Photo Credit: Ariawna Talton
PLANO, Texas — Rain clouds may have greeted North Texas on Juneteenth morning, but they did little to dampen the spirit inside Legacy West, where hundreds gathered to celebrate Black culture, creativity and community during the fifth annual Juneteenth Fashion Show.
More than 800 people packed the Lexus Box Garden at Legacy Hall for an evening that blended fashion, music, entrepreneurship and cultural pride under this year’s theme, “Ubuntu: Together, We Are — Together, We Rise.”
Inspired by the African philosophy of shared humanity, the celebration emphasized the power of unity while honoring the history and legacy of Juneteenth.
Produced by Think Three Media, the annual event has grown into one of North Texas’ premier Juneteenth celebrations, featuring 13 designer collections, live entertainment and a marketplace highlighting Black-owned businesses.
A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit The African Think Tank.
“This year’s fashion show was beyond anything I could have imagined and, quite frankly, the best in all five years,” said Leah Frazier, CEO of Think Three Media. “It felt like one big family reunion, celebrating, connecting and enjoying every moment together.”
That family atmosphere was evident from the opening moments.
Ashley Kaee and Kkeeyz performed the Black National Anthem before newly crowned Miss Juneteenth DFW Iyana Schuman walked the runway carrying the Juneteenth flag.
Legacy West then set the tone for the evening with a high-energy runway production inspired by Beyoncé’s “Formation.”
Styled by Legacy West fashion stylist Kristen Briggs, the opening performance featured custom hats created by Nyilah McDaniel, a college student and former recipient of the event’s Juneteenth Fashion Show Scholarship.
Throughout the evening, the runway reflected a wide range of artistic voices and cultural influences.
Among the featured designers was 15-year-old Dacyn Mofor, whose Tangwa collection showcased the talent of one of the event’s youngest participants.
Deirdre Hardin displayed handcrafted copper wearable art, while Indigo 1745 Collective combined African couture with Black rock-inspired fashion.
Annia Louisa Resortwear unveiled its 2026 swim and resort collection, and House of E. Keyes traveled from Mississippi to present its latest designs.
The evening also paused to recognize those whose work has helped preserve Black history and culture beyond the runway.
Akwete Tyehimba, co-owner of Dallas’ Pan-African Connection, received the Juneteenth Fashion Show Legacy Award for decades of service promoting African history, culture and education.
The award was presented by media personality Deba Douglas.
Community leaders, athletes, business professionals and entertainers filled the audience throughout the night.
Among those attending were Plano Mayor John B. Muns, former NFL player Isaiah Stanback and celebrity makeup artist Erica Smith.
Celebrity models also took to the runway, including Dallas Wings executive and philanthropist Kamri Brown, community advocate Jade Tinner and television personality Anita Hawkins.
Fashion wasn’t the only attraction.
Hosts Lady Jade and comedian Michael Shawn kept the audience engaged between runway presentations while performances from Carter G. Rich, Jelly Bean, Ashley Kaee and Kkeeyz energized the crowd before the show.
Dr. DJ Mack provided music throughout the evening, and Mxck Music added a live rock performance of Lenny Kravitz’s “Fly Away.”
The celebration reached another level during intermission when multi-platinum recording artist Cupid took the stage alongside fitness influencer Olivia Ibezim and her line dancing crew.
As Cupid performed crowd favorites including “The Cupid Shuffle” and “Flex,” much of the audience left their seats and joined the dance floor, turning the venue into a community celebration.
“This show was top ten as far as energy,” Cupid said after his performance. “Dallas, I’ll be back.”
The evening ended with one final runway walk as designers and models carried flags representing countries throughout Africa and the Caribbean, symbolizing the shared heritage and interconnectedness of the African diaspora.
Five years after its debut, the Juneteenth Fashion Show continues to evolve beyond a fashion event.
For many in attendance, it has become an annual gathering that celebrates culture, honors history and creates space for Black designers, entrepreneurs and artists to share their stories while bringing communities together through fashion and creativity.
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