RIVER CITY FASHION

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RCF’s guide to Roadtripping: Vintage and Secondhand in VA

RCF’s guide to Roadtripping: Vintage and Secondhand in VA Whether you’re Thelma and Louise or Bonnie and Clyde, take Virginia’s scenic byways by storm with our personal guide to a killer (pun intended) roadtrip. “Growing up I would always listen to my dad’s 70s music. And growing up as a Mexican on the west coast, there’s always been a slight western influence that came from my older family members- like bowleros, lots of denim, cowboy boots, hats, etc.,” said Creative Director Carolina Gomez.   Western Americana and the sense of exploration radiate from the photographs captured in the greenery of Barker Fields. With 70’s influence, models lounge in brown corduroy flares and lots and lots of crochet. Freedom and discovery are the essence of the road trip. With a car and a roadmap, discover the hidden boutiques and flea markets Virginia has to offer. With the edgy Saturn Return and Boho to Go, Richmond itself is bursting at the seams with vintage and second hand stores. Moving outside of River City, stroll through the Hillsville Flea Market on their enormous Memorial day and Labor day weekend markets or go to Verona and check out Factory Antiques, the biggest antique mall in America. Global Threadz & Thriftz, located in Fredericksburg, is a hidden gem of high quality curated vintage. Finally, peruse Vintage Mirage in Alexandria, which is a treasure trove of nostalgic pieces. Grab your partners in crime, a stack of iconic CDs and a suitcase of marvelously mysterious attire- leaving room of course for what you pick up along the course of your travels. Photographed by Summer Deciucis Modeled by Carolina Granja, Caera Harrison, Jaylyn Johnson, Lealani Vila & Luke Wilder Creative Direction: Carolina Gomez Creative Team: Alyssa Carman and Kristina Wise

The Best, The Worst and the Most…Something Looks of the 2023 Oscars

The Best, The Worst and the Most…Something Looks of the 2023 Oscars By: Sydney Robinson March 12th was the 95th Academy awards and it was a historical night for many reasons. Everything Everywhere All at Once Swept the major categories, Michelle Yeoh became the second woman of color and first Asian woman to ever win Best Actress, Ruth E. Carter became the first black woman to ever win more than one Academy Award, and Jamie Lee Curtis won Best Supporting Actress to everyone’s disappointment. But in a more shocking development, this year’s red carpet looks were overwhelmingly good, in a stunning departure from years past. Let’s break down the best, worst and most “something” looks of this year. BEST: Fan Bing Bing The reclusive actress wore a billowy Tony Ward couture gown to the ceremony this year, creating a bold silhouette and effectively wiping her tax evasion scandal from all of our minds. WORST: Florence Pugh Florence utilized the same billowy fabric look for her outfit this year, but unfortunately instead of looking like avant garde art it just looks like she’s carrying a pile of laundry. Another miss in a long string of bad outfits this season, clearly she needs to break up with her stylist. Most Something: Elizabeth Banks In a third example of this massive fabric motif, we have Cocaine Bear director Elizabeth Banks. This dress is…a lot but I can’t hate it mostly because I can’t hate her. Cocaine Bear for Best Picture 2024! Best: Bailey Bass Avatar: The Way of Water – and more importantly, Interview With The Vampire – star Bailey bass stunned in a champagne colored gown. At only 19 years old she has cemented herself as not only an acting powerhouse, but a fashion one as well. Worst: Allison Williams As a lover of the queen of camp cringe I’m devastated to have to say it, but this dress is hideous. Miss Williams you are too beautiful to be subjected to this! I want better for you! Most Something: Ana De Armas Since the original Marilyn Monroe happy birthday dress is now ruined and sitting in a Ripley’s vault somewhere – thanks Kim Kardashian – De Armas was forced to settle for a boring knock off. The dress isn’t ugly really, just deeply boring, but I suppose it just reflects her performance in Blonde. Best: Sandra Oh Not only did she look like a stunning Greek goddess, Miss Oh has boldly refused to fall victim to the “no necklace” plague we’re currently experiencing on red carpets. I could talk about this look for days, and I probably will. Worst: Andrea Riseborough This dress had potential, but it washes her out and feels like it clashes against the more punk haircut she’s currently sporting. Personally, it feels like this look is karma for committing category fraud to get herself a Best Actress nomination. Most Something: Eva Longoria I actually see the vision for this one, and I think if it was slightly less busy it would have worked beautifully. The art deco disco ball style dress is wearing her though, she’s not wearing it. Best: Ariana Debose Ariana’s look feels like the more mature and put together version of Eva’s. The toned down sequining feels cohesive and the dress fits her much better. Worst: Lady Gaga While Miss Germonatta is most likely descending into method acting madness while filming Joker 2, it seems she’s brought that insanity to the red carpet. The Dior inspired drop waist just doesn’t work on her short stature, but her hair and makeup look great. I’d recognize that Haus Labs liquid lipstick anywhere. Honorable Mentions: Jessie Buckley The punky sequined Victorian style dress looks great on the Women Talking star. Cara Delevigne Looking stunning in red, Cara reminds us why she was the it girl of our collective teenage years. Malala Yousafzai Looking absurdly beautiful in a glittering hooded gown, Malala makes a good argument for giving her another Nobel prize, this time for fashion.

VCU Becoming: Fashion Show Review​

If there’s one thing VCU has in abundance, its beautiful and talented students. This fact was best on display at this week’s Homecoming fashion show, “Becoming”. Helmed by VCU organization Heels Inc, this show was a vibrant display of fashion and culture in the VCU and greater Richmond communities.

Indie Sleaze: The Comeback of Messy Rage

Indie Sleaze: The comeback of Messy Rage By: Stephania Jugo Garcia December 9, 2022 After the over saturation of Y2K’s comeback, the more muted sister version of “Indie Sleaze” makes a return from music to couture. The TikTok-named era spanned from 2006 to 2014 in the midst of the 2008 Housing Crisis, similar to the incurring recession today. Indie sleaze revolves around an escapism from reality, while rebelling against societal norms in a grungier way. This era pulls from the 70s and 80s carefree, rockstar look with more of a fitted shape. Oversized fur and leather jackets are a staple to make this look effortless, compared to the blazers and longer fitted coats at the time. It draws more attention to the movement of the person while contrasting the tighter layer beneath the jacket. While tights have been a staple for their practicality and classiness, indie sleaze takes another approach. Tights start to have a “worn in” look to them with rips and holes. Patterned and colored tights have come back in a bigger wave this time around, as seen with Valentino and Mugler’s most recent runway shows. Knee-high tights have also been another adaptation of this trend that can be seen this winter. Shorter skirts and shorts also contrast both the bulkier jackets and figure-hugging tights, seen on the infamous MiuMiu micro-bottoms. Skinny jeans, specifically low-rise, were all the rage as well. While skinny jeans might not be in the foreground, low-rise has made a comeback with the help of Y2K trends. Makeup looks and hairstyles have come and gone, but it’s essential to what makes this era what it is. The smudged eyeliner paired with silver shadow and “unstyled” hair give a more relaxed, carefree look. This “not trying” appearance is what the whole era is about, going against the stricter, basic beauty standards. The return of “Indie Sleaze” can be attributed to the fashion cycle circling back, and society mirroring that time before it. Bands, such as the 1975 and the Arctic Monkeys, who created a path for the “Indie” music heard the first time around have released new albums just in time to set the new anthems. Devon Lee Carlson and Suki Waterhouse are just two fashion influencers that have brought the “rockstar girlfriend” or “rock girl” look to the forefront, which gives a nod to the original style icons, Anita Pallenburg and Alexa Chung. Social movements have only expanded to a larger sense of rebellion, like the fight to protect gay marriage during the early 2000s shifting to transgender rights currently. It’s not only fashion recycling and revamping, but society as a whole; the comeback of “Indie Sleaze” is only one example. Photographer: Carolina Gomez Stylist: Sydney Robinson Models: Sophia Arabia, Catherine Nguyễn, Annabel Chilton, & Karley Kozlowski Editor in Chief: Caitlin Thompson Creative Director: Carolina Gomez Fashion Director: Madden Cook

Transitional Fall Must-Have’s

Transitional Fall Must-Have’s By: Bria Roberts November 2, 2022 Fall has always been a favorite season for many reasons, one being the endless possibilities of new and innovative Fall fashion fits it has to offer. Autumn sets the tone for stylistic trends in the new school year and incorporates clothing pieces from each season.    So how do you create the perfect transitional fall fashion outfit?  Here are some tips! When choosing what to wear at this time of year, keep in mind that the shifting autumnal weather and mood allow for the most versatility and exploration in styling. Fall is all about comfort, bring some of your favorite comforting Summer items like a breezy skirt or a playful tank. Everyone has these fashion basics in their wardrobe that can easily be buildable for those cooler Fall days.  Swapping your colorful platform sandals for comfy furry boots or darker-toned platform shoes are easy ways to start incorporating fall trends into your wardrobe, as well as incorporating textured pieces into your outfits, like faux leather and fuzzy accents.  Another tip is when in doubt, layer it out. Some of our favorite layering pieces this season are chunky, knit cardigans and cozy leg warmers. Accessories are also another essential part of any outfit. Opting for more elegant and classic jewelry, like pearls and gold accents can completely change the vibe of any outfit.  When all else fails, denim and earth tones are the go-to transitional fall wardrobe essentials. These stylistic factors never go out of style and are easy communicators of incoming colder weather and comfy vibes.  Fall fashion is all about experimentation. Make sure that whatever you wear is an extension of your personal style that makes you feel confident and ready to take on the day.  Editor in Chief: Caitlin Thompson Creative Director: Carolina Gomez Fashion Director: Madden Cook Photographer: Mary Rushforth Stylist: Sydney Robinson Models: Jada King, Madelyn Carter, & Maddie Martin Follow us on Instagram!

Top 5 Looks From the 94th Oscars Academy Awards

Jada Pinkett Smith: Jada Pinkett Smith showed up and showed out in this gorgeous emerald green haute couture gown by Jean Paul Gaultier and stunning Jimmy Choo pumps. This particular dress was made by Belgian designer Glenn Martens for the Jean Paul Gaultier Spring/Summer 2022 collection. The look features a ruched zip-up bodice, fitted to Smith perfectly, leading into a deep sea of green ruffles that engulfed the skirt. The vibrant green platforms compliment the gown perfectly, along with the simple jewelry and makeup to add touches of femininity to the bold energy of the dress. This gown definitely left a powerful statement, complimenting her Oscar award-winning husband’s charcoal black suit. Lily James: Channeling the bombshell energy from her role as Pamela Anderson, the Pam & Tommy actress Lily James graced the Oscars red carpet in this seductive yet elegant pink Atelier Versace dress from their Autumn/Winter 2021 couture collection. The cotton candy-colored dress was adorned with embroidery and lace and featured a high-thigh slit that led into a frothy fairytale skirt. James is known to draw style inspiration from her roles; this look is no exception as she utilizes the oozing glamor and sexiness of the Versace brand to pay homage to the alluring Pamela Anderson. Demi Singleton: Demi Singleton arrived at her first Oscars in this youthful yet classic lavender gown from Miu Miu. The King Richards actress, who is only fifteen years old, wanted this look to symbolize a new beginning for her as an actress. The strapless, elegant dress is simple and age-appropriate in its silhouette, while also fun and fashionable with its jewel appliques and soothing color. Through this look and her role as the iconic Serena Williams in King Richard, Singleton wanted to inspire all little girls who look like her to follow their dreams.  Kodi Smit-McPhee: Aiming for a look that was formal, beautiful, and daring, The Power of the Dog actor Kodi Smit-McPhee sported a monochromatic baby blue Bottega Veneta suit with matching blue booties at the 2022 academy award show. Smit-McPhee wanted to reference the Oscar-nominated movie he was in by telling a story through his outfit. He opted to steer away from the stagnant black and white suit to solidify his spot as one of the up-and-coming menswear style icons. This intricate look was amplified with the addition of the luxurious Cartier diamond watch he sported on his wrist. Renate Reinsve: Renate Reinsve, the breakout star from the critically acclaimed film The Worst Person in the World, walked the 2022 Oscars red carpet in this unique and daring Louis Vuitton Spring 2022 black and nude dress. The classic gown utilized various design elements to portray a very modern and edgy vibe, definitely casting Reinsve as someone to look out for in the fashion world. This effortless look was complete with the addition of a Louis Vuitton necklace and a bold red lip. Written by: Bria Roberts