DANBURY, Connecticut — The African Caribbean Student Association, Black Social Workers Association, and Black Student Union at Western Connecticut State University have collaborated to present the student organizations’ annual fashion show on Friday, May 1, 2026. This year’s theme is “Our Identity in Motion,” and the goal is to present a celebration of heritage and style.
Featuring over 60 student models, this showcase seeks to bridge the gap between traditional African and Caribbean culture and modern influences such as streetwear and hip-hop history. This night full of fashion and entertainment will be from 7 to 9:30 p.m. in Ives Concert Hall, in White Hall on the university’s Midtown campus, 181 White St. in Danbury. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Tickets are free for WCSU students. Tickets for non-WCSU students are $15 plus fees (until April 30) and will be $20 at the door on May 1. Advance tickets may be purchased at https://wcsutickets.ticketspice.com/acsa-fashion-show-may-2026-out-identity-in-motion.
Participation in the fashion show has been a pivotal experience for many of its organizers and models.
Alixea Reyes, a junior Musical Theatre major from Meriden, said, “Being in so many fashion shows, I’ve ended up realizing that, for me, it’s truly an art form in many different ways. Bringing people together, diversity, creativity, all beautiful things that all contribute to one common denominator.”
Junior Music major JJ Mendez from Norwalk, added, “I see the fashion show as a creative space where style and sound come together to express individuality and culture. To me, it’s more than just a show … it’s an opportunity to bring energy, confidence, and artistry to life on the runway while building community and hype around something we all take pride in.”
Jesnie De La Cruz, a junior Media Production major from New York, New York, shared, “The fashion show to me is about embracing all of our history and culture into one joint celebration. We often forget that despite our differences, we’re all connected one way or another when it comes to our hair, food, dances, and even music. Globally and geographically different, genetically and generationally all the same.”
Nursing major Daniela Perez, a sophomore from Washingtonville, New York, agreed. “The fashion show is just the biggest way people have had to truly express their creativity and passion in so many ways, and I think that it’s beautiful for so many college students to go outside of their major and come out or participate in something that opens new doors for them and opens other outlets to show they are not confined to one aspect of themselves.”
Social Work major Gabriela Torres, a senior from Jersey City, New Jersey, concluded, “The fashion show to me means being able to express myself creatively and step out of the box. I get the chance to learn and celebrate different cultures while also being able to share a piece of mine with the WestConn community.”
Regardless of their program of study or where they grew up, previous fashion show participants agreed upon the importance of this annual campus tradition.
Sophomore Psychology major Destiny Navedo said, “The fashion show is a way to showcase part of my identity. As a creative mind, I was able to finally use something as an outlet to go all out and express it unapologetically.”
Dylan Meyer, a senior Media Production major from East Hartford, added, “The fashion show means a lot to me for many reasons, but most importantly, because it demonstrates what you are capable of when you put yourself out there and show off the beauty that everyone has. It builds confidence in those who struggle to see it themselves.”
A Small Business Management major from Elizabeth, New Jersey, senior Oluwatimilehn Akinrolabu said, “The fashion show for the last four years has been the top five moments of my life. It’s a whole different feeling being part of the process, and the outcome day is a feeling you can’t match.”
Kadence Belton, a junior majoring in Professional Writing Major from Danbury, shared, “The fashion show is a chance to bring our creativity to life and our community together. I think it’s so important for WCSU to have an event like this.”
Tatyana Santiago, a senior Business Management major from Trumbull, added, “The fashion show has been a major part of my time here at WestConn. It’s what introduced me to so many people who have become some of my closest friends, and it’s been my greatest experience here.”
Julian Rivera, a senior Accounting major from Norwalk, concluded, “I’ve been doing the fashion show for around three years now, and at first it was something just to do with a couple of friends, but it has transformed into basically a tradition I do every year. Coming in as a freshman, I really didn’t know too many people on campus. I had a hard time finding my group, but the fashion show helped me form a family here at WestConn. I’ve fostered so many new connections over the years and grown stronger with all of them; overall, it’s a must-do experience that you won’t take for granted.”
For more information, visit https://wcsutickets.ticketspice.com/acsa-fashion-show-may-2026-our-identity-in-motion.
Western Connecticut State University changes lives by providing all students with a high-quality education that fosters their growth as individuals, scholars, professionals, and leaders in a global society. Our vision: To be widely recognized as a premier public university with outstanding teachers and scholars who prepare students to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.