Fly Highlights from Howard University’s Famous Homecoming Fashion Show

From surprise performances to carefully crafted designs, this show was truly one for the books.

Howard University’s (HU) Homecoming is officially over, but like many Homecoming goers, The Root is still recovering from all the spectacular madness and unexpected surprises. This year’s HU Fashion Show was one for the books. With a theme of “The Centennial,” students “drew inspiration from Afrofuturism while paying homage to the University’s legacy as a hub of cultural evolution and innovation,” according to The Dig.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Inside Lenny Kravitz’s Jaw-Dropping Paris Mansion

Take a look at all the jaw-dropping details from the show and even the celebrity performer that had everyone on their feet.

Behind the Scenes

Screenshot: @beaologie on Instagram

These models were clearly in the zone before hitting the runway.

Serving Face

Screenshot: The Dig

“Designers fused cultural heritage with avant-garde concepts,” says The Dig.

1, 2, 3 and Pose

Screenshot: @beaologie on Instagram

Howard University models are all masters of dramatic poses and fierce faces.

Student Takeover

The show was completely student run and organized.

HU…You Know

Screenshot: The Dig

These models were dripped down in custom HU gear.

Howard Celebrates 100 Years of Homecoming

Screenshot: The Dig

In brilliant celebration of Howard’s centennial Homecoming anniversary, this design channeled Afrofuturism with a one-of-a-kind outfit and a eye-catching headpiece.

Textures

Screenshot: The Dig

This model looked amazing in a textured bomber jacket and a studded belt.

More Behind the Scenes

Screenshot: @beaologie on Instagram

In what other world can you wear a belt as a necklace and still rock it like this?!

Jordan Brand

Screenshot: The Dig

The fashion show’s “second segment, ‘Jordan Afro Streetwear,’ spotlighted a collaboration between Howard University and the Jordan Brand, with models sporting modern streetwear accented with Jordan references,” says The Dig.

Monaleo Performs

Houston rapper Monaleo showed up for a surprise performance during the fashion show.

Monaleo in Jordans

Screenshot: @monaleo on Instagram

Even Monaleo had a fresh pair of Jordans on!

Makeup and Hair Details

Screenshot: The Dig

In addition to the models and designers, we have to give it up for the hair and makeup crew!

Fur in Fashion

Screenshot: @_shotbycmb on Instagram

These fabulous models channeled traditional African prints and furs while still bringing high fashion to the runway.

Putting on a REAL Show

If you weren’t there for the fashion, then you were definitely entertained by the performances from all the models.

Blinged Out Style

Screenshot: The Dig

“The music during this segment featured a blend of hip hop infused with rock, with tracks like Megan Thee Stallions “Cobra” rock remix and Rico Nasty’s signature punk influence,” says The Dig.

Leather Matching Set

Screenshot: The Dig

From the criss-cross design down to thee nails, you have to admit this model absolutely killed it on stage!

Hats on Hats on Hats

Screenshot: @_shotbycmb on Instagram

The university colors are red, white, and blue, and this designer nailed it right on the head!

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

13 Years After 'Being Mary Jane' Premiered, Here’s Where the Cast Is Now!

13 Years After ‘Being Mary Jane’ Premiered, Here’s Where the Cast Is Now!

The groundbreaking drama “Being Mary Jane” ended in 2019, but its cast have continued to evolve. Here’s where they are today …
Black Stars Who Showed Out for Paris Fashion Week 2026

Black Stars Who Showed Out for Paris Fashion Week 2026

From Usher and SZA to Kai Cenat and Pharrell, let’s take a look at some of our fave faces out and about at Paris Fashion Week! …
The Feud Between Djimon Hounsou and the His Children's Mother Just Got Messy — Now The Cops Are Involved

The Feud Between Djimon Hounsou and the His Children’s Mother Just Got Messy — Now The Cops Are Involved

Longtime actor Djimon Hounsou is back in the news, but sadly—it isn’t for anything positive. Let’s talk about it! …
How the Gullah-Geechee People Stopped Gentrification Dead in its Tracks... For Now

How the Gullah-Geechee People Stopped Gentrification Dead in its Tracks… For Now

Since 2023, an effort to raise property taxes and displace Black Gullah-Geechee residents has threatened the community’s deep history …
Veteran Black Journalist's New Novel Explores Love, Hip-Hop and Magazines in the 1990s

Veteran Black Journalist’s New Novel Explores Love, Hip-Hop and Magazines in the 1990s

The Root spoke to Amy DuBois Barnett about her debut novel which explores the good and bad of hip-hop and journalism in the late 1990s …
How Duke University Suing Its Own Quarterback Could Impact All College Athletes

How Duke University Suing Its Own Quarterback Could Impact All College Athletes

Right after Duke University quarterback Darian Mensah announced he’s entering the transfer portal, the university sued him …
A$AP Rocky Finally Opens Up About His 'Crazy' Time In Swedish Jail

A$AP Rocky Finally Opens Up About His ‘Crazy’ Time In Swedish Jail

Life may be good for rapper A$AP Rocky now, but back when he was Swedish jail—things were anything but sweet. And now he’s providing more details about his time there! …
The Root Exclusive: Shaq's Masterclass On Business Success

The Root Exclusive: Shaq’s Masterclass On Business Success

Shaquille O’Neal explains how he has found success on every level. Here is his formula! …
Morris Brown College Reinstates President 1 Week After Firing Him... And That's Not All Either

Morris Brown College Reinstates President 1 Week After Firing Him… And That’s Not All Either

Morris Brown College’s Board of Trustees is under fire after terminating then reinstating the president in less than a week …
Shocking New Development in Case of ICE Agent Killing Keith Porter Jr. on New Years Eve

Shocking New Development in Case of ICE Agent Killing Keith Porter Jr. on New Years Eve

Now we know the identity of the ICE agent who shot and killed a Black man, Keith Porter Jr., on New Years Eve …
Why Don Lemon's Latest Reporting Could Land Him in Serious Trouble With the DOJ

Why Don Lemon’s Latest Reporting Could Land Him in Serious Trouble With the DOJ

Don Lemon is at risk of legal trouble by the Department of Justice for reporting on ICE protests in Minnesota …
Black Doctors Explain Why It Feels Cancer Is Everywhere These Days

Black Doctors Explain Why It Feels Cancer Is Everywhere These Days

We spoke with Black medical experts on why cancer feels more common than ever, and what genetics, lifestyle, and delayed screenings may have to do with it …
How Ben Crump is Involved With a 70-Year-Old Grandmother's Tragic Fate On a Universal Orlando Coaster Ride

How Ben Crump is Involved With a 70-Year-Old Grandmother’s Tragic Fate On a Universal Orlando Coaster Ride

Respected attorney Ben Crump is taking on the tragic case of a grandmother who died after riding a rollercoaster at Universal Orlando …
Why Michael Jordan's 'NBA On NBC' Coverage Flopped as Soon as It Started

Why Michael Jordan’s ‘NBA On NBC’ Coverage Flopped as Soon as It Started

Michael Jordan will not make any more appearances on NBC’s network’s coverage of the NBA, leaving fans feeling let down …
What Jill Scott Says About Being a 'Dominant Submissive'

What Jill Scott Says About Being a ‘Dominant Submissive’

Jill Scott’s comments about what she’s looking for in a man have sparked an online debate about power dynamics in relationships …
Why Everyone is Losing It Over Naomi Osaka's Australian Open Outfit

Why Everyone is Losing It Over Naomi Osaka’s Australian Open Outfit

Naomi Osaka is making a bold fashion statement at the 2026 Australian Open and you’ve got to see how she slayed! …
This Black TikToker's Super-Catchy Dr. Pepper Jingle Went Viral, Here's What Happened Next

This Black TikToker’s Super-Catchy Dr. Pepper Jingle Went Viral, Here’s What Happened Next

Romeo Bingham’s viral TikTok video, an ode to Dr. Pepper, leads to national commercial with the soft drink brand …
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during game four of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 27, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Getty Images Ronald Martinez

Why LeBron James is Getting Dragged For His MLK-Inspired Nike Sneakers

Designed to commemorate MLK Day and LeBron James’ 23rd season, “King James” and Nike have been called “tone-deaf” for the new shoe …
The Heartbreaking Fate of a Former Nickelodeon Black Child Star Exposes a Deeper Issue

The Heartbreaking Fate of a Former Nickelodeon Black Child Star Exposes a Deeper Issue

Kianna Underwood, a child star on Nickelodeon’s ‘All That’ had a life that should raise concerns about other child stars …
'High School Musical's' Black Stars, 20 Years Later

‘High School Musical’s’ Black Stars, 20 Years Later

Twenty years after the premiere, we’re looking at the lives and careers of three of the most memorable– and Black– stars from “High School Musical.” …