The fifth annual Juneteenth Fashion Show, presented by Legacy West and produced by Think Three Media, returned to the Lexus Box Garden at Legacy Hall on June 19 for an unforgettable evening celebrating Black culture, fashion and community. Despite heavy rain earlier in the day, more than 800 attendees from across North Texas—and neighboring states—filled the venue for one of the region’s signature Juneteenth celebrations.
This year’s theme, “Ubuntu: Together, We Are – Together, We Rise,” came to life through 13 designer collections, global music, cultural storytelling and moments of collective joy. Rooted in the African philosophy meaning “I am because we are,” Ubuntu served as the foundation for an experience celebrating shared humanity, heritage and the enduring power of community. A portion of the proceeds benefited The African Think Tank.
“This year’s fashion show was beyond anything I could have imagined and, quite frankly, the best in all five years,” said Leah Frazier, CEO of Think Three Media. “It felt like one big family reunion—celebrating, connecting and enjoying every moment together. The designers were exceptional, the models were phenomenal, the entertainers were flawless, and Cupid ‘The Line Dance King’ completely electrified the after-show. This event was, simply put, for the culture.”
Hosted by Lady Jade and comedian Michael Shawn, the evening featured a high-energy performance from multi-platinum recording artist Cupid, whose hits including Cupid Shuffle, Flex and The Cookout transformed the venue into one giant dance floor. Fitness influencer Olivia Ibezim and her line dancing crew joined the celebration, while Carter G. Rich emceed the pre-show featuring Jelly Bean, Kkeeyz and Ashley Kaee. Dr. DJ Mack kept the crowd energized throughout the evening, and Mxck Music delivered a live performance of Lenny Kravitz’s “Fly Away.”
The runway opened with Ashley Kaee and Kkeeyz performing the Black National Anthem as newly crowned Miss Juneteenth DFW, Iyana Schuman, carried the Juneteenth flag. Legacy West followed with a choreographed, Formation-inspired presentation styled by Kristen Briggs, featuring custom hats designed by scholarship recipient Nyilah McDaniel.
Designers included Tangwa by 15-year-old Dacyn Mofor, House of Dasha, Deirdre Hardin, Indigo 1745 Collective, Military Glam by Katrice Thompkins, Black Menswear, Kish Me, Annia Louisa Resortwear, Saint Lamo, DY Work, House of E. Keyes, Crossed Hats by Mahiri Takai and Marta Ruiz. Standout collections ranged from handcrafted wearable art and Black rock-inspired couture to a 2026 resortwear debut and cinematic runway moments.
Akwete Tyehimba, co-owner of the Pan-African Connection, received the Juneteenth Fashion Show Legacy Award, presented by Deba Douglas, for her decades of preserving Black history and culture.
Celebrity models included Kamri Brown of the Dallas Wings, Jade Tinner and Anita Hawkins. Seen in the crowd were celebrity makeup artist Erica Smith, Plano Mayor John B. Muns, Super Bowl champion Isaiah Stanback, entertainer Lala Johnson and numerous leaders, creatives and influencers from across North Texas.
Guests also shopped a marketplace of Black-owned businesses before the show and during intermission before the evening concluded with models and designers carrying flags representing countries throughout Africa and the Caribbean—a colorful tribute to the spirit of Ubuntu.
“This show was top ten as far as energy,” said Cupid following the event. “Dallas, I’ll be back.”
Think Three Media extends its appreciation to presenting sponsor Legacy West; premier sponsor Comerica Bank; Deba Douglas; Smokey John’s BBQ; Luxury Mobile Experience; Stemme Floral; Cosign Studios; SweetBeat Vodka; the City of Plano; the African American Museum of Dallas; Dallas Black Bloggers; and all sponsors and partners who helped make the fifth annual Juneteenth Fashion Show a success.
