Student Designers Take Centre Stage in PBS’s Fashion Forward Documentary

North Carolina Universities Lead Cultural Dialogue Through Fashion Education

Fashion has always been a great way for cultural expression, identity, and innovative thinking, especially at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), where style is often more than a superficial aesthetic; moreover, it is indicative of pride, resistance, and creativity. With these paradigms in mind, fashion design for North Carolina universities has always been an academically viable path; in addition, it is part of action on campus with influences that go out into larger movements. As part of a growing trend in inclusive fashion design programs rooted in heritage and education, institutions are discovering new ways of exposing fashion's important place in education and cultural narration.

In an exciting display of creativity and heritage, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University's fashion merchandising and design program, ranked as one of the top in North Carolina, will be the focus of a PBS-North Carolina documentary called Fashion Forward. The documentary, which airs on 12 September at 7 p.m. on PBS NC and the PBS app, will also be streamed on the HBCU Week NOW YouTube Channel. It is part of HBCU Week, a public media collaboration focused on investigating the history, legacy, and cultural programs of historically Black colleges and universities in the United States.

The documentary showcases the fashion programs at N.C. A&T and North Carolina Central University are among the most vibrant colleges for fashion design in the region. Filmmaker Torrance Hill, a Howard University graduate and founder of Noir Prism Studios, chose A&T's program because of its unique dual emphasis on fashion design and merchandising, areas he thought were missing in media representations of NC colleges. Hill observed that the program not only teaches students the creative skills needed but also the business knowledge necessary to thrive in the international fashion world.

Adding further credence to the reputation of the programme, Hill learned that Professor Devona Dixon, Ph.D., one of A&T's fashion department standout faculty members, was awarded the 2024 University of North Carolina Board of Governors Teaching Excellence Award. A fellow HBCU graduate and veteran fashion history educator, Dixon clarified that fashion at Black institutions is not just about style; it is a type of cultural expression, pride, and innovation. She explained that student life in North Carolina is often shaped by fashion traditions that influence broader movements, including the rise of streetwear and its global reach.

The documentary also includes two A&T students whose projects illustrate the programme's influence. Tyler Cozart, a junior fashion merchandising and design major, started his own fashion line, Walking Ticket, during the pandemic. Haleigh Aldridge, a double major in fashion merchandising and political science, is now president of the student club Fashion X-Cetera, indicative of the lively student activities and leadership options available at the college.

Further, the documentary has a segment on N.C. Central University's fashion program, featuring alumnus Tukii Tucker, who received national recognition after winning a fashion competition with designs by the late André Leon Talley. Tucker's work landed him a spread in Ebony magazine and has resulted in his current position as a designer for Local Style Chips, a fashion company based in Chicago. As Hill concluded, fashion at state universities, especially in North Carolina universities, bears profound cultural relevance. Its power goes beyond campus walls, influencing television, film, and world style. With Fashion Forward, PBS North Carolina provides the rarest form of insight into the crossing of design & fashion, education, and identity, and into how HBCUs are leading artistic achievement and cultural leadership.

Editor's Note:

Fashion Forward offers a refreshing change from the usual focus on mainstream trends and commercial glamour. Instead of treating fashion as something temporary or decorative, it shows how fashion can be a serious and meaningful part of culture, especially within Black communities. The documentary highlights how fashion is deeply connected to identity, history, and creativity, making it much more than just style. By concentrating on the North Carolina A&T and North Carolina Central University fashion programs, the documentary subverts traditional images of HBCUs and presents them instead as hotbeds of creative excellence and economic empowerment. What marks this coverage as different is its unwillingness to regard fashion as surface or secondary. The documentary puts fashion in its proper place in the serious academic and cultural examination, negotiating with the fields of economics, history, and identity. Professor Devona Dixon says in HBCUs fashion isn't merely aesthetic; fashion speaks through an asset that takes strength from heritage and social awareness. The student testimony and alumni achievements reinforce the impression that these programs are incubators for talent as well as for change. In a media world that too frequently marginalises the intricacy of Black learning environments, Fashion Forward provides a corrective. The film encourages viewers to look again at what it means to be academically excellent and culturally relevant in the fields of design and fashion.

Skoobuzz highlights that for institutions looking to diversify their stories and promote underrepresented fields, this documentary provides a powerful precedent. The message is clear: fashion at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) is not merely supplemental but an integral component of education.

FAQs

1. What is the role of HBCU fashion in PBS’s Fashion Forward?

HBCU fashion is portrayed in Fashion Forward as a meaningful blend of cultural expression and academic excellence. The documentary highlights how fashion at historically Black colleges and universities reflects identity, heritage, and creativity. It focuses on the programmes at North Carolina A&T and North Carolina Central University, showing how these institutions nurture both artistic talent and business acumen, positioning fashion as a serious discipline with global relevance.

2. Which North Carolina universities offer fashion design courses?

Several universities across North Carolina offer fashion design programmes. North Carolina State University provides a comprehensive degree in Fashion and Textile Design, with options to specialise in fashion or textile development. North Carolina Central University offers a programme in Apparel Design, combining creative and technical training. Other institutions such as the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, East Carolina University, and Appalachian State University also deliver fashion-related courses, each with distinct industry connections and academic strengths.

3. How are student activities shaping HBCU fashion culture?

Student activities at HBCUs play a central role in shaping fashion culture on campus. Events such as homecomings, fashion shows, and student-led clubs foster creativity and pride, while also serving as platforms for self-expression. These activities often blend traditional styles with contemporary influences, contributing to a vibrant fashion ecosystem that reflects cultural heritage and influences wider trends in streetwear and media.

4. Why is North Carolina State University featured in fashion education news?

North Carolina State University is recognised for its innovative approach to fashion education. Its Fashion and Textile Design programme integrates sustainability, digital design tools, and industry partnerships, preparing students for careers in both creative and commercial sectors. The university also hosts events such as Art2Wear, which allow students to showcase their work to professional audiences, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in fashion education within the region.

5. How can students apply for fashion design programmes in North Carolina?

Students can apply by submitting a university application along with academic transcripts, test scores, and a personal statement. Some programmes may require a portfolio to demonstrate creative or technical ability. Institutions such as North Carolina State University also offer pre-admission workshops and summer programmes to help applicants strengthen their submissions. Requirements vary by university, so prospective students should consult each institution’s admissions office for specific guidance.