At Virginia State University, students express a wide range of individuality through their clothing choices. Each student incorporates a unique piece, accessory, or item of personal significance that complements their outfit. As the owner of VSUFits, I strive to appreciate and acknowledge the distinctiveness of everyone on campus, recognizing that no two people are the same. To further explore this, I have asked several members of the VSUFits team to answer a series of questions related to their identities, fashion, and the importance of understanding Black history in the context of fashion. Through this story, you will gain a deeper understanding of the intersection between fashion and Black culture, revealing that fashion is not merely a trend but a reflection of history and heritage.
Black history has deeply influenced modern fashion. How do you incorporate elements of Black culture, heritage, or historical fashion trends into your personal style?
Maia Cubas: “Some people incorporate elements of black culture by wearing outfits that were inspired by other eras of fashion. For example, if I made an outfit wearing items that were significant in the 90s. Or if I take pictures in an area that was significant to black history. Furthermore, we could wear prints that were inspired by different African countries. There are many ways to incorporate black culture in your style, these are just a few.”
Many iconic Black figures, from the Harlem Renaissance to Hip-Hop, have shaped today’s fashion. Is there a particular era or individual whose style inspires you?
Jahlen Johnson-Miller: “Allen Iverson, Spike Lee, and Kanye West are people I classify as the top three people who influenced me. Not only with my style but my mentality. Allen Iverson’s impact on the NBA’s games both on and off the court was crazy. He averaged almost 30 points, won MVP, and don’t forget about him forcing the NBA attire to be put on a strict suit and tie standard. Implementing a strict dress code that banned items like baggy jeans, do-rags, Timberland boots, and even chains. These are very important pieces not only to me and my way of styling but also to my peers here at Virginia State.”
Streetwear, Afrofuturism, and traditional African prints have gained mainstream popularity. How do you see these influences reflected in student fashion at VSU?
Jamari Wilson: “Streetwear, Afrofuturism, and traditional African prints have an undeniable influence on student fashion at VSU. Our community has left a lasting impact in this regard. You see it everywhere on campus, but I wish I could see it more. Traditional African prints would be amazing to see more commonly on campus, I believe it to be the last piece to the puzzle that is VSU fashion, an addition to a very poetic and artsy style. The influence it’s having in driving more people to participate in something that could be considered to be black culture, a sign of the influence and the beauty that is black history.”
Black designers and creatives have often been underrepresented in the fashion industry. Are there any Black-owned brands or designers you admire and incorporate into your wardrobe?
Jamari Wilson: “Black designers and creatives have indeed been underrepresented in the fashion industry, and I don’t know why this is the case. There are so many amazing black designs on campus, so it makes no sense that they are less represented than they should be. I’m sure there are even more on campus that are afraid to start because of this. A black-owned brand that I constantly use is Angelic Motion. I’ve bought three pairs of their hoodies and two pairs of their shorts so far. I highly recommend that other people buy from them as well; their hoodies are satin-lined, which is great for Afro hair, and it is affordable as well. There are many black-owned brands on campus that I am interested in buying from. Black-owned brands can be very helpful in catering to our unique Afro traits.”
Fashion has historically been a form of resistance and self-expression in Black communities. Do you believe your style makes a statement?
Maia Cubas: “My style makes a statement to me as a woman. In the past, women didn’t have freedom of expression. Normal things we do were once frowned upon. We couldn’t work, vote, get a credit card, and more. We weren’t even allowed to dress how we wanted. Some women weren’t even allowed to wear pants. So, being in a generation where I can freely express myself with pieces of clothing is something to be grateful for. We show our personality through fashion which is a statement for everyone individually.”
VSU has a rich history as an HBCU. How does being part of this environment influence the way you and your peers express yourselves through fashion?
Jahlen Johnson-Miller: “Well, first of all, every member of the Great State’s faculty emphasizes the thought of expressing ourselves. They encourage us to be as authentic as possible while leveling up and growing into our best selves. Speaking of “rich history” one of my favorite artists is Wale, someone who has attended Virginia State, someone who lives about expressing himself through music. That only gives me and my peers more motivation to express ourselves in the way we can, that being fashion. In Wale’s songs, everything is on purpose. The way we style jackets, to our accessories bags for example. We see fashion as an art and artists don’t make mistakes.”
