Rip the Runway brings African Renaissance to SU

Before the first model stepped onto the runway, Syracuse University students were already putting on a show as Rema’s “Baby (Is It a Crime)” blasted through the speakers this Sunday.

Student attendees strutted into Goldstein Auditorium in all-black dresses and towering heels, hair and makeup camera-ready. Others brought streetwear to the floor, wearing baggy pants, oversized shirts and pocket chains, while some went for button-ups and ties covered with casual jackets, not covering up all the work and effort put into the fit. 

The African Student Union and Fashion Design Society’s 2025 annual Rip the Runway event lived up to its name. This year’s theme, African Renaissance, highlighted African culture, fashion and innovation. Hosted by ASU’s ambassador Adama Sylla and the graduate advisor Habibata Sigue, the show blended traditional African looks with contemporary style.

“We seek to inspire emotion of connection and pride within our audience, hopefully inspiring them to contribute to the already strong presence of Africa, art and culture through the pieces of the show,” Sigue said.  

The show opened with designs from Leah Habasha, an Ethiopian fashion line that set the tone for the evening. The line blends traditional craftsmanship with modern style and was named in honor of the designer’s late niece, Leah.  

“Each piece reflects her dedication, artistry and deep love for the culture that shaped her,” Sigue said. 

Student models walked out in pairs to Teddy Afro’s “Anaa Nyaatu,” their matching outfits sharing the same elaborate traditional patterns. The intricate details appeared in small patches, on men’s shirt necklines, women’s skirt hems and sleeves. The rest of the garments remained white, drawing the eye to the Ethiopian patterns on each piece, many of which were warm shades of orange and green. 

The show took a break from fashion and welcomed a dance performance from SU’s Outlaws Dance Troupe that got the crowd excited. The hip-hop piece, which incorporated Bryson Tiller’s “Whatever She Wants” and “Trance” by Metro Boomin, illuminated purple lights onto the crowd as they watched silhouettes perform.

After the dance intermission, the runway featured designs from a West African fashion brand based in New York City, created by Eldior Sodeck. The pieces explored elaborate patterns and designs united through subtle accents of sparkle. 

One notable piece was a mermaid-style dress that featured a blue, green and yellow pattern on the bust and hem, with a sheer sparkle section on the stomach that tied the look together. 

Another model wore a blend of a vest and cardigan, a sleeveless statement piece with black slacks to keep the attention on the garment. Like a fishnet, each intersecting piece had a new and different design and the model finished off the look with red sparkly beads at the end of his hair.

The hosts then announced a crowd competition, selecting nine of the best-dressed audience members to walk the runway. The person who received the most cheers from the audience was announced as the winner, donning a full purple outfit, from her head wrap to the traditional dress with large fluffy purple feathers at the ends of the dress and sleeves. 

The final collection came from Baayfall Fashions, a returning designer from Harlem who appeared at last year’s show. The artist gave a heartfelt speech before the collection. 

“I use my fashion to express it to my heart,” she told the audience. “The simple fact [is] to be myself, be who I am and express that fully all the time.”

The pieces in the final collection reflected the spirit of Harlem with inspiration from Senegal. One model wore coveralls marked up with primarily red, green and yellow designs, topped off with a bucket hat in those same colors and large gold accent jewelry.

The show concluded with the African Student Union and Fashion and Design Society board members taking their own turns on the runway to celebrate the show’s success. The event turned into a celebration as students and friends rushed to the stage to embrace their loved ones who walked the stage. 

“You all made this night unforgettable,” Sigue said.