When you think of an event that uplifts creative Black voices, one particular convention comes to mind: CultureCon. The two-day conference is designed to bring together Black creative professionals and entrepreneurs worldwide to connect, learn, and build. The convention spotlights some significant players in the creative Black realm, which is why past years have seen the likes of Tracee Ellis Ross, Will Smith, and many more.
This year was no different. In fact, CultureCon 2024 can easily be described as one of the most unique and interesting of the pack, with a “camp” theme that encouraged Black creative souls to “Pack your bags and go on an adventure.”
Aside from the thrilling theme that encouraged typical “camp rules,” including making a friend, being curious, being brave, taking care, and spreading love, the topic also allowed Black individuals to embrace streetwear with a high-fashion and campy twist.
Needless to say, fashion was in the building at CultureCon 2024 – and we’re here for it. Today, we’re taking a look at some of the biggest fashion moments of this beloved camp-themed convention. We’re also sharing some inside deets of the big weekend, including who was there and where it took place.
Where Was CultureCon 2024, and When Did It Take Place?
CultureCon 2024 took place in Duggal Greenhouse in Brooklyn, NY. This 34,000 sq. ft. venue in the Brooklyn Navy Yard offers plenty of room for Black creatives to take center stage. The bulk of the event was held indoors, although several moments took place outside, too.
The event took place from Saturday, October 5th, to Sunday, October 6th, 2024, making it a two-day convention that not only allowed Black individuals to celebrate culture but also embrace it, connect with other like-minded individuals, and learn a thing or two about expanding their brand and improving their skills.
Who Spoke at CultureCon 2024?
Although several impressive Black individuals spoke at CultureCon 2024, three undeniably stood out from the crowd.
Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia Erivo, full name Cynthia Onyedinmanasu Chinasaokwu Erivo, is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. Her popularity continues to grow thanks to her iconic moves in acting, singing, producing, and beyond, including her most recent lead role in the upcoming movie Wicked.
On the stage, Eviro spoke to the crowd about her childhood experiences in acting. She described her time in the neighborhood theater before diving into her role as Elphaba Thropp in Wicked. She explained her input on creating the character’s costume and aesthetic. She wanted the hair braids and long nails to be designed a certain way and refused special effects on her face, ensuring her character couldn’t be labeled as “ugly.”
If Cynthia’s discussion wasn’t enough to draw viewers in (newsflash: it was), then her outfit certainly was. The stunning Black goddess wore a tapered black dress that exquisitely blended streetwear, high fashion, and even a subtle nod to religious get-ups. It had oversized white shoulders and matching sky-high, laced-up boots to match—and a set of nails just as long and eye-catching. We loved that she showed off a bold hairstyle and let her big hoops do the talking.
Yara Shahidi
It’s hard to mention top-notch sitcom actors without mentioning Yara Shahidi. The Black-ish and Grown-ish star has received countless recognition for her tremendous work on these sitcoms. Although her career began when she was just a child, appearing in films like Imagine That and Alex Cross, she is now a well-recognized actor and producer.
Yara Shahidi was one of the headline speakers at CultureCon 2024. Like Eviro, she spoke about her childhood and growing up in her household. She catered to audio and podcasts instead of TV, which was one of the sole drivers of her new podcast, Optimus Project.
On the stage, she was wearing what can only be described as the most comfortable-looking yet classy two-piece set we’ve seen in quite some time. The set featured an elbow-length jacket on top and knee-length drawstring bottoms with a trending tan hue. She styled her tresses in a gorgeous bun updo with a few pieces dangling gracefully around the face and stuck with a subtle makeup palette that accentuated her natural beauty.
Law Roach
When it comes to stylists we’re obsessed with, Law Roach is at the top of the charts. The fashion stylist is well-known for his sensational work with top artists, including Zendaya and Celine Dion. In fact, he’s recently dedicated most of his time to his creative partnership with Zendaya, and we’re loving every minute of it.
Celebrity “image architect” Law Roach took to the stage at CultureCon 2024 and had plenty to discuss. He deep-dived into his beginning days as a stylist and talked about his latest self-help book, “How to Build a Fashion Icon: Notes on Confidence.” He also touched on his work with celebrities and his experiences, all of which were nothing short of attention-grabbing.
Speaking of attention-grabbing, let’s talk about Law Roach’s iconic look. He appeared wearing an unforgettable brown two-piece look with a windbreaker-style jacket and flowing skirt beneath. The look-at-me accessories, including a stunning watch and cross necklace, were the icing on the streetwear cake.
Must-See Streetwear Fashion at CultureCon 2024
Actors, stylists, and other famed Black creators weren’t the only ones who expressed their creativity and culture through fashion; guests also showed up and showed out in fashion designed to turn heads. Here’s a couple of our favorites:
Wrapping Up: The Best Street Style Moments from Culture Con 2024
To say CultureCon was a celebration of Black excellence, creativity, and culture would be an understatement, and that is shown through the fashion and the voices. It goes without saying that CultureCon 2024 was a massive success, and we can’t wait to see what next year’s event has to offer.