it is more than how you dress yourself. it is how you dress your life.
Meet the Artists: Runway show
Since 1988, Meet the Artists has highlighted the work of talented Black artists here in Indianapolis — and the biggest celebration of all is the opening night gala reception, a free event hosted for all ages at the Central Library complete with music, poetry, art, dance and the always popular finale fashion show. It’s not uncommon to spot celebrities both local and beyond: Vivica A. Fox took to the stage back in 2018 for the event’s 30th anniversary, and this year’s hosts were current WTHR 13 News reporter Karen Campbell and former longtime WTHR reporter Steve Jefferson.
In case you didn’t have the chance to check it out for yourself — or if you just want to re-immerse yourself in the energy of the runway — here are some of my favorite looks. (You may want to get comfy. More than 50 outfits from the hour-long fashion show are coming your way!)
Kicking things off with a look from Kionde of Wild Moon Child Style
I met Kionde (left, pictured with Thierry Baptiste) at last year’s Meet the Artists show, when her eclectic, bold accessories were a huge hit on the runway. She started sewing in October (yes, only LAST YEAR) and has already created a collection. How awesome is that?
A few pieces of detailed leatherwork from Anthony Jackson, who also creates custom leather accessories
Shawn Kimbrough’s collection was all about the bows! Models dressed in black dresses and jumpsuits accessorized with larger-than-life bejeweled bow ties around their necks, waists, wrists and ankles. Modeled by Regina Warren
One of my favorite collections of the night: Wanda Burks. (I’m a sucker for contrasting textures and patterns.)
Masterclass in making monochrome NOT boring
Anyone else getting major Olivia Pope vibes? And the corduroy texture underneath is fabulous!
Cookie Davis had the best boot collection of the night, hands down. (She also strutted the catwalk in a pair of black-and-white cowboy boots that were a little Western, a little rock ‘n roll, and very chic.)
Designer D. Lamont focuses on pieces made from denim and recycled leather, giving us vibes of both sustainability and — if you’re like me — the turn of the millennium. (If you haven’t heard, that era’s all the rage again.)
Designer Nicholas Mitchell of Yalel Un’ Bland sent elegance down the runway in several sequined and lace-adorned gowns.
One of my favorite pieces of the night. (That train!)
One thing I love about Codi Banks’ ensembles: She’s never afraid to pump up the outfit “architecture.” From layered peplums to a full-on 3D ruffle dress, the shapes bring drama (the good kind).
Model Regina Warren in Witty by Codi
Langston Christopher is another fan favorite here at Meet the Artists. In contrast to Codi’s “go big or go home” structural looks, Langston uses more fluid fabrics and draping.
Modeled by Emily Ann Poe
I’ll admit, I’m definitely not an expert when it comes to men’s fashion, but the girls weren’t the only ones rocking the runway. Al’s Modern Clothing and Shoes, a Castleton-based family-owned shop for over 50 years, showcased looks from party-perfect casual shirts to formal suits ready for the office. Modeled by David Dahn
I’ve seen Tiffianie King work a catwalk so many times, and she never fails to fiercely command a room. Here she’s modeling a dress by Alpha Blackburn, one of Indy’s living legends.
Look on the right modeled by David Dahn
The shade of hot pink in this Alpha Blackburn set worn by model Tiffani Coleman-Talley, wow!
I did mention that Indy’s movers and shakers sometimes grace the stage, and this year was no exception. In addition to fashion show director Alpha Blackburn, Barbara Boyd — the first Black female TV journalist in Indianapolis and a breast cancer survivor at 93 years young — stunned in this purple gown and received thunderous applause.
Modeled by Tiffani Coleman-Talley
What could be better than ending the night with a special award ceremony honoring Alpha Blackburn for her contributions to Indianapolis, both fashion and otherwise? <3
Thank you to the Meet the Artists fashion show team for having me backstage again this year. (See my behind-the-scenes coverage from before the show.) And if you missed out on the fun, mark your calendars to check back in early 2024 for the date of the next Meet the Artists gala reception.
NOTE: I recorded live video of Nikki Blaine and Thierry Baptiste’s collaboration collection instead of photos, which explains their absence from this blog post. (I only have so many hands!)
Also, I tried to include names of as many models as I could. Feel free to DM me (indydressed on IG) with any missing names and I’ll edit the captions.
