True Colors

Black designers let fashion speak during Juneteenth show

By Eva D. Coleman
Lifestyle & Culture Editor

The Juneteenth Fashion Show and Pop-Up Market presented by Think Three Media on June 15, 2024 at the Lexus Box Garden of Legacy Hall in Plano, Texas was a vibrant display of couture and community.

Several Black designers were featured, including some bestowed with awards they were surprised to receive.

This third annual event curated by public relations guru Leah Frazier was a fusion of support, sales and community service, all in celebration of freedom to commemorate the now federally recognized Juneteenth holiday.

A pop-up market featured vendors selling a variety of items. From puzzles, clothing and accessories to health and wellness, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Outfits to be featured on the stage by House of Dasha (pronounced Da-Shay) were also available for purchase. The store’s owner, Quiana McDaniel, chatted briefly with the ladies working her table, then quickly dashed off saying, “I have to hurry and get backstage.”

For some in the vendor space, the Juneteenth Fashion Show was a new experience.

“This is my very first fashion show I’ve done so it actually means a lot to me,“ Shadran Franklin with Wrist Vibes Designs said. “It’s given me an opportunity to meet new people and also other vendors and really just getting my name out there.”

Other vendors were familiar faces, providing brief, yet detailed lessons on the products they were selling. Autumn Yarbrough, CEO and Founder of Nu Standard, shared the benefits of their Drink N Go Hair and Scalp Hydrator while many stood around sipping on free samples of the pink drink.

“The collagen in there helps out with cartilage of the follicles with your hair so it keeps them very well nourished, because you lose collagen when you’re at the age of 18 and it never reproduces, things that we didn’t know about,” Yarbrough said.

These festivities engaged many before the fashion show even started.

Attendees patiently waited in lengthy lines before being allowed into the Lexus Box Garden. Some seemed poised to enter quickly at a chance to secure a seat that would get them the best view for the show. Once the doors were opened, the crowd of several hundred rushed in.

The event emcees were media personality Lady Jade and designer Venny Etienne of Project Runway fame. The pair were entertaining as they ushered in various defining moments of the show.

Bold styles from clothing, accessories, swimwear and hair lit the stage as models embraced the runway with confidence and determination. Each featured designer made an appearance during the finale of their particular set. Some appeared shy and humble, others expressive to the crowd, while one appeared with his young son; very fitting for the event occurring the day before Father’s Day.

The headlining designer, Stephen Goudeau, served up the grand finale in major fashion with striking and distinctive designs in black and white.

Musically, deejays Gnarly and Lukwon “Dr.” Mack set the tone, while Lala Jonhson and the i.Tina band of fierce, all-female talent gave periodic and very entertaining performances.

Owners of Indigo 1745 in Dallas’ Bishop Arts District and co-emcee Venny Etienne were surprised as inaugural award recipients. Keith Manoy of Indigo 1745 accepted the Black Excellence in Retail award from Miss Juneteenth DFW 2023 Raven Johnson, while Etienne was awarded Black Excellence in Fashion by relatives who arrived from out of town to present it.

Young artists were featured during the Juneteenth Fashion Show as well. Students from Cedar Hill High School showcased their Tina Turner inspired clothing designs. Among them, Jackson Sims was named contest winner and received the inaugural ​​Juneteenth Fashion Show $500 scholarship.

Audience members got in on the fun as well with a featured best-dressed runway segment with prizes awarded to the top male and female.

Plano Mayor John Muns was seated runway-side during this Juneteenth event in his city. He appeared delighted and was often seen giving applause to the designs he saw up close.

“I think it just raises awareness throughout the entire community and it just shows how much love we have all around us and this is just a great event.” Muns said. “Every year this is the best.”

Featured designers and brands included: AND-MADE, Annia Louisa Resortwear, Cedar Hill High School, Five Eleven Clothing, Stephen Goudeau, House of Dasha, Indigo 1745, Jacob & John, Legacy West, Nu Standard, One Street Sales and Yoma Fashion Boutique.

Fashion with a style of commerce saluting freedoms, including of expression in a variety of forms, makes this Juneteenth event one that will be desired for many years to come.