OAPIA Mansion Takeover

Photos by Sophia Pallozzi

Purchase students showcased bold looks for the Organization of African People in the Americas (OAPIA) Mansion event, held in The Stood. 

On Friday, OAPIA launched its legacy event at 10:30 p.m. with disc jockey (DJ) Tayon Burton providing the music.

The theme for the event was inspired by Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills. At Purchase, students put their own creative spin on the iconic bunny costume, bringing diversity and personal flair to the dress code.

Junior Chris Villella, when asked about his all-black outfit, said, "while preparing for playboy night, I honestly didn't have much thought into my outfit. I'm wearing a playboy hoodie, black jeans, shades and playboy underwear. Sunglasses will bring up an outfit to 100%."

Tionne Watson is known for her pink style, casually including the color in her everyday wardrobe. Watson shared her thoughts on Playboys controversial past, reassuring that the theme of the party was for fun. "I truly don't care about Hugh Hefner and his beliefs because who really cares about what some old white guy thinks. People are allowed to have fun and feel sexy without fitting some stupid standard. Hugh is probably rolling in his grave, knowing that we're wearing his signature bunny ears, but oh well, we're taking Playboy back." Said Watson.

Watson in an all-pink outfit smiling and dancing.

Students gather near the main stage area while dancing to the music.

DJ Tayon laying down tracks in a striped, red robe.

Nicquan Samuels serving a bold mesh top look on the platform.

Villella poses for the camera.

Students dancing under the red lights near the barricade.

From left to right: Chata Kone, Eddie Rodriguez and Tristin Casanova pose for a picture near The Stood's mainstage.

Students gather for a selfie on the dance floor.

Watson and Mikayla Pimentel pictured in matching bunny ears beside the barricade.