Have some fashion and fun with your ‘Cookout’ at July 19 runway event

by MIKE CHAIKEN

When you come to the fashion show, “Life in Color: The Cookout,” on July 19, the creative director wants you to celebrate not just the fashion on the runway but the culture behind that fashion.

At a recent filming for a promotional film, the cast and crew for Chasity Aniece Productions offered up a bit of a sartorial 1990s vibe. But it was intended to be more of a vibe than a costume party, said Chasity Kennedy, the creative director for Chasity Aniece.

“I didn’t necessarily choose the ’90s when creating this. For me, this show represents all eras of celebration and culture. The ’90s just happens to be one of the most recognizable reflections of that energy,” said Chasity. “History repeats itself, in fashion, in music, in community, in the way we gather and celebrate, so this isn’t about one decade, it’s about a feeling that transcends time.”

The promo film takes place in a backyard in the city as friends of all ages gather to have fun. (Check it out

Why did Chasity Aniece Productions want to use the cookout experience as the prism for fashion?

“Because in times like the ones we’re in, we need more reminders of joy, togetherness, and community,” Chasity explained. “We took something as simple as a barbecue and recognized it for what it really is — culture, connection, and memory-making. A cookout is more than food; it’s an experience that brings people back to themselves and to each other.”

Asked what she remembers about cookouts from her youth, Chasity said, “I remember the feeling of home. Seeing family you haven’t seen in forever; reconnecting with friends and neighbors; the smell of good food in the air; music playing; people dancing; laughing, just pure joy. Cookouts have always centered around love and creating memories that last forever, no matter the time period. That feeling has never changed.”

The promotional video filmed and released before a big fashion show has become a tradition for Chasity Aniece Productions. To make sure the wardrobe pieces fit for “The Cookout,” did Chasity and her team give the models and actors some guidance on what fit the mood and place they were creating?

“I emphasized authenticity over costume,” said Chasity. “I told the models to tap into real references, like family photos, old videos. What worked best were the looks that felt personal and not overly styled. The goal was to feel like you actually stepped into someone’s real cookout, not a re-creation.”

Typically, at a Chasity Aniece Productions fashion show, the designers are given a brief on how to approach their work to help support the theme on the runway. For instance, previous fashion shows have celebrated hair in the Black community and the cultural phenomenon of Afropunk.

For “The Cookout,” Chasity explained, “With the designers, I gave them creative freedom within the theme of culture and nostalgia. I didn’t want replicas of the past; I wanted interpretations. I encouraged them to pull inspiration from different eras, textures, silhouettes, and cultural influences, while still aligning with the essence of a cookout: expression, individuality, and community.”

Although Chasity and her team are younger millennials and Gen Z’ers, “The Cookout” may appeal to Gen X’ers, who went to their own cookouts back in the 1990s.

“This show is going to feel like a memory coming to life,” said Chasity, addressing this older generation in the community “It’s nostalgic in a way that honors their experiences while also showing how those moments still live on today. It’s not just about looking back, it’s about seeing our culture celebrated, elevated, and carried forward. There’s something really special about watching something you lived through be reimagined in a new way.”

Although Gen X’ers may feel nostalgic about 1990s fashion, Chasity said millennials and Gen Z will still see styles that slay from that era.

“It’s authentic,” said Chasity. “The younger generation is constantly pulling from the past because those eras were rooted in originality and self-expression. There’s a rawness and confidence in ’90s style that people are drawn to. It wasn’t overly curated, it was real. And that kind of authenticity will always come back around.”

Whether it’s through a boombox or through a Bluetooth speaker, music is always key to the cookout experience. To get the guests in the mood for “The Cookout,” Chasity was asked if she could offer a selection of tracks for pregaming.

“You have to set the tone right,” agreed Chasity.

She suggested for the guests’ listening pleasure.

“Before I Let Go” – Maze ft. Frankie Beverly

“Outstanding” – The Gap Band

“Never Too Much” – Luther Vandross

“My Boo (Hitman’s Club Mix)” – Ghost Town DJs

“Life in Color: The Cookout” will be held Sunday, July 19 at Devonshire Hall, 105 Sanford St., Hamden at 3 p.m. For tickets, visit https://posh.vip/e/life-in-color-the-cookout-fashion-show.

PHOTOS by MIKE CHAIKEN