Woodbury University hosted an extraordinary evening of fashion on May 9, 2024, at the Alex Theater in Glendale, CA, to honor the Black Design Collective and its founders, Kevan Hall and TJ Walker. The event, led by Dean Jeff Bellantoni and Fashion Design Chair Anna Leiker, celebrated Hall and Walker’s significant contributions to the fashion industry and their efforts in supporting Black designers through the Black Design Collective Foundation.
“Our students and faculty admire Kevan Hall and TJ Walker’s brand identities, awareness, and contemporary approach to glamour and menswear,” said Dean Jeff Bellantoni. “Their representation of Black designers inspires students and provides hope for support within Los Angeles’s diverse fashion community. The university is thrilled to honor their life and work at the Woodbury University 2024 Fashion Runway Benefit.”
Founded in 2018, the Black Design Collective (BDC) comprises accomplished fashion industry professionals of color who amplify the influence and create opportunities for Black designers in the US and abroad. Hall and Walker’s speeches, a highlight of the evening, emphasized their commitment to bridging the gap between established brands and emerging designers, inspiring the next generation of fashion leaders.
Kevan Hall
Kevan Hall, known for his couture as an interpretive art form, launched his signature Kevan Hall Collection in 2001. His sleek evening wear is celebrated on red carpets at the Oscars and Golden Globe Awards. Hall’s collection, “Faceted,” featured metallic tweed separates, pink guipure lace dresses, and diamanté crystal gowns, showcasing his exemplary artistry. “I am thrilled to be honored by Woodbury University and grateful for their acknowledgment of our work to amplify the impact of Black designers and prepare the next generation for greatness!” said Hall.
Kevan Hall’s signature pieces graced the runway that evening, dripping with elegance and luxury. His collection, titled “Faceted,” featured metallic tweed separates, pink guipure lace dresses, and diamanté crystal gowns, which showcased his exemplary artistry. Hall’s creations emphasize purity of style, impeccable tailoring, and sensuous silhouettes, earning him a distinguished place in fashion.
TJ Walker
TJ Walker’s influence in fashion began with Cross Colours in 1998, a collection known for its bold designs and positive messaging around African American culture. Walker presented the latest Cross Colours collection, featuring colorful garments, bold statements, and edgy pieces such as baggy pants, hoodies, and vivid hooded jackets. “As a college professor and fashion designer, I know the importance of a solid education. Woodbury University has provided that platform for many years to promising talent, and I applaud them for their work!” said Walker.
LOS ANGELES, CA – MAY 9: 2024 Woodbury University 59th Annual Fashion runway Benefit honoring BDC Co-founders Kevan Hall and TJ Walker on May 9, 2024 at the Alex Theater in Glendale, CA (Photo by Karim Saafir)
Woodbury University’s “Parallel Universes” fashion show highlighted the exceptional talents and creativity of its sophomore, junior, and senior fashion design students. Collections included Kassidy Hayslett’s eco-friendly “Green Grass Grows All Around the World,” Nanor Petrosdian’s award-winning “Something Borrowed, Something New,” and Angelica Torres’s nature-inspired “Enchanted Garden Collection.” A particularly heartwarming presentation featured a graduating designer who created prom dresses and suits for high school seniors, with sereval non-models walking the runway in these dynamic, love-crafted pieces.
The event also celebrated Alumni Inspiration Award recipients Brittney Diego (Class of 2016 Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year), Brea Holmes (Class of 2016 Costume Designer of the Year), and Black Design Collective member Donny White (Class of 2022 Emerging Fashion Designer of the Year), who launched his label, Donny White Designs, LLC.
“Parallel Universes” was a tribute to the vibrant future of fashion, highlighting the incredible talent of Woodbury University’s graduating class and celebrating the profound influence of the Black Design Collective. With trailblazers like TJ Walker and Kevan Hall leading the way, the fashion industry is poised for a future where diversity, creativity, and innovation continue to thrive. (Visit: https://www.woodbury.edu)
About Woodbury University
Founded in 1884 and located in Burbank, California, Woodbury University is a private, four-year, nonprofit, Minority-Serving Institution in Southern California. Designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), Woodbury’s Fashion Design program has a long association with Hollywood designers. The university has a storied tradition of fashion runway events for over half a century. Past honorees include Sue Wong, Albert Wolsky, Mark Badgley and James Mischka, Gustave Tassell, James Galanos, Jennifer Nicholson, and Lisa Kline. Visit: Woodbury University
About Black Design Collective
The Black Design Collective (BDC) is composed of accomplished fashion industry professionals of color, dedicated to amplifying the influence and creating opportunities for Black apparel, costume, and accessory designers. Their mission focuses on promoting scholarship, education, mentorship, and entrepreneurship among emerging Black fashion design talent. The BDC aims to increase the number of designers of color who start, maintain, and scale their businesses, provide a pipeline of highly trained potential employees to industry businesses, and train more designers in the latest fashion technology and manufacturing systems. The BDC is a federally registered tax-exempt organization. (Visit: https://www.blackdesigncollective.com)
