part of understanding the depictions seen on the runway. Both the hair and makeup were articulated to a perfect balance of dramatic and exciting. The makeup ranged from a smokey eye and bold red lips, worn by Rashon Braxton, to vibrant golds, greens and purples worn by model, Abena Mensah. Hair was coiled, conditioned, braided, twisted and coiffed with natural products to express the love for different hair textures and the beauty of black hair.
The show was separated into three segments: Traditional pieces, pieces showcased by Know Your Roots and I Am Culture, and formal pieces. The runway show was a high energy performance that included dances inspired by African music and a lot of fierce diva-esque posing.
Can we talk about those headdresses for a moment! Blue, gold, green, orange and even pink head pieces matched traditional bold printed dresses, skirts and tops. The hair pieces were spectacles of their own. Each headpiece added an element of regal fluidity to the models’ walk that heightened the show’s appeal.
A favorite, worn by the ASA’s Vice President, Anita Abure, was a fantastic mix of embracing culture and couture. Her large purple and gold head adornment stole the show and was chic along with the fitted ivory dress. In all, it was a splendid event that showcased the spring season’s fetish for hair wraps, bows and pieces that cultures in Africa have made popular around the world.
Nia Decaille can be reached for comment at [email protected].
