National Museum of African Art docents rocked the runway on the Mall to show off a range of styles on the catwalk in a visual open mic on July 5, 2013, as part of the Will to Adorn project.

The Will to Adorn: African American Diversity, Style, and Identity Festival program is produced by the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage in partnership with the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Fashion shows are a very common form of entertainment in African American communities, including churches, fraternities and sororities, youth centers, and ethnic and immigrant organizations. The models in these visual concerts are usually recruited from the community, and unlike the shows organized by the fashion industry, participants include people of varied ages and body types. The goals of the shows are entertainment, participation, and often fundraising. The clothing worn may or may not be for sale, and the performance is paramount.

To learn more about the Will to Adorn go to: http://www.festival.si.edu/2013/Will_...

West African Fashion in the 13th Century - Duration: 5:10. dogons2k12 4,491 views