Juneteenth Fashion Show Celebrates the Arts and Culture

Models reveal original work by Levenity designer Venny Etienne. | © 2024 Miss Ari Photography

Plano - Juneteenth commemorates the day when more than 250,000 enslaved Black people were free by executive decree in the state of Texas. The mere mention of that faithful day in 1865 will never fully celebrate the never-ceasing strides made by Black people in this country.

To celebrate the arts, the hair, the music, the style and the unity of Black people - Think Three Media hosted the highly anticipated 3rd Annual Juneteenth Fashion Show at Plano’s Legacy Hall Saturday evening.

Founder Leah Frazier didn’t cut any corners in ensuring that this event, attended by several hundred guests was empowering, engaging and full of energy. All seats and tables sold out days before the event.

“This show will always be special to me,” Frazier says. “To have a platform that promotes Black Culture, Black Fashion and Black Businesses is so important.”

The tone of the evening was set by hosts - media personality Lady Jade and Project Runway cast member and Levenity Designer - Venny Etienne.

Juneteenth Fashion Show hosts Lady Jade and Venny Etienne kept the crowd engaged Saturday evening. | © 2024 Miss Ari Photography

This fashion show highlighted the original work of several Black designers, including: One Street Sales, House of Dasha, Jacob + John, Nu Standard, Indigo 1745, Levenity, Annia Louisa, And Made, Legacy West, Yoma Fashion, Five Eleven Collection and Stephen Goudeau.

2024 Cedar Hill High School graduate Jackson Sims also presented his original designs, featuring Cedar Hill student models. Sims was awarded Think Three Media’s first scholarship.

Think Three Media Founder Leah Frazier presents a scholarship to recent Cedar Hill High School graduate Jackson Sims. | © 2024 Miss Ari Photography

To keep the energy throughout the night, recording artist LaLa's World Music and her all-female band provided the musical backdrop for the evening.

There was no denying the crowd’s sense of excitement Saturday evening. The models of all sizes and shapes revealed looks that are certain to be discussed for weeks and months to come. The designers were also on hand to share the inspiration for their respective designs.

Even the Mayor of Plano - John Muns grabbed a seat right next to the runway and enjoyed the entire event.

"To watch the sold-out crowd linger after the show to enjoy the music and mingle with our models isn’t something I’ll soon forget,” Frazier says. “We’re doing something great with this show and it will only get better.”