“Pandemonium” Marks the Start of the Annual Benefit MOTM Fashion Show

Photo Courtesy of MOTM Photographer, Myles Dawson

The Models of the Mecca (MOTM) hosted their first annual benefit fashion show featuring all classes of MOTM on April 21. Unlike other fashion shows hosted by Models of the Mecca –  which usually only feature the newest members of the organization –  this show encompassed all classes in the organization. Each MOTM member assisted in bringing the show’s theme, “Pandemonium,” to life.

Hosted in Cramton Auditorium, a portion of the show’s proceeds went towards the Black Mental Health Alliance, a DMV-based organization dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of Black people and their communities.

The show was spearheaded by Howard University sophomore Jacob Bellevue, a Class Five member of MOTM. Bellevue always knew that he wanted to help shape the organization to its fullest capacity.

“I really made history with this show for our organization. I changed the trajectory…going to be an annual thing, where we always have an all-team show, aside from the class presentation,” said Bellevue.

“Pandemonium” focused on the parallels between The Ethereal and Sector 6 and showcased the chaos and beauty between different factions within a dystopian society. Junior Obiloh Egu II, the show’s creative director, helped shape the concept alongside Bellevue.

According to Bellevue, the show’s theme was meant to represent the factions within life and the experiences and cultural differences between outcasts and the “elite,” who look down on the realities of other people’s lives. Egu said the theme was partially inspired by his own thoughts. 

“As I’ve grown, I’ve noticed some of my interests and the way I carry myself are deemed in the general world view, and that has caused me internal chaos at times,” said Egu. “While creating “Pandemonium,” I wanted to create two factions – The Ethereal and Sector 6 – who were opposite of one another, but each represented parts of me.”

The show included designs from the likes of Excessity by Annika Bolton; Denim by ASA; Harmone; Fezeka Wear; DRH Designs; Highrollerclub; All The Rage; Nawara Kawara; Devour Nation; and 727.

The show also had sponsorships from Howard University Student Association Senate (HUSA), Fashion For All Foundation, Warner Music Blavatnik Center, and Urban Signature Magazine. 

To bring the “Pandemonium” theme to life, the MOTM members started working in March to carefully execute the concept through design styling, music curation, set design, and hair design. 

The theme’s design concepts were developed under Tashya Kyles, the Head of Style/Design. Kyles and her team created outfits and several styling mood boards in preparation for the show. They also sourced clothing brands that could assist in acquiring the necessary pieces to elevate looks. 

“It’s easy to get caught up in a fly fit that doesn’t fit a theme as complex as this one,” said Kyles.

Egu noted how important music was in bringing the show’s theme to life. According to the creative director, it took hours to create playlists that would match each scene carefully. 

For Act I, Sector 6, the music was eerily sensual, gritty, or very loud to embolden the audience. “The songs were all chosen to make the audience feel intense and impassioned,” said Egu. 

For Act II, The Ethereal, the songs were upbeat and very light. “These songs were supposed to make you feel like a heavenly being: weightless and without worry,” said Egu.

Photo Courtesy of MOTM Photographer, Myles Dawson

The stage design also assisted with showcasing the parallels within the show’s theme by creating two different aesthetics in the same space to show how each faction remains to live side by side. 

Show attendee Janetlynn Hopson, a senior Howard University student, shared her take on the show. “I was very impressed by the amount of dedication from the designers, makeup & hair artists, models, & stage design,” she noted. “Every time when I think they will run out of ideas, they prove me wrong tenfold. I enjoyed the vibrant colors & eccentric [feel] throughout the show,” said Hopson. 

MOTM’s first annual benefit show left crowds electrified and truly showcased the parallels between different factions within society that exist.