by MIKE CHAIKEN
CTFashionMag.com
When Chasity Aniece Kennedy organizes her Life in Color fashion show each February during Black History Month, she designates a specific theme for the designers and guests.
This year’s show, which will be held Sunday, Feb. 18 in Hartford, is dubbed Afro Realm. And the show, which features Black and brown designers and models, celebrates the theme of Afro-Futurism.
In an article on the University of California, Los Angeles website (UCLA.edu) titled, “Afrofuturism: From the Past to the Living Present,” writer Delan Bruce describes Afrofuturism as “the story of musicians, artists, writers, philosophers, fashion icons, filmmakers, costume and set designers, actors, activists and academics who have believed in a better future for Black people — and for all people.”
Kennedy said Afrofuturism “gives us a platform to thrive in our own culture, where we imagine ourselves achieving greatness without external influence. The main point of Afrofuturism is to subvert the stereotypes and restrictions society puts on us and is about people in the diaspora being able to take back their ancestral heritage. We are able to acknowledge the painful past while also creating new futures with better conditions for our people. I find it extremely important to explore and expose this year-round, not just Black History Month, because it’s a way to celebrate our culture and uplift this generation and the next generations to come.”
In her brief to her designers and models, Kennedy, a Bridgeport resident, told the creatives, “We are reimagining a world where Black and brown people reclaim our power and take over the world. The brief was simply to showcase what that looks like through modeling and fashion.”
Although the focus is on Black and brown people, Kennedy also uses fashion shows to embrace diversity in body type and age on the runway.
“I strongly believe that fashion is for everyone; so, I carried that thesis in every production,” said Kennedy. “Putting limitations on fashion is unrealistic because there’s so much diversity in the world and everyone should be represented on the runway.”
The show is intended to highlight fashions and style, but Kennedy said that even if you’re not interested in the latest trends, Afro Realm will resonate.
“There will be a variety of arts showcased through this show from spoken word to dance,” said Kennedy.
But, she added, “The show may spark a newfound interest in fashion because there will be some amazing and unique designs on the runway.”
Afro Realm will be held Sunday, Feb. 18 at Warehouse 635, 635 New Park Ave., Hartford. The runway show will be held 3-5 p.m. There will be an artist showcase as well as a sip and shop and model mixer from 6-10 p.m. There also will be vendors. For tickets, visit tinyurl.com/Afro-Realm