Hundreds Line Up for STRIPT Model Call

Howard University students are looking for a big break.

Photo of students waiting to audition at the STRIPT model call event. (Rachelle Smith/101 Mag)

On Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, STRIPT, a DC clothing brand started by Howard Law alum Arianna Davis, partnered with Howard University Elite Models and Howard University Undergraduate Student Assembly (HUGSA) to host a model call. Students who attended the model call were excited for a chance to work with the brand. 

STRIPT was founded in 2020 when Davis was in her final year at Howard Law. She was inspired to start a clothing brand after she could not find catsuits at one of her favorite athleisure clothing brands. The model invited students to audition and strut their stuff for the chance to be featured in an upcoming campaign and adorn the brand, which now carries over 10 designs in its collection in an array of colors. Students anxiously waited as they filled out a comp card with their information: name, birthdate, height, weight and a polaroid taken before the final step of the audition process, showcasing their modeling skills by hitting a pose in front of a backdrop. 

“It was a beautiful event. I love that it was meant to uplift Black women and it was a beautiful opportunity to support a Black-owned brand,” said Aisha Wurie, a freshman journalism major. 

Photo of a photographer taking a picture of a student modeling at the STRIPT event (Rachelle Smith/101 Mag)

Community is another pillar of the STRIPT brand. STRIPT regularly posts polls on its social media page about product colors and styles to ensure the wishes of its consumers are reflected in the brand. The company also donated over 400 pieces of clothing in partnership with DC Goodwill to promote sustainability and regularly hosts events like tennis clubs in the DC area and Atlanta to foster community.

“Most important to me is the community of women, women and non-women – whoever wants to be in it. The brand is so much more than clothes. We really foster a community,” said Davis.

As a woman and Black-owned brand, STRIPT looks to reflect their consumers. Their sizes range from XS-3XXL and their models range in skin tone and size. The attention to inclusivity made all students feel welcome. 

Morgan Grace Connor, a sophomore health science major, said, “I know a lot of brands don’t favor Black women because of our curvy bodies and like our big lips and our hair and all that stuff…and being able to model for someone that is going to like my hair and my features is really important to me.”

The STRIPT community is not only geared towards the customers. STRIPT ambassadors, students at Howard University and other young womxn (women and nonwomen), also feel the benefits of the rich community Davis has fostered.

Photo of STRIPT ambassadors taking a selfie (Rachelle Smith/101 Mag)

“The team has been very supportive and very cohesive…They are constantly checking in and seeing how we are doing and asking us if we need help,” said Chanice Posada, a STRIPT ambassador and sophomore psychology major. “Even just introducing us to other people to possibly network for the different fields of study that we are interested in, so it’s been a great pleasure.”

As a Howard alumna, Davis jumped at the opportunity to collaborate with HU Elite models and HUGSA. HU Elite Models, established in 2015, is one of three modeling organizations on Howard’s campus. The collaboration between Elite and STRIPT is close since Davis is friends with Monty, one of the organization’s founders. 

“With Stript being not only a Howard-owned brand but a Black-owned brand that we have a long relationship with, we jumped at the opportunity to work with them,” said Darrion Thomas, President of Elite Models.  “We wanted to make sure that we gave back not only to STRIPT but to the community as a whole.”

The connection between the Howard and STRIPT communities is vital to the brand. 

Davis said, “I think the best thing about going to an HBCU,  particularly Howard, is it really fosters confidence. We really feel like we are the best and thats what STRIPT should make you feel as well, so it totally aligns.”