first impressions
Feb 2025
A celebration of Black, queer, plus-size individuals, First Impressions explores how we are perceived and empowers us to show up authentically—particularly through fashion, but also in broader ways—while embracing the beauty of our uniqueness.
Harmful ideologies rooted in White Supremacy—fatphobia, anti-Blackness, colorism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, misogynoir, and more—promote using fashion to hide and conform. In contrast, fashion can be a liberatory tool for self-expression, inspiring others to resist submission and question oppressive systems. This discovery can foster care-focused community.
This series featured 12 incredible Black, queer, plus-size models styled in curated, thrifted, and upcycled pieces—some incorporating their own wardrobe—by Morgan Davis of Morganeliz, who also photographed and filmed them.
A 1-day pop-up exhibit for the event occurred on February 22, 2025 at miXt food hall in Brentwood, MD
Click here to view a recap post of the event on Instagram
Featured Models:
Alex Leonard (she/her)
Ares Lewis (he/him)
Celeste Reyes (she/her)
Felicia “fela” Taliaferro (she/her)
Kadesh DuBose (they/them, he/him)
Montinique Morgan (she/her)
Maereg Gebretekle (she/they)
Muse Dodd (they/them)
saffy (any/all)
Serlena Rose Flowers (she/her)
Zahra/Zed Wardrick (they/them)
