EVENT ALERT

Ebony Fashion Fair

The Ebony Fashion Fair has been on stage since 1956. Ebony Fashion Fair not only created an avenue for black models and designers, but it has also demanded the respect of the uniformed fashion industry. It is the worlds largest traveling fashion show and has given 54 million dollars in scholarships.

The show features designers such as Anna Sui, Oscar de la Renta, Missoni, Vivienne Westwood, and the unforgettable Yves Saint Laurent. With an all-star designer line-up, the fashions were sure to keep the audience captivated. That was until the models broke out in break dances. Reminiscent to a Baltimore Ball, the show is clearly aimed to entertain rather than showcase fashion. More so, the intermission is a clear indication that this is a production of theatrics. There were a few models serving the runway, but those beautiful walks were over taken by the over choreographed strides. I am all for a little fun, but it was hard to focus on the garments when the models become actresses and prance all over the stage.

It cannot be ignored that the Ebony Fashion Fair has given priceless opportunities to people of color from the past and present. Truthfully, this fashion show has survived the times of Dr. King. It may not be the traditional industry fashion show, but its contribution goes beyond fashion and manifests itself in a historical context. And in my opinion that is the most important.

Once Hated, Now On The Runway

By first glance one may wonder what Thom Browne was thinking when he “co-opted streetwear’s sagging clam-digger look, and solved the slippage problem by attaching the inner waist-bands boxer shorts”, written in the September 15, 2008 issue of DNR. What is the problem with sagging pants from the beginning and how did he solve the problem by attaching the boxer shorts? There is no question that hip-hop inspired fashion will show a little boxer here and there, but in reality does this fit in with those fashions that are not hip-hop related?

There has been controversy in the past years about the history of oversized or sagging pants. Some scholars who have done ‘endless’ research suggest that the trend came from inmates, or the other famous theory that gang bangers on the West Coast started the trend. However, my theory as well as others like me believes maybe it came out of something less violent related, like hand-me-downs. You know… those pants that your brother couldn’t fit anymore, but they were too big for you. Not a gangsta related trend, rather a habitable related trend. It’s like having old jeans with a tear in them, but you cannot afford to buy a new pair so you either tear another hole in them or try to patch them up. Furthermore, some way or another it end up being a trend. If sagging exposes ones undergarments isn’t the concept of revealing the boxer shorts still the same, then no, Mr. Browne did not solve ‘the problem’ because there is no problem.

It maybe unclear to say that the trend is gang related or promotes violence, but one must agree that it’s a style preference. Some posh upper-class lads may only wear their pants over their waist with their sweaters tucked it, it’s a preference. Everyone from white, black, Latino and Asian rock the sagging look and it doesn’t stop at gender, you may spot a girl or two with their pants below the waist. I am not saying that the whole world should be able to see private parts, but I am saying that acceptance is a virtue.

I am thankful that Thom Browne created this wonderful garment that struck a nerve in my thinking, but I am also curious to enter the minds of others that come across this picture.
Truthfully speaking, the generations of youth that made this sagging pants trend have now grown up into young adults who tend to wear their belts now-a-days.