As AFRAM celebrates its 50th anniversary, festival goers will experience something new this year: the inaugural AFRAM Fashion Show. Taking place on Sunday, June 21, at 1 p.m., the showcase will highlight Baltimore's rich fashion community and the creatives helping shape the city's culture.

The event is being curated by Baltimore fashion photographer Jeff Butler, known professionally as “Jazzy Studios.” With nearly 20 years of experience in the fashion industry, Butler was selected by the Mayor's Office to bring the vision to life.

"I've been a fashion photographer going on 20 years in the Baltimore and DMV area," Butler said. "I've worked with designers, models and fashion events throughout the city, so when they decided to add a fashion show to AFRAM, they reached out to me."

For Butler, fashion has always been an important part of Baltimore's creative identity.

"Baltimore is rich in fashion and fashion creatives," he said. "From makeup artists and hairstylists to designers and models, there's so much creative energy here. AFRAM is the perfect place to showcase it."

The 30-minute runway presentation will feature a diverse mix of designers representing a variety of styles, perspectives and cultural influences. Attendees can expect everything from contemporary fashion and formalwear to looks inspired by African and Caribbean traditions. The showcase will also include a children's segment, highlighting young models and celebrating creativity across generations.

"I wanted a little bit of everything," Butler said. "There are so many talented people in this city that it was difficult to narrow it down."

Representation was a key consideration when assembling the showcase.

"Baltimore is very diverse," Butler said. "I wanted the show to reflect the different people and creative voices that make this city special."

Although this year's show is limited to 30 minutes, Butler hopes it serves as the beginning of something bigger.

"I'm hoping people walk away feeling like they just saw a preview," he said. "Like, 'Wow, I want to see more of that.'"

In fact, Butler would love to see fashion become a larger part of AFRAM in the future.

"There are enough talented designers, stylists and creatives in Baltimore to fill multiple showcases," he said. "I'd love to see fashion featured throughout the festival."

One thing Butler is especially excited about is the element of surprise. Rather than dictate every detail, he gave participating designers the freedom to select their own models and bring their creative visions to life.

"I'm going to be just as surprised as everyone else," he said. "I want to be wowed."

As AFRAM marks five decades of celebrating Black culture, music and community, the addition of a fashion show offers another way to spotlight the talent, creativity and innovation that exists throughout Baltimore.

The first-ever AFRAM Fashion Show takes place on Sunday, June 21, at 1 p.m., opening the day's festivities and introducing what organizers hope will become a new tradition within one of the city's most beloved celebrations.

AFRAM takes place June 19–21 at Druid Hill Park and is one of the largest African American cultural festivals on the East Coast. For a full schedule of events, festival information and updates on AFRAM's 50th anniversary celebration, visit AFRAMBaltimore.com.