by MIKE CHAIKEN
CTFashionMag.com
Fashion will be viewed from an African perspective on Sunday in Norwalk.
Chasity Aniece Productions, which mounts fashion events across the state including a recent event at Waterbury’s Palace Theater, will be staging “Life in Color: Motherland Fashion Show.”
The talent behind the scenes and on the runway will be all Black Americans.
Chasity Kennedy spoke about the event and some of the thought process behind it.
“I named the show ‘Motherland’ because we are taking you to the motherland through African artistry,” Kennedy said. “We will showcase our culture in many forms of expression and movement.”
To create this theme of “Motherland,” Kennedy said, “Each designer has selected a part of Africa they’re going to represent. That is where they’ve drawn inspiration (for) their collections for the show.”
She added, “There’s not one set style or design you’re going to see (at Motherland), but a plethora of different perspectives on African fashion.”
Although previous shows from Chasity Aniece Productions have featured an integrated cast, for Motherland, Kennedy opted for an all-Black event on the catwalk and in terms for the creatives for the show.
“I find it super important to give Black creators in the industry a spotlight because a lot of the times, we’re put on the back end,” Kennedy said. “I chose to approach ‘Motherland’ this way because what better way to pay homage to our ancestors than to fill every part of the show with melanin?”
Typically in her productions, Kennedy has spiced up the fashion presentation with some other entertainment. A recent show included poets, singers and dancers.
Kennedy said guests should expect more of the same.
“Be prepared for extravagant dance numbers, spoken word segments, performances and design,” Kennedy said. “Well-known African social media influencer YourFavAfrican will be hosting the show. I will also have live music by the amazing Oluwatosin Drums. The rest I will leave as a surprise.”
“Life in Color: Motherland Fashion Show” will be held Sunday at Tide & True Studios, 25 Van Zant St., Norwalk.
Doors open at 2 p.m. with a pop-up shop featuring Black-owned businesses operating till 4 p.m. The show starts at 4 p.m.
Kennedy said Motherland is a semi-formal event and urged guests to dress in their “fashionable, Afro-centric outfit.”
For tickets, visit http://bit.ly/3YLScnO.