Overview:
The Southern Classic, an elegant open-air affair that merges style with substance, has become a Dallas staple. Founded by Sydney Chandler and NeAndre Broussard, the event gathers over 400 Black professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs for an evening of music, fashion, and connection. This year's theme is "Western Luxury," paying homage to the city's rodeo culture with a luxurious spin. The event fosters an economy of visibility, where Black-owned brands, creatives, and thought leaders thrive. By centering Black culture and excellence, the Southern Classic nurtures Black success and fosters a sense of community and belonging.
The Rise of a Modern Tradition
When NeAndre Broussard and Sydney Chandler first imagined The Southern Classic seven years ago, they weren’t thinking about building a viral moment—they were building a movement.
Around that time, Dallas-based collective The Baddie Brunch was creating empowering spaces for Black women to connect and celebrate one another.
Co-founder Sydney Chandler, the powerhouse behind The Baddie Brunch, echoes that sentiment from the perspective of sisterhood. “The Baddie Brunch is important because it creates a space for Black women to connect beyond surface-level networking,” Chandler explains. “It leans into sisterhood. It leans heavily into joy. It leans into community—celebrating who we are individually while building each other up collectively.”
As the founder of Black Menswear, Broussard had already become known for his powerful “Flash Mob” photoshoots: scenes of sharply dressed Black men flooding streets, parks, and plazas across the country in celebration of unity and self-expression.
“So from that, we reached out and said, ‘You know, we’re doing for men what you’re doing for women. Let’s come together and do something special,’” Broussard recalls. “At that time, there weren’t really a lot of spaces for upwardly mobile Black professionals to get together—without it being the club or a boring networking event.”
That collaboration birthed The Southern Classic—an elegant, open-air affair that merges style with substance. Each year, over 600 Black professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs gather for an evening of music, fashion, and connection in downtown Dallas.
Inspired by the sophistication of New York’s Polo Classic and the Southern charm of the Kentucky Derby, the event has become a Dallas staple. Adding to that southern charm was this year’s Southern Classic sponsored by Jack Daniel’s.
“It’s What We Deserve”
What began as an idea for a safe space to vibe and connect has matured into a symbol of Black joy and sophistication.
“This is really about creating what we deserve,” Broussard says. “A stress-free environment where we can show up as our full selves—dressed to the nines, surrounded by people who reflect our excellence.”
Entering its seventh year, The Southern Classic’s growth mirrors the evolution of Dallas itself—a city that has become a magnet for young Black professionals seeking opportunity and culture.
“Dallas is such a transplant city,” Broussard notes. “When I got here for college, downtown was just a freeway. Now it’s booming with jobs, housing, and energy. Millennials aren’t kids anymore—we’re grown, established, and looking for experiences that reflect that.”
That’s where The Southern Classic comes in. A golden-hour party running from 6 to 10 p.m., it offered just the right blend of celebration and sophistication. “You can dance, drink, network, and still be in bed by midnight,” he laughs. “Or hit the after-party if you’re feeling it. Either way, it’s a vibe.”
This Year’s Theme: “Western Luxury”
Each year, The Southern Classic reinvents itself with a new aesthetic. Previous themes have included “A Night in Havana” and “Tropical Paradise.” But this year’s direction—Western Luxury—hits closer to home.
“In Dallas, we’re in the heart of Texas. We’ve never leaned into that fully,” Broussard says. “This year we’re paying homage to where we are—with a luxurious spin on rodeo culture. Think sharp suits with cowboy hats, bolo ties, and wide-brimmed slacks. It’s about honoring the legacy of Black cowboy culture while elevating it.”
The Western Luxury theme also aligns with a broader reclaiming of Southern Black narratives. It acknowledges the past while celebrating the creative, contemporary spirit that defines Dallas today.
Building Community and Opportunity
That message resonates deeply, especially for South Dallas readers who understand the importance of visibility, representation, and belonging. These curated experiences don’t just celebrate Black success—they nurture it.
People come here from L.A. or New York with ideas, with energy. Having a space where they can be seen, connect, and collaborate—that’s invaluable.
Neandre Broussard, The southern classic co- founder and black menswear founder
It’s evident that Broussard and Chandler’s goal is to make Dallas a destination for Black creatives and entrepreneurs from across the country. “It’s always dope to see how many people travel here for the weekend,” Broussard says. “Some people came to the Southern Classic for the first time—and then decided to move to Dallas afterward. That’s impact.”
The Southern Classic has also become fertile ground for brand partnerships and business exposure. From local startups to national names, brands that align with the event’s message of empowerment find authentic engagement.
“We’ve seen this new wave of entrepreneurs and influencers moving to Dallas,” Broussard explained. “People come here from L.A. or New York with ideas, with energy. Having a space where they can be seen, connect, and collaborate—that’s invaluable.”
The legacy is [about] making the Southern Classic that Dallas stamp—so every October isn’t just fair season or homecoming season—it’s Southern Classic season.
sydney chandler, the southern classic co-founder and baddie brunch founder
By centering Black culture and excellence, the Southern Classic fosters an economy of visibility—one where Black-owned brands, creatives, and thought leaders thrive.
Consistency Is the Key
Broussard attributes the Southern Classic’s longevity to one principle: purposeful consistency.
“When you know what you’re doing and why you’re doing it, you keep going,” he says. “People might not get it at first, but they come around. Consistency is how you go from an idea to an institution.”
He compared the event’s trajectory to cultural fixtures like the State Fair Classic. “That’s 100 years of legacy,” he says. “We’re only seven in, but that’s the mindset—longevity through consistency.”
With seven years of The Southern Classic now officially behind them, both founders are thinking about the Southern Classic’s long-term impact. “It’d be really nice if The Southern Classic could live on past us,” Chandler says. “It’s creating an annual reason, an annual purpose, to come to Dallas and celebrate yourselves and others.”
She likens it to a cultural homecoming: “The legacy is [about] making the Southern Classic that Dallas stamp—so every October isn’t just fair season or homecoming season—it’s Southern Classic season. People should be looking forward to what the theme is going to be, what they’re going to wear, who they’re going to see. It’s that same energy you had before prom, but now it’s with purpose.”
The Power of Partnership
Behind the glamor is a partnership built on trust and alignment. The collaboration between Broussard’s Black Menswear and Chandler’s Baddie Brunch wasn’t a coincidence—it was chemistry.
“Seven years ago, when we started this thing, the women of Baddie Brunch were kind of wanting to know: where are the men?” Chandler laughs. “And Black Menswear was looking to have more in-person touch points in the city. There was a mutual need and we joined forces.”
Since then, the pair have created a seamless rhythm. “It’s important to show Black men and Black women working seamlessly together, through honesty and transparency, all for the greater good of the culture,” she says. “We built a family.”
Broussard agrees. “Sydney and I knew this had to be about more than just putting on an event. We wanted to show what happens when we collaborate, not compete.”
The Heart of It All
Ultimately, the Southern Classic was more than a fashion-forward gathering—it was a love letter to Black community, culture, and creativity in Dallas.
It’s proof that joy is a form of resistance, that excellence is communal, and that when we create spaces for us, the entire city shines brighter. “It’s not just about a good time,” Broussard says. “It’s about being seen, being heard, and knowing that this—this joy, this unity, this excellence—is ours.”
All Gallery photos by JCI Creatives. Planning & Production by Swan7 Productions. Design & Decor by Label Me Exclusive.
