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Photo courtesy of Haley Lowenthal ’25.
“A physical manifestation of the impact that the BIPOC community has on all aspects of living in our current society. Through music, art, politics, literature, food, and so on, cultural elements set the standard for what our societies are and are. Our goal with this year’s fair is to bring this awareness to the forefront of our college community’s minds.” – People of Color Union
Despite a tumultuous semester characterized by protests and calls for institutional change, the POCA group has been active since its founding in 2011. They are set to appear in their 2nd annual fashion show titled “Blueprint” starting August 2020.
The Crozier-Williams Class of 1962 was unrecognizable on Saturday, April 8, when students, dressed to the nines in the prescribed “fashionably formal” dress code, registered and showed up to their seats. Spotlights reigned high, illuminating the runway, in contrast to the black curtains that ran the length of the wall. Light refreshments are served while guests peruse the art on display. By the time the event arrived at 7:30, the atmosphere was one of excitement and fun as the audience milled around waiting for the show to begin.
Models entered the runway in pairs. Mixing art forms was the name of the game that night, which the outfits absolutely reflected. Some designers opted for the novelty of streetwear, others combined preppy with chic using stylish jackets and stilettos, and even flannel had its moment on the stage.
Gold, however, played an important role as an accessory and style symbol in the first half of the show. Audience members cheered and united as models flashed long gold nails and flaunted embellished golden pieces. POCA founder and president Lyndon Inglis 24 is especially grateful for designing the intricate tree back piece that first appeared and caught my eye.
Inglis, along with event co-director Nyamani David 25, have had an unprecedented few months since the organization Student Voice (SVE) took on a role in student leadership. In response to the campus-wide call for President Bergeron’s resignation over allegations of racism and anti-Semitism. At the beginning of February.
“The event had to be put on the back burner to address institutional issues. The system had to be confronted and we had to push for change,” Inglis said Saturday night. Tonight is about acknowledging all cultures and celebrating individuality.
“It’s powerful,” Leron Dugan ’24 told me calmly as we watched England speak into a headset several meters away.
Duggan, a junior with a self-designed major in cultural and media studies and creative director of Akwaba magazine, went on to talk meaningfully about his experience as a designer for the show.
“Seeing my work as a person of color on this campus feels deeply energizing and inspiring, and having people engage with my work as an individual creative is special. It cuts a space that feels like coming home to myself, a feeling I haven’t felt in a long time.”
The evening moved quickly and energetically with a whirlwind of performances, including musical performances by Claudia Marmelo ’23 and Osa Erhunmunse ’26, dance by Shawanya Yoon ’24 and poetry by Alex Reyes ’23 and Quincy Robinson ’23.
The second half of the night saw models walk the runway and express their cultural heritage through clothing. “Representing these cultures is what we’ve been fighting for.” David was emphatic in his closing remarks.
Xenia Bernal ’25 expressed her gratitude to POCA and the community at large; “This show took blood, sweat and tears to put on. It means a lot to have all of you here.” The committee began planning the show in August 2022, with the goal of becoming part of Con’s annual tradition.
“I’m so excited,” said student and participant Emi O’Brien, 24. “I couldn’t keep the smile off my face!” This opinion seemed to be widely shared as the infectious, supportive energy continued in earnest through the post-show reception.
There is still much work to be done at Con to keep our students organized. But Saturday night was a milestone in creating a space for artistic amplification and individuality after a period of crisis. Most importantly, it was a platform for artists of color to usher in a new era of equity and inclusion following the resignation of Kathryn Bergeron.
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