Florida A&M University is known for its “Bragg.” From the Marching 100’s field displays to the president’s social media popularity, FAMU wants the world to know it is bold in every way.
For students, one of the “silent” pillars that upholds the institution is the way they present themselves to the campus and the world it is preparing them for.
The four letters representing the institution set a standard and even have a double meaning: Fashion & Modeling University.
Despite the mixed feelings toward an “excessive” focus on what students wear, it is not new, but rooted in the culture. FAMU’s history of modeling troupes and successful alumni like Melissa A. Mitchell, founder of Abeille Creations, and Jerry Lorenzo, founder of Fear of God, are proof of that.
Setting trends is a FAMU tradition, and Shawn Cameron, founder of Noval Treasures, is creating new ones.
“I started crocheting a year-and-a-half ago,” Cameron said. “I was like 4 or 5, I remember dressing myself as a child and being like, ‘No I want to wear this with this color.’ But it’s always been something in me to put my own designs together.”
The crochet company relies on scrap yarn material to create unique colorways and patterns, and the Black female designer believes it’s her signature.
“For my brand sustainability is a big thing …there is a stigma that you have to have a lot of money to be in this field and have top-line material and me using scrap yarn is just showing I’m using what I have and creating with the elements that are available to me right now,” Cameron said.
Sustainability is a big issue in the fashion community. But brands like Noval Treasure and Le Papillon are tackling it. Le Papillon is another Black female-owned design brand, founded by Alex LePapillon, with a focus on providing body-safe materials for those who may not be able to afford them.
“They’re mostly 100% organic cotton, the dye is very friendly because I have sensitive skin. There is an issue within the fashion industry where people are selling products that are causing issues,” Le Papillon said.
Fashion has grown in recent years, with “Get Ready With Me” and “Fashion haul” videos that focus on buying large amounts of clothes for views online. Fashion pollution, according to Earth.org is the third largest pollutant, making up 10% of greenhouse emissions.
“As many are starting to get into fashion, sustainability is something that should be at the forefront,” Le Papillon said.
Yet, fashion is not just about sustainability and trends, but expressing yourself. That is the mission statement behind Aworan, created by Moni Fagbamiye. It specializes in streetwear high fashion, and is a physical manifestation of its slogan, “Fashion is Art.” “There is a lot of things within the world that are art-based that you wouldn’t think, but there is also a message within my last drop on how your body is a canvas. There is no limits, no restraints,” said Fagbamiye.
After starting her designs in 2020, the message of Aworan is truly about being yourself in every aspect, as well as wearing your confidence. Black female designers make up less than 7.3% of the industry, so confidence in oneself is the driving force behind those trying to make their mark. Fagbamiye believes that to be a young Black female designer, inner confidence has to get you there.
“Just start. It’s a lot of different things to business and it’s not easy at all. But it’s all a lesson and life is an experience. Find any joy that you have and follow it.”
As fashion lovers all over FAMU’s campus show up confidently to every event and class, these designers are not only setting the trends but making them, and pushing others to find their confidence. Aworan, Le Papillon and Noval Treasures are here to make a mark on the campus’ fashion legacy, and change the face of the fashion industry.
