ALL OF THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE ELLIS SCHOOL’S FASHION SHOW CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH, FEB. 15. (PHOTOS BY J.L. MARTELLO)
The Ellis School celebrated Black History Month in style on Feb. 15 when it showcased the incredible work of two Black icons through an event that tied history and fashion with local influence.
The New Pittsburgh Courier was there as a fashion show highlighted Pittsburgh playwright August Wilson and his American Century Cycle, a series of 10 plays that chronicled the Black experience throughout the 20th century, alongside era-specific clothing inspired by American fashion designer Ann Lowe, the first African American fashion designer to receive national acclaim.
The fashion show, “Eras of Style: Celebrating August Wilson’s American Century Cycle,” took a journey through each decade represented in Wilson’s plays, highlighting the unique styles and fashions of the time. The show was organized by Ellis parents Alexis Allen, CEO and Principal Planner of Alexis Allen Consulting, and Demeatria Boccella, President of Demeatria Boccella Productions, LLC, and Founder of FashionAFRICANA.
The plays and styles in the spotlight were: “Gem of the Ocean” (1900s); “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” (1910s); “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” (1920s); “The Piano Lesson” (1930s); “Seven Guitars” (1940s); “Fences” (1950s); “Two Trains Running” (1960s); “Jitney” (1970s); “King Hedley II” (1980s); and “Radio Golf” (1990s).
Skylar Curd (1900s)
Eliana Allen (1920s)
Mina Horsley (1930s)
Monika Hogan (1940s)
Sydney Curd (1950s)
Christina Curd (1950s)
Malia Smith (1950s)
Alexis Pawlowski (1950s)
Teachers in silver outfits: Erica Tryson, Katie Johnson and Kontara Morphis (1960s)
Gabriella Tucker (1960s)
Gianna LaRosa and Natalie LaRosa (1960s)
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