Six months of preparation, three fashion team members and 16 models. It may sound like an impossible combination, but not for University of Florida’s Black Student Union Fashion X-clusive. Fashion X-clusive, also known as FX, is one of several events hosted during February’s black history month celebration. This year it was featured as part of the 26th Annual Florida Invitational Step Show’s week long festivities. Attracting an audience of over 900 people, Fashion X-clusive is in its 13th year of production and continues to grow. The show serves as a creative outlet for students as they combine aspects of fashion, entertainment and culture.
Name: D’Anna Tillis
Role: Fashion X-clusive Fashion Director
CollegeFashionista: What inspired you to become fashion director?
D’Anna Tillis: I love any opportunity that will allow me to express and showcase my creativity through fashion. I thought that becoming the fashion director for FX would allow me to do just that.
CF: What were your favorite looks from the show?
DT: My favorite looks were the Kanye- and Katy Perry-inspired scenes. My show director pretty much told me to do what feels right, so when it came to styling the models for each scene I created looks based on the individual style of the artist. For example, Kanye has been all about neutrals lately, he also mixes avant-garde with street style and that’s what was so fun about recreating some of his looks. The Maison Margiela-inspired masks handcrafted by my team and I were also a favorite of mine. Also, I’m a girly girl and I just love Katy Perry! It only felt right to make her scene Barbie-inspired. Katy’s fun, whimsical and super creative just like Barbie, so it was really exciting for me to recreate the different versions of Barbie that I believe Katy Perry represents.
CF: What is something you learned about yourself through this experience?
DT: I realized I am capable of fashion styling on a much larger scale.
CF: How would you describe your personal style?
DT: My personal style is girly with a little edge. I can tone it down and amp it up all in one look. I am most inspired by Jessica Parker’s character in Sex and the City, Carrie Bradshaw. She can be subtle yet fierce, and I love that. I’m also obsessed with Karl Lagerfeld and what he does with the entire Chanel brand. He’s super creative and has inspired me to work even harder so that I can purchase my first Chanel flap bag.
Learn More: After college, D’Anna plans to work in fashion merchandising while obtaining her Masters of Science degree in Mass Communications. After receiving her masters, she plans to work as an editorial or runway stylist before launching her own image consulting company. For more information, visit the Fashion X-clusive website.
