Tulsa Juneteenth “This is Oklahoma” Fashion Show on Black Wall Street

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GREENWOOD Dist. – Fashion in Oklahoma! That’s what the “This is Oklahoma” Juneteenth Runway Show sought to showcase to the world: that Oklahoma knows fashion. The fashion show was held on June 8th, 2024, at Vista 21 Rooftop in the Greenwood District and featured some of Oklahoma’s most talented fashion designers and models, whose achievements are a source of inspiration and pride for our community. 

There has been a long-held narrative that the West Coast has always influenced Oklahoma fashion, that we only wear cowboy boots and jeans, or that we just flat-out don’t care about fashion.

“This is Oklahoma” fashion on Black Wall Street

 “This is Oklahoma” Juneteenth Runway Show, however, sought to challenge these stereotypes and prove that high-end fashion in Oklahoma not only exists but thrives. It empowers and unites our local fashion community, making each member feel a sense of belonging and importance. 

“This is Oklahoma” Juneteenth Runway Show is an event that celebrates freedom, culture, local fashion community, and diversity in the heart of Tulsa’s Greenwood District.

The organizers, Alicia Stephens and Neisha Nicole, are trailblazers in the industry and have more than 20 years of experience in fashion. Alicia’s affinity for Black Wall Street was ingrained in her from her family and her uncle Willie, the owner of Tee’s barbershop, a shop located right on Greenwood Ave, dubbed Black Wall Street.  

“Oklahoma fashion is still an emerging market because it really doesn’t call for a lot of fashion. Everyone is more t-shirts, jeans and sweatshirts. They’re more comfortable in that,” Stephens told The Black Wall Street Times. 

She continued, “Our goal is to bring that class back and to get the market of people who are into these sorts of things and who go to the galas, who go to events, who need to be dressed for your brand. To know that you can utilize those services right here in town.” 

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Oklahoma Black Country Fashion is International

Going back to the cowboy boots and fashion stereotype, Pharrell Williams paid homage to the American Cowboy during this year’s Paris Fashion Week. The show included Black cowboys from Oklahoma dressed in Louis Vuitton clothing and Timberland boots. 

Anyone who knows Oklahoma’s history or has been to a Black rodeo knows the rich history behind its cultural fashion. That’s to say, Black Oklahoma has its own Western cultural fashion identity. Notably, some of those same cowboys took the stage for the Tulsa Juneteenth fashion show.

Fashion in Oklahoma may be a new concept to the world, but to these designers, Oklahoma has always had it, and they’re at the forefront of shaping Oklahoma’s fashion identity.

The fashion show hosts collaborated with Productive Instincts and partnered with Lonnie McQuarters, a local celebrity wardrobe stylist. Thirty-eight Tulsa and Oklahoma City models hit the runway on Saturday, breathing life into Oklahoma’s Fashion. 

“My purpose was fulfilled and more. I wanted to show Tulsa that fashion is alive and well in Oklahoma,” McQuarters told The Black Wall Street Times. “I had never attended a fashion show until I moved to Atlanta and attended CAU. My hope is to continue bringing this energy with me back home to Tulsa so we can continue to be inspired by our own homegrown talent. Thank you, Tulsa Juneteenth,” McQuarters said.

Events like this will only help the fashion community grow and inspire more people to get into high-end fashion from Oklahoma designers. Until then, Black Wall Street is where these worlds collide, fashion and community.