In January, I led my Fashion Promotions and Production class at Siba in a collaboration with Dream Builders 4 Equity (DB4E) that brought fashion, storytelling, and opportunity together in a way that felt bigger than just a show. This wasn’t about aesthetics alone—it was about amplifying young creatives, putting them in leadership roles, and showing the industry what’s possible when talent meets opportunity. The Dream Builders 4 Equity Fashion Show was more than a showcase; it was an experience. It was the result of months of planning, conceptualizing, and executing by my students—young professionals who, for many, were stepping into the world of fashion production for the first time. They weren’t just styling looks and coordinating a runway. They were producing a full-scale event with real stakes, real impact, and a real audience watching. This was the moment to prove that St. Louis’ fashion scene has the talent, the vision, and the voices to take up space in the industry. And my students did just that.
The Fashion Show: A Lesson in Execution & Leadership
A fashion show is more than just lights, music, and models. It’s strategy, it’s production, it’s attention to detail. Every single component has to come together seamlessly—otherwise, the audience will feel it.For this show, my students took full control. Under the leadership of Kendal Moore, who stepped into the role of Head Creative Director, the team took on responsibilities that most entry-level fashion professionals don’t get to touch until years into their careers. From casting models and pulling looks to show flow, styling, and creative direction, they ran the entire production.Watching Kendal step into this role was a full-circle moment—not just for her, but for me too.
Seeing Myself in Kendal
When I look at Kendal, I see so much of myself when I was a fashion student at Siba. I remember being in those same classrooms, walking those same halls, dreaming big but not always knowing where to start. I knew I wanted to be in fashion, I knew I had the ideas, but navigating the industry as a Black woman, especially in St. Louis, came with challenges. Opportunities were scarce, and breaking into the industry felt like an uphill battle. Kendal reminds me of that younger version of myself—the girl who was ambitious, who had vision, but needed that first big chance to prove herself. And that’s exactly what she did with this show. She stepped up, took on a leadership role, and executed with a level of confidence and creativity that felt like she’d been doing this for years. She didn’t hesitate. She didn’t wait for permission. She owned her role, proving that she has what it takes to be a creative director, a show producer, and a force in this industry. This is why I teach. This is why I mentor. Because I know firsthand what it’s like to be a young Black woman in fashion, waiting for a door to open. I know how much it means to have someone believe in you, to have someone give you that shot. And seeing Kendal take this moment and run with it—that’s exactly what I hoped for when I started teaching at Siba. Kendal’s journey is just beginning, but mark my words—this is only the start of something big.
One of the most powerful aspects of this event wasn’t just the work happening behind the scenes—it was the energy in the room. The audience wasn’t just watching a fashion show; they were experiencing a cultural shift. From community leaders to fashion insiders, family members, and young creatives looking for inspiration, the room was filled with people who understood the significance of this moment. Every applause, every nod of recognition, every moment of awe from the crowd was a reminder of why this work matters. These young creatives weren’t just executing a fashion show—they were showing their city, their peers, and the industry at large that Black talent in St. Louis is thriving. The presence of seasoned professionals in fashion and media also reinforced the importance of visibility. This wasn’t just a small community event; it was a statement. A statement that St. Louis’ Black fashion scene is here, it’s strong, and it’s only getting bigger. The industry often looks to cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta for creative innovation, but the talent in St. Louis is undeniable—and this event proved that we’re not just part of the conversation; we’re leading it.
Michael Woods: A True Leader, A Selfless Force
If you know Michael Woods, then you know he is one of the most selfless people in this industry. He’s not here for the recognition, the accolades, or the applause. Everything he does—everything—is about pouring back into the community, creating opportunities for others, and making sure the next generation of Black entrepreneurs and creatives don’t have to struggle the way so many before them did. As his best friend, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand just how much he gives. The work he does with Dream Builders 4 Equity isn’t performative—it’s deeply personal. He doesn’t just talk about change; he actively builds it, day in and day out, with no expectation of anything in return. So when I had the opportunity to partner with him on this event, it wasn’t just an honor—it was a moment I’ll always cherish. Collaborating on this fashion show, combining our shared visions of fashion, education, and empowerment, felt like a full-circle moment. And while Mike will never ask for recognition, I wasn’t about to let this event happen without making sure his impact was acknowledged the way it should be. We secured TWO official proclamations honoring him and his work with Dream Builders 4 Equity. Watching him receive those proclamations—finally getting the flowers he deserves—was one of the highlights of the entire night for me. He’s spent years building, giving, and creating opportunities for others, and while he never does it for the recognition, he damn sure deserves it. If you’ve ever been impacted by Dream Builders, if you’ve ever seen the way this organization has transformed lives, know that it’s because of the heart and dedication Mike puts into everything he does. And trust, he’s just getting started.
Beyond Fashion: The Power of Storytelling
While the runway commanded attention, the book signing portion of the event was just as powerful. Dream Builders 4 Equity has long been committed to giving young Black voices a platform, not just in fashion but through storytelling. The book signing showcased young authors—many of whom are telling their own stories, in their own words, about the realities of growing up Black in St. Louis. Much like fashion, publishing is an industry where Black voices are often underrepresented. But the ability to document experiences, to create something lasting, to put your story out into the world is a form of power. Seeing these young authors hold their books, sign copies for guests, and share their journeys was a reminder of why visibility matters. These weren’t just books—they were proof of resilience, ambition, and the kind of generational storytelling that builds legacy. Fashion and media are connected in more ways than people realize. Both are about visibility. Both are about taking up space. Both are about shaping the culture. And that’s exactly what this event did.
Designer: LGND, Photography by Chris Bauer
Designer: E.N.D, Photography by Chris Bauer
Designer: B2FLYY, Photography by Chris Bauer
Why This Matters
This event was more than just one night. It was a blueprint for what happens when education, opportunity, and community come together. It was a tangible example of what can happen when young creatives are empowered to take on leadership roles and produce something that speaks to the culture. In an industry often defined by exclusivity and gatekeeping, this collaboration was about creating a space where Black talent isn’t just invited, but celebrated and uplifted. This show wasn’t simply about showcasing fashion—it was about showcasing what Black creators can do when given the resources and mentorship they deserve. It was about putting Black youth at the forefront of an industry that has often left them out. The production, the storytelling, the innovation—it all came from the passion and vision of young Black creatives who are hungry for opportunity and ready to make their mark. Investing in young Black talent is an investment in the future of the fashion industry as a whole. When we give them the tools, the space, and the mentorship to thrive, we open the doors for an entirely new wave of creatives who are not only skilled but driven to reshape the narrative of what fashion can be.
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This event also served as a reminder of why mentorship is so critical in the creative industry. As a mentor, I understand the weight of giving someone that first chance, that first opportunity to step into the spotlight. Seeing Kendal and the rest of my students step up to the plate and knock it out of the park was a testament to how much untapped talent is waiting for the right moment to rise. The future of fashion is in their hands, and the way they delivered on that stage is proof that we need to keep creating more opportunities for them to do so. This wasn’t just a show—it was a movement. It was the beginning of a new era of Black leadership in fashion, one where young creatives are no longer waiting for a seat at the table, but building their own tables and setting new standards. The impact of this event extends far beyond one night. It sends a message to the industry that Black talent is not only here to stay—it’s leading the charge. It’s not just about what was achieved on the runway or in the books; it’s about how we move the needle forward, about setting the stage for what’s possible when we prioritize community, mentorship, and access. This moment is a clear signal that we are entering a new era of fashion—one where we don’t have to beg for a seat; we’re building our own table and making sure that the world sees what we’re capable of. And trust me, this is just the beginning. The future of Black fashion has never been brighter.
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