Catchy rhythms, fabulous fashions

“Ba, Dum, Ba, Dum” was all that could be heard as the African drummers gripped their… “Ba, Dum, Ba, Dum” was all that could be heard as the African drummers gripped their drumsticks and held an oversized drum between their legs. Perspiration dripped down the sides of their temples and the bright lights beamed on shiny foreheads. The rhythmic African beats filled the museum, forcing every spectator to tap their foot and bob their head. Fashion Africana finally began – it was show time.

On Sunday, Oct. 9, Fashion Africana celebrated its 5th anniversary with a Masks and Masquerade Ball in the Carnegie Museum of Pittsburgh’s music hall foyer. Facilitated by Utopia Modeling Agency, the mistress of ceremony, Sherilyn Cearcy, welcomed spectators to a night of sonic manifestations of cultural rhythms and elegance.

The evening kicked off with a performance by the Pittsburgh Dance Ensemble as they sashayed down the foyer like creative, daring animals. Each movement fed on the distant roots and present reality of creative Caribbean rhythms. And the Pittsburgh dance professionals rose to the occasion Fashion Africana style, forming an obstacle course of dance that only appreciators of creativity could master.

“When I dance, I get an exciting rush and I feel a part of the culture,” said Romairas Harp, a dancer of the Pittsburgh Dance Ensemble. “I love it.”

And so did the audience as they watched each dancer come to life with every gyration of the hip. To everyone’s delight, that was only the beginning.

The modeling of African-inspired garb visited familiar territory of previous Utopia fashion shows, with one significant difference: There was a royal procession that came as a relentless tonic to the seemingly brisk presentation. The most dramatic was a non-traditional wedding gown, complete with a long, lacey veil that added spice to the black-and-white-colored collection.

The audience also chimed in as they too wore masks and African pieces that matched the direction of the upcoming season.

Featuring haute couture designs by Diana Misetic’s, Little Black Dress and Janice Burley Wilson’s Janice B. et al. Millinery, the Masks and Masquerade Ball served as a preview for the upcoming 2006 spring fashion show.

But while Utopia Modeling agency relishes in uplifting African Masquerade traditions, its primary goal is to broaden the standard of beauty by increasing the representation of women and men of color as fashion industry models who promote healthy body types and a strong sense of self. In fulfilling this mission, a portion of the event’s proceeds benefited the Teenie Harris Project, a group that helps document Pittsburgh’s historical photographs.

“I am pleased to see beautiful events like this. The more cultural events, the better,” said Joe Sims, a thrilled member of the audience. “We [African-Americans] need exposure and we need to be leaders, and this is supporting the cause,” Sims said.

Meanwhile, guests were enjoying hors d’oeuvres while admiring the displays of informational posters of previous Fashion Africana shows. Originating in 2001, each performance celebrated beauty and diversity while donating a portion of the proceeds to local cultural centers, ministries, and non-profit organizations.

But faithful Fashion Africana fans weren’t the only ones enjoying the dynamic presentation; Pitt students were also present, and were pleased with the progression of Utopia Modeling agency’s success.

“It’s exciting to see the displays of Fashion Africana’s posters of each year. You can see its evolution and development over the years,” Pitt senior Nneka Mbonu said.

The show also welcomed the survivors of Hurricane Katrina from New Orleans, fostering an ambiance of unity in troubled times.

After the models exited, the drummers were at it again – only this time they grabbed members of the audience by the hand and jolted them to the center of the foyer. It was their turn to perform, and to get revved for the upcoming spring fashion show. Fashion Africana has officially begun.