Swimming in Circles didn’t just live up to expectations, it blew them out of the water.
Queen’s Black Fashion Association’s (QBFA) annual fashion show, this year titled Swimming in Circles, transformed Grant Hall into an editorial fashion hub on Feb. 8. With live music, dynamic arrangement, cohesive looks, and stunning creative and model talent, the event stood out.
It’s the product of months of work by the entire QBFA team, with Co-Presidents Binyat Akrem, ArtSci ’25, and Willo Thomas, ArtSci ’26, praising the hard work of their community in making the show happen.
READ MORE: QBFA’s ‘Swimming in Circles’ is set to make waves
The show was well attended, with floor seating full, complete with audience in the upstairs section of the hall, enthusiastic even from the rafters. It wasn’t just the models that came dressed to impress—audience took the theme seriously, with many looking like they stepped off the runway themselves.
Beginning with an inspiring presentation from the founder of MOTUS, a Black-owned clothing brand in Toronto that’s been successful since first launching in 2023, the talk had an inspiring message for any young entrepreneurs and designers in the room. Malik Pottinger described the magic that can happen when ion meets purpose, and culture meets community.
The theme, “Swimming in Circles,” was cohesive and compelling, seen in all parts of the show—from marketing, the series of looks, and even the seating set-up. The models walked in concentric circles throughout the audience, not only allowing attendees to see the looks up close but also creating a dynamic ebb and flow that reflected the theme.
The creative vision was clear and impactful, the original idea was the brainchild of Creative Director King-David Olajuwon, Nurs. ’25. Adding to the fashion element, the show had music throughout, played by Ruben Ohanian, HealthSci ’26, that brought the designs to life with his piano and electronic accompaniments. The live, reactive element added to the life of the show.
Ohanian was also part of the show itself outside of the music, interacting with dancer Kyla Harry, MAPP ’27, who performed solo, both onstage, and weaving throughout the crowd. The dynamic between the two added an element of storytelling to the show, deepening its impact.
Starting with a light, floral collection before moving to darker themes, the rounds of looks pre-intermission started the show strong. The attention to detail was meticulous, through carefully placed flowers, draped garments, and jewellery.
It seemed every element had its place with makeup, intricate hair designs, and accessories completing every look with a decisive finish, with touches like body glitter and face jewels showing the care put into each look.
The intermission included a photo booth for attendees, and QBFA merchandise for sale through the Tricolour Outlet.
Post-intermission, the dialogue between dance and music continued, before the next round of looks began. This time, the styling didn’t shy away from combining textures and colours, with denim, feathers, fur, and silk blending to make outfits that felt editorial and pushed boundaries.
A particular highlight was a trio of bug-like looks, that felt futuristic and on the edge, this metamorphosis both freaky and beautiful at the same time.
It wasn’t just the looks themselves that sold the show, rather the professionalism of the models that wore them. There’s some emerging modelling talent in the mix, which brought everything together.
The final walk was powerful, with all models completing their circuit in a continuous line, creating a whirlpool effect that felt fitting for the final moments of Swimming in Circles.
The ive community within the QBFA team was clear, and their show stands out as interactive and immersive, not limited to the stage, giving much to talk about after leaving the doors of Grant Hall.
It was a showcase of Black excellence that left a lingering impression, and I’d gladly take another dive.
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