For most college students, four years mark the path from freshman to senior. For Virginia Commonwealth University professor Maurice Gattis, the same four year span has led to an unexpected and remarkable milestone far beyond academia. What began as a creative project has evolved into a fashion label that recently reached one of the industry’s biggest stages.
Gattis, an associate professor in the School of Social Work, has gained attention for his clothing brand Fort Mosé 1738. This fall marked the label’s fourth anniversary, celebrated in a way few could imagine when it launched. In September, Gattis presented his spring summer 2026 collection at New York Fashion Week, one of the most influential showcases in the global fashion world.
“I do not think that four years ago, when I started Fort Mosé 1738, I thought it would end up on a major runway at New York Fashion Week,” Gattis said. “To be there and have a show, and to have it well received, was amazing. It felt like an honor.”
A Brand Rooted in History and Cultural Identity
The story of how a social work professor became a fashion designer may be surprising, but the success of Fort Mosé 1738 comes from its depth and meaning. The brand is named after the first legally recognized free Black community in the United States, and each garment is produced in Ghana.
The spring summer 2026 collection takes inspiration from the novel Happy Land, which follows a group of enslaved people who gain freedom and create their own independent kingdom. Gattis said he was drawn to its theme of individuals living freely in America while maintaining their African heritage.
“The collections and their names often draw from Black firsts or cultural fusions across the diaspora,” he said. “That is how I think about the designs and how I build each collection.”
A Showcase Blending Ghanaian Craft and Modern Design
Gattis’ NYFW presentation featured twelve pieces six masculine and six feminine. Half of the designs were crafted from kente, the traditional hand woven Ghanaian cloth known for its vibrant colors and powerful symbolism. The use of Ghanaian textiles and production methods is a defining feature of Fort Mosé 1738, reflecting both craftsmanship and cultural pride.
Walking the runway alongside model Tracy Sprolden, Gattis embraced the moment as a chance to reflect on what he has built since the brand’s beginning.
“I think we all move at our own pace and in our own way,” he said. “My goal has always been steady progress. Look for opportunities, apply for them and see where things lead.”
Looking Ahead to New Collections and New Audiences
With four years behind him, Gattis already has ideas for the next chapters of Fort Mosé 1738 and hopes the brand’s message continues to reach new audiences.
“I want to continue spreading the story of Fort Mosé 1738,” he said. “It is meaningful, and fashion allows me to share it in a powerful way.”
