Julia Karns
Editor-In-Chief
The weekend shows...
FRIDAY, APRIL 10
The fifth day of Richmond Fashion Week, themed Flowism, was hosted at Deco at CNB. The runway was transformed into an immersive experience where fashion and performance went hand in hand. The night also featured an entrancing musical performance by singer Chyna Monay.
KAY WOODSON DESIGNS
The evening began with hair artist Kay Woodson. Hailing from Farmville, VA, Woodson has been a hair stylist and beauty coordinator for RVAFW for years.
The first piece of the collection commanded the audience’s attention– not only being seen, but heard. Reflective iridescent sequins clinked and swished as the model walked down the runway. The second piece was a gold high-slit sequin gown adorned with hair clips. Many of Woodson’s designs featured hair, bringing her mastery of hair artistry into the world of apparel. A white set was accented with pearls and crocheted braided hair imitating fringe, and a black mini gown’s skirt was made to resemble an afro.
During the showing of the final design, a fuchsia gown with a train crafted out of bubblegum pink hair, the model sat at the end of the runway while Kay masterfully cut her hair. Tufts of dark curls tumbled weightlessly to the floor as audience members sat transfixed.
THE AZIANCY
Models walked slowly, as if in a dream state, wearing garments that felt raw and commanding of attention.
Designer Ryan Azia treated clothing as both a literal and metaphorical blank canvas through The Aziancy’s latest line, The Canvas Collection. The opening look evoked the phrase “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” as a model wore a gown composed of painted canvas featuring an inquisitive, expressive eye, pinned over a black lace-covered slip.
Three models then circled the runway dressed in all white as spray paint artist and VCUarts student Liam Weis transformed the garments live on the runway. Wearing his signature paint-splattered jeans, an undone white blazer with three-dimensional ribcage detailing, a black tulle drape, and an unassuming black backpack filled with paint cans, he created artwork directly onto each piece.
Azia has had the concept for the collection developing in his mind for years, based on life experiences. “Everything is a canvas,” said Azia.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11
Day 6 of RVAFW showcased Richmond’s premier designers on the runway, where structure, creativity, and fashion coincided. The show was presented in support of the American Cancer Society.
MAPULDER VOL.2
Each design featured in Mapulder’s latest collection is an artisan work of art where creativity, culture, and purpose meet. Through comfortable and colorful clothing, Mapulder uses fashion as a voice for identity and community and brings to the mainstream the lost arts of India. The brand uses 100% cotton, hand-block prints, and natural dyes made by artisans from India with a commitment to give back to the community.
In addition to the standalone pieces, Mapulder also has a matching Mommy & Me collection connecting the brand’s clothing and mission to Mother Nature.
C RENEE
C Renee’s 2026 Spring/Summer collection, The Offering, features sustainable, one-of-a-kind garments that transported attendees into a realm of haunting fantasy. Models floated down the runway in gothic medieval-inspired gowns, velvet hooded robes, and layered ensembles suited for exploring desert-like terrain. Explaining the concept, Renee said, “It’s exactly what it sounds like… It was an offering of self.”
MAISON LAEL
Historic architectural movements inspired designer Alana Lael’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection, from the angular concrete structures of 1950s brutalism to the stained glass of Gothic cathedrals.
Each piece elegantly interacted with the models’ forms as they sauntered down the runway, whether the material was body-contouring or fluid.
THE INTRUSIVE
Belts and metal accents, such as chainmail, uniquely complemented the neutral color palette of The Intrusive’s Spring/Summer 2026 line. A videographer follows one model as he walks down the runway. As soon as he pivots for the return walk, the phrase “It’s Been Done Before” is viewed by the audience, written in white handwriting on the back of his black trenchcoat.
Models presenting the collection’s last look were attached by what appeared to be a strip of duct tape going across both of their chests. Belts, tape, and patent leather are all materials that can feel confining, much like intrusive thoughts. However, through Bishop’s designs, they are re-positioned as empowering.
“The Intrusive is all about intrusive thoughts and how two things that are so different can coincide and live in one world, but also look fabulous doing it,” said creative director Bella Bishop.
CONVERTINO COUTURE
Models walked down the runway with a confident, rhythmic stride, some carrying seashells, while showing off VCUarts fashion designer Stella Convertino’s Spring/Summer 2026 line. Elegant orchestral music, including the theme from The Godfather, played.
Each look was classy and timeless, yet derived inspiration from vintage fashion trends. One of the collection’s standout looks was a black lace-up siren dress, a recreation of a Dolce and Gabbana piece. Another was a white off-the-shoulder dress inspired by the designs of Roberto Cavalli. Each look in Convertino’s collection is ideal for formal occasions such as wedding receptions or prom nights.
SUIGENS
The runway transformed into a stage for Suigens’ otherworldly avant-garde style. Platform heels poked out from beneath floor-skimming, body-contouring poly spandex gowns as the models slowly sauntered down the runway. Futuristic electronic music that further enhanced the brand’s extraterrestrial aura and elusive presence.
The looks were both minimalistic and outlandish, with powerful, exaggerated pagoda shoulders paired with color-coordinating space-age visor glasses. Designer Noel Calubaquib has participated in NYFW, and considers himself not only a designer, but an entertainer.
CONSTANTINE
Mexican artist Frida Kahlo inspired Constantine’s Spring/Summer 1016 collection. Designer Kristina Schultz chose to pair materials such as taffeta and tulle with ornamentation such as beads and elegant floral patterns, paying homage to Mexican and South American cultural motifs.
The last look of the collection was a white dress with a voluminous tulle skirt reminiscent of a wedding gown. When the model reached the end of the runway, she vigorously removed the skirt and tore off the veil, the objects silently landing in a mound to her left. She then assertively unfurled a white folding fan with “I melt ICE” emblazoned on it; the crowd erupted into cheers and applause.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11
Day 6 of RVAFW showcased Richmond’s premier designers on the runway, where structure, creativity, and fashion coincided. The show was presented in support of the American Cancer Society.
KAREN ELAINE-KAY
NUBATI
Models holding Manila folders labeled “Nubati” established an intriguing mystery among the audience.
Nubati‘s “A Nudge of Gratitude” offered a deconstructed and reimagined take on classics like ties, sweaters, blazers, and Converse.
Spray paint artist Liam Weis participated in this show as well, spray painting one of the models’ jackets. At the end of the show, a model carrying a briefcase opened it to review “Nubati ID cards,” which he handed out to audience members.
DYKEMINT
DYKEMINT, founded by wife and wife duo Fi and Lita Black, is a maximalist slow fashion brand that debuted at NYFW’s Pop Couture show in February 2025.
True to their outspoken brand identity, many garments featured environmental motifs such as pollinators and vegetation, alongside political messaging including “No Peace on a Dead Planet,” “Hope Is a Radical Act of Resistance,” and “Hoard Nothing but Each Other.” Elements such as patchwork, painted textiles, and even croquet mallets carried as accessories contributed to the Blacks’ world of whimsical, imaginative repurposing.
Credits
RVAFW Press Team: Julia Karns, Liz DeFluri, Kimmy Tran