Atlanta Designer Goes Viral With Graduation-Themed Fashion Series

A rising black designer is celebrated for his eye-catching fashion designs inspired by the traditional cap and gown.

Atlanta-based photographer, designer and creative director Akachè St. Marcino IV produced an original series to celebrate Black women graduating in 2024. Dubbed “The Grand Miliarium,” the series combines high fashion with the monumental milestone of Graduation.

Marcino used two female Georgia State University graduates to model his original designs inspired by the traditional graduation cap. The Grand Miliarium Volume I features model Siearra Shakiena in unique pants embroidered with graduation cap pompoms and the 2024 graduation year.

The pants were “personally made to symbolize important milestones on the journey to graduation,” Marcino wrote.

The second part of the original series features model Keria Laura wearing “an exquisitely designed dress, meticulously crafted from graduation caps, symbolizing the pinnacle of educational achievement,” Marcino explained. He got help from his seamstress sister, Elizabeth Oluokun, in designing the dress, which took him almost a year to finalize.

Taking inspiration from 69 Views, Chad Lawson and Book Be Creative, Marcino conceptualized the look consisting of a dress full of black graduation caps. Marcino wanted to “break the internet” with her original cap dress that Keria Laura helped bring to life. A video shows Marcino’s journey to design and make the dress and direct the photo shoot.

In addition to the fashion designs, Marcino also shared photos he took of other black women.

who recently graduated from GSU and Spelman College. Last month, he collaborated in Instagram posts with a series of 2024 graduates, including Black men who wore “Black Grads Matter” sashes.

His original creations and photo series amplifying black graduates could help the emerging photographer carve out a path for himself. The Class of 2024 applauds his work and his celebration of Black excellence.

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