AfroSwag Hair and Fashion Show Celebrates Black Culture on the Runway
Get ready for an evening full of hair art, culture and fashion combined. The AfroSwag Hair and Fashion Show presented by Sweet Sistah Splash at the Contemporary Arts Center will take place on May 25 at 6:00 p.m.
With over 50 local artists bringing the show to life, this unique event celebrating the beauty of Black hair and fashion could be next on your calendar.
From hair sculptures to musicians, cultural dancers and fashion designers, a variety of talent will be showcased throughout the event.
“So, I hope that our impact is a great impact of exposure to all of these local artists. But then I hope that our impact also shows just the magnitude of greatness that can be created when artists work together, said Nzingha Byrd, the curator and creator of the AfroSwag Hair and Fashion Show.
Byrd also owns Sweet Sistah Splash, a boutique and non-profit cultural center in Over the Rhine that provides workshops for women, men and children. A few of the programs include The Cincinnati Young Entrepreneurs Program, AfroArt Artistic Development Program, a series that includes AfroArt After Dark and more!
The idea for Sweet Sistah Splash originated from Byrd’s experience in Philadelphia. Particularly South Street where there are many creative boutiques full of personality, explained Byrd.
“And I do think [South Street] instills something in me when it comes to the boutique at Sweet Sistah Splash. It’s very personal. It’s very intimate,” she said.
Since 2012, Sweet Sistah Splash has provided space for individuals from all walks of life to come together.
Two decades later, the organization continues to provide the Cincinnati community with unique artistic and cultural experiences through this year’s AfroSwag Hair and Fashion Show.
According to Byrd, the AfroSwag Hair and Fashion Show is partnered and funded by ArtsWave, The Duke Energy Foundation, the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, and the Contemporary Arts Center.
Although the Afro Swag Hair and Fashion Show has occurred in the past, this year’s process of choosing models and artists has been more selective compared to previous years, where anyone could sign up to participate.
However, the slight change in the selection process is due to wanting the storyline of Past and Present Afrofuture to shine along with highlighting the greatest artists in our Queen City, explained Byrd.
Doors to the pre-show in the upstairs gallery open at 6:30 p.m. The pre-show will feature two ceremonial dancers performing West African dance and its connection to fashion.
At 7 p.m. in the main lobby, the AfroSwag Hair and Fashion Show will take place. An after-party and AfroSwag exhibit reveal will occur at 9 p.m. in the Black Box Theater.
For more information about the AfroSwag Hair and Fashion Show at the Contemporary Arts Center or to purchase tickets, click here.
