In the heart of Dallas, the annual Juneteenth fashion show is rewriting what it means to celebrate freedom through fashion. Far beyond a runway event, this show—helmed by creative powerhouse Leah Frazier—spotlights the beauty of Black excellence, expression, and history with a sartorial flair that’s equal parts unapologetic and unforgettable.
Held in partnership with Legacy West, the show is now in its fourth year and is proving that fashion can be a radical act of joy, remembrance, and progress. The 2025 theme, “We Are One,” speaks volumes—not just about unity, but about the layered tapestry of identity that defines the Black experience in fashion.
More Than Fabric—A Legacy Woven in Threads
Fashion has always been a language of power for the Black community. Frazier reminds us that during slavery, Sunday best wasn’t a trend—it was a symbol of freedom. “Even when our clothing was muted by force, we still found ways to shine,” she says. That same shine is threaded into every stitch of the show—from classic tailoring to Afro-futuristic prints.
The event is more than a lookbook come to life. It’s a sanctuary for self-expression and a stage where culture and couture collide.
Venny Etienne: From Host to Headliner
This year’s showstopper? Designer Venny Etienne of Levenity—who’s dressed everyone from Cardi B to Beyoncé. After three years as host, Etienne took center stage with a collection that felt like a visual mic drop. With his signature mix of structure and soul, he delivered pieces that dared to dream in bold color and cut.
But for Etienne, the mission is bigger than the spotlight. “We are not free until we’re all free,” he shares. His presence on the Juneteenth runway isn’t just about fashion—it’s a form of protest, pride, and mentorship.
Designing Change: From Dallas to the Diaspora
The runway didn’t just feature Dallas talent. Kahindo Mateene, a Project Runway alum, flew in from New York to showcase her powerful silhouettes rooted in African tradition. Her brand supports artisans in Kenya and Congo, sewing purpose directly into every garment.
“I want women to feel seen in my clothes—and see where they come from,” Mateene says. That lineage of heritage and empowerment wrapped the runway in energy you could feel.
Next-Gen Fashion Takes the Spotlight
One of the show’s most powerful additions this year was its collaboration with Cedar Hill High School’s fashion program. Students reimagined Juneteenth’s legacy by designing collections inspired by a historical dress sewn by freed slave Sarah Tate.
Winners didn’t just receive cash prizes—they earned their first runway moment. For these young designers, it was more than exposure; it was affirmation.
The Standard Is Excellence
Despite its grassroots vibe, the Juneteenth fashion show doesn’t compromise on quality. “If I can’t deliver top-tier production, I won’t do it,” Frazier says. And it shows. From the lighting to the lineup, everything is meticulously curated to reflect not just fashion, but pride, purpose, and professionalism.
The Juneteenth fashion event is more than a moment—it’s a movement. It honors the past, energizes the present, and invests in the future of fashion. It’s where culture isn’t just celebrated, it’s worn. And it’s where Black designers, models, and creatives don’t just exist—they thrive.
Whether you’re watching from the front row or behind a screen, one thing is certain: this runway is a reminder that style can spark change—and that Black fashion isn’t a trend. It’s a legacy.
