RVA Fashion Week: Strutting Style

by Fayeruz Regan 05.2023

I sank into the booth across from the tarot card reader. Though it was dark, I could tell she was stunning. Her cheekbones could cut glass. “So…do I ask a question, or do you just read the cards?” I asked. She smiled and responded, “I don’t read tarot. We are just here to be fabulous.” 

Turns out that tarot booth was just an elaborately lit photo opportunity, and the psychic was a model for RVA Fashion Week. I may not have had my fortune read, but the pictures did not disappoint. This was a few years ago, and the theme that week was Welcome to the Funhouse. The opening night party at Vagabond was decked out with homemade booths, glowing under blacklights. There were giant tissue paper flowers and carnival games. Clowns were decked out with outlandish eyelashes, platform boots and full glam. 

The event has just entered its 15th year, and it’s bigger than ever. It’s still surprising that so many Richmonders have yet to hear of it.  

It all began in 2008, when a group of students from VCU’s esteemed Arts Fashion and Merchandising Department cooked up the idea to launch a fashion week in Richmond. They wanted to celebrate the unique style and culture of the city they loved. Richmond may only be the 56th largest city in the U.S., but culturally, we may as well be in the top ten. 

RVA Fashion Week takes place twice a year. In the fall the focus is streetwear, and in the spring they trot out their luxury collections. For an entire week, the city is alight with pop-ups and parties. Last fall, there was an exclusive shopping event for sneakerheads, who snatched up collectible kicks. There were speaking panels, spa brunches – a little something for everyone. 

It all culminates on Sunday night, at the much-anticipated fashion show. There’s a runway lined with eclectically dressed patrons, a step-and-repeat wall and flashing bulbs, just as there would be in any large city. But unlike larger cities, the staff is nearly 100% volunteer based. That is how strong the will of creative expression is in Richmond.

Though there isn’t one word that can encapsulate fashion in Richmond, it is by varying degrees bold and vibrant. Designers are unafraid to make waves, refusing to play it down to appeal to a wide market. It’s also reassuring to see such a healthy representation from the Black community, who make up the majority of players in this scene, from volunteers and musicians to designers and caterers.

The overall impact of RVA Fashion Week cannot be measured. It’s an economic shot in the arm for local restaurants and boutiques, party venues, jewelers and more. It catapults recent graduates and struggling artists into the spotlight. And other cities are taking notice.

In fact, D.C.-based artist Ryan Azia moved to Richmond and has since become the creative director for RVA Fashion Week. “It was here in Richmond that I was first able to share and cultivate myself as a designer and a brand at RVA Fashion Week,” she says. “A few years later, I moved to Richmond. I had an opportunity to work with RVA Fashion Week, so I took it.”

Ryan also has his own fashion line, dubbed The Aziancy. While each collection varies, it has an urban streetwear feel; think a lot of black, metal chain accents and cynical quips on hoodies and tees. 

“We are starting to be recognized outside of Richmond and gaining respect. That is thanks to the models, fashion stylists, hair and makeup stylists, photographers, and designers venturing forth,” Ryan says. 

Many models and stylists have struck out for New York, but often stop in Richmond during fashion week. I sat beside a former model at a recent show who said she misses the sense of community. 

Ryan agrees. “The most gratifying part of the event is the people and the community coming together and supporting each other. Most of RVA Fashion Week is volunteer based, so to see the amount of people giving up their time to help produce a show for the community is an amazing thing.”

https://www.rvafw.com/