by Tomisin Fasosin
Black Style at Barnard (BSB) is a passion project I created my first year at Barnard in response to a lack of Black representation in the fashion social sphere on campus. BSB began as a digital archive of the styles and outfits of Black Barnard and Columbia. I aimed to not only highlight individual looks, but to create a culture around Black Style—curating collections and editing videos showcasing Black outfits for campus milestones such as the First Day of Classes and Valentine’s Day. What I am most proud of is my coining of “Blacchanal” dubbed from Columbia University’s annual spring concert–Bacchanal. I am particular about my desire to create spaces for Black Style to exist and flourish on campus—and I aim to form a community of fellow Black fashion aficionados.
First slide in presentation shown at the Black Style at Barnard Relaunch
I have been a member of the Barnard Organization of Soul and Solidarity (B.O.S.S.) since my first semester at college. I served as a Media Chair for my first two years at Barnard, and now I am currently the Vice President. B.O.S.S. is such a special space for me, and pouring into the organization these past few years has watered me in immeasurable ways. Much like with BSB, my involvement with B.O.S.S. is a testament to my desire to cultivate genuine community with Black students at Barnard.
Raw shots of models Zoe, Comfort, and Melisa
I designed the “I’M A B.O.S.S. BABE” baby tees in my sophomore year as a part of our B.O.S.S. merch collection. I wanted to create something cute and fresh—that could be easily styled in countless ways no matter whose closet it was in. I sat on the shirts for a bit, knowing that I wanted to conceptualize a photoshoot to commemorate its release.
Raw shot of models Lauren and Zoe
BSB was inactive for the Fall 2023 semester, in-part because of my hectic junior-year schedule. However, I knew that BSB was something special—an idea that was given to me with the drive to execute–and I began to muse on the possibility of a relaunch.
Raw shots of models Lauren, Anyiang, Comfort, and Maya
The concept of a B.O.S.S. Babe is one that is multi-dimensional, encompassing any and every which way Black students on this campus are unapologetically Black and fly as hell. I asked models to wear their baby tee in a way that reflected their personal style. I love my models downnn, and each of them brought their own dope energy to the shoot.
After a month of organizing models, sourcing equipment, booking spaces to shoot, scheduling sessions, and hours of editing, “B.O.S.S. Babes” quickly became my favorite project to date. I feel blessed to be able to shoot with friends and fellow Black students, creating editorial-style images to commemorate the relaunch of my passion project.
Edited magazine covers of models Melisa, Zoe, Comfort, Anyiang, Maya, Lauren, and Mariame
The collaboration between B.O.S.S. and Black Style at Barnard is exciting and extremely pivotal! I want BSB to feel different; to consistently engage with Black students and foster a community centered around Black Style.
At the relaunch, we engaged in a discussion of Black style and the ways in which our individuality influences how and why we dress. There were snacks provided and B.O.S.S. tees were given out for free!
Edited flyer for Black Style at Barnard Relaunch
According to my beautiful models, B.O.S.S. Babes use their style to communicate to the world: feelings of comfort, fluidity, sexiness, and exploration. B.O.S.S. Babes do not feel the need to conform to any standard, and instead celebrate themselves in their journey to find themselves.
Edited call sheets of models Melisa and Anyiang
Black Style at Barnard has a lot of plans for the spring semester—with thrift trips, style interviews, and Black fashion discourse to come!
I am eternally grateful to my models, and encourage you all to check out more B.O.S.S. Babe content on @blackstyleatbarnard and @barnardboss.
Tomisin Fasosin 