The Roaring Twenties: Harlem Renaissance Chic
In the 1920s, Howard’s campus echoed the sophistication of the Harlem Renaissance. Students strutted in tailored suits, luxurious fur coats, and chic cloche hats. These weren’t just fashion statements; they were bold declarations of Black pride and elegance in an era marked by racial inequality.
Wartime Utility to Post-War Playfulness
The 1940s saw a shift towards practical, utilitarian styles as the nation focused on wartime efforts. However, as peace returned, so did a sense of sartorial joy. The 1950s ushered in an era of cinched waists, bold shoulder pads, and sharp fedoras, reflecting a new optimism and energy on campus.
Civil Rights and Black Power: Fashion as Resistance
The 1960s and 70s marked a pivotal moment in Black fashion at Howard. Students embraced both Afrocentric styles and classic looks, turning fashion into a form of resistance. Natural hairstyles like afros became powerful symbols of Black beauty and pride, challenging Eurocentric beauty standards.
The Bold ’80s and ’90s: Street Meets Chic
Fashion took a turn for the bold as Howard students of the ’80s and ’90s blended streetwear with preppy aesthetics. This era saw an explosion of brand-name items, oversized jackets, fresh sneakers, and vibrant color-block patterns—a perfect fusion of urban cool and classic Howard elegance.
Y2K to Today: Digital Age Fashion
From the 2000s onwards, Howard’s fashion scene has become a melting pot of past influences and future visions. Social media platforms have transformed how students showcase their style, from carefully curated “first day of school ‘fits” to innovative, customized pieces featuring Howard logos. The digital age has ensured that Howard students are always ready for a “#fitcheck”.
Centennial Celebration: Afrofuturism Takes Center Stage
This year’s Homecoming theme, “The Centennial,” is a forward-looking celebration of Howard’s rich legacy. Embracing Afrofuturism, the fashion show will present collections that blend traditional African aesthetics with cutting-edge technology and materials. It’s a bold vision of the future, rooted in cultural heritage and innovative design.
A Legacy Beyond Georgia Avenue
Howard University’s fashion legacy extends far beyond its campus borders. Whether it’s students showcasing bespoke designs, donning high-fashion labels, or incorporating elements of Black history into their looks, Howard’s Homecoming continues to be a beacon of style, creativity, and cultural pride.
As we look back on a century of fashion at Howard’s Homecoming, we see more than just changing styles—we see the evolution of a community, the assertion of identity, and the continuous reimagining of what it means to be Black in America. Here’s to another hundred years of groundbreaking fashion at Howard University.