RVA Fashion Week: Trunk Show
Story by Katelyn O’Neal Photos by Stephen Clatterbuck The 9th Annual RVA Fashion Week ended with the Trunk Show, which took place at Hardywood Craft Brewery. The trunk show featured a variety of items such as clothing, jewelry, art, beauty products and accessories from local RVA vendors. The vendors at the Trunk Show included Miranda Classic Ties, Kiss My Denim, TAILOR, Liberatus, Eddie Johnson, Handmade by Jenny Martos, Spit and Wishes, Glister, LulaRoe, Sweetest Stitch, Art and Ambition, Lora Price, and MischaLee Jewelry. River City Fashion Uprising has worked with a few of these vendors like Liberatus, and the local boutique Sweetest Stitch. The event took place from 1-5 p.m. This event truly showcased RVA fashion and concluded RVA Fashion Week. look what i found 1-5 p.m. 1-5 p.m.
RVA Fashion Week: Formal Wear Show
Story by Solleyha Mathurin Photos by Victoria Frank Ever thought about attending a red carpet with the ability to look and feel glamorous? The Saturday RVA Fashion Week Formal Event was giving off those vibes. The show consisted of everything from eccentric colors to small applique detailing from the designers of Tough Cookie, TAILOR, House of Le’la Mone, P.R.I.D.E. LLC, toFREEyourSTYLE, Angelia’s Couture, Shion Fenty, House of LaPosh, 707, and Jamet Jackson. The event took place at the Bon Secours Redskins Training Center and was hosted by the dashing Kelli Lemon, accompanied by music by MASS FX. During intermission, the audience had a surprise violin performance by Treesa Gold. Tough Cookie, the first line, was a collection of swim/beachwear that gave off a sporty and eccentric essence with their mesh layering and visor accessories. This collection had a 1960’s-1970’s vibe with the various mixed prints, color blocking, and asymmetrical styling. This brand was definitely testing the boundaries of traditional swimwear. TAILOR offered an overall minimalist evening wear collection that focused on details, like lace, which was used in a lot of the pieces. It showcased various shift/flowy dresses with frilled hems. House of Le’la Mone gave off that glamorous vibe we were all craving for with a theme of rich silvers, golds, coppers and champagnes. The various elongated gowns gave off a high class look. Details such as printed designs on fabric and tulle added some variety amongst the collection. P.R.I.D.E. LLC, the first menswear line to make an appearance, showcased suits in “multi-cultural prints” which signified a “melting society” said by the host, Kelli Lemon. The bold prints embedded into collars, lapels, and some outer breast pockets, seemed to complement each suit presented. ToFREEyourSTYLE featured convertible bridesmaid dresses that were custom-made in the designer’s studio. The line consisted of nuanced, bright colors with a braided fabric theme. The staggered, flowy hems gave off a whimsical and majestic feeling. Angela’s Couture showcased evening wear with a reoccurring black and white theme. The line ranged from sheer fabrics and structured pieces to gold detailed hardware and rhinestones. The line as a whole was incredibly eye-grabbing. Shion Fenty showcased Guyanese heritage that was to represent NYC vs. the South. I gathered a church wear look from the line with various detailing from puffy sleeves to frilled satin hems, appliques, and headpieces. The designers went with a contradictory clothing line by mixing fabric textures and patterns. House of LaPosh had a mix of materials in the collection that ranged from velvet to sheer fabrics. This line definitely gave off evening glam/red carpet looks that showcased various minimalistic, but elegant pieces that were mixed with detailed sequin fabric or fur. A lot of the sheer fabrics included applique detailing, giving it a very couture feel. 707, the second menswear line, consisted of ravishing and high energy models in tailored suits. Each outfit pushed typical menswear through complementary jackets to different colored pants and mixing prints in a subtle way. Lastly, Jamet Jackson, a former VCU Fashion Design student, showcased her monochromatic line with mixed fabrics , like sheer and knit garments infused with leather. She used stitching to create a quilted look on a number of pieces and beading to add variance amongst the collection. Ever thought about attending a red carpet with the ability to look and feel glamorous? The Saturday RVA Fashion Week Formal Event was giving off those vibes. The show consisted of everything from eccentric colors to small applique detailing from the designers of Tough Cookie, TAILOR, House of Le’la Mone, P.R.I.D.E. LLC, toFREEyourSTYLE, Angelia’s Couture, Shion Fenty, House of LaPosh, 707, and Jamet Jackson. The event took place at the Bon Secours Redskins Training Center and was hosted by the dashing Kelli Lemon, accompanied by music by MASS FX. During intermission, the audience had a surprise violin performance by Treesa Gold. Tough Cookie, the first line, was a collection of swim/beachwear that gave off a sporty and eccentric essence with their mesh layering and visor accessories. This collection had a 1960’s-1970’s vibe with the various mixed prints, color blocking, and asymmetrical styling. This brand was definitely testing the boundaries of traditional swimwear. TAILOR offered an overall minimalist evening wear collection that focused on details, like lace, which was used in a lot of the pieces. It showcased various shift/flowy dresses with frilled hems. House of Le’la Mone gave off that glamorous vibe we were all craving for with a theme of rich silvers, golds, coppers and champagnes. The various elongated gowns gave off a high class look. Details such as printed designs on fabric and tulle added some variety amongst the collection. P.R.I.D.E. LLC, the first menswear line to make an appearance, showcased suits in “multi-cultural prints” which signified a “melting society” said by the host, Kelli Lemon. The bold prints embedded into collars, lapels, and some outer breast pockets, seemed to complement each suit presented. ToFREEyourSTYLE featured convertible bridesmaid dresses that were custom-made in the designer’s studio. The line consisted of nuanced, bright colors with a braided fabric theme. The staggered, flowy hems gave off a whimsical and majestic feeling. more tips here Angela’s Couture showcased evening wear with a reoccurring black and white theme. The line ranged from sheer fabrics and structured pieces to gold detailed hardware and rhinestones. The line as a whole was incredibly eye-grabbing. Shion Fenty showcased Guyanese heritage that was to represent NYC vs. the South. I gathered a church wear look from the line with various detailing from puffy sleeves to frilled satin hems, appliques, and headpieces. The designers went with a contradictory clothing line by mixing fabric textures and patterns. House of LaPosh had a mix of materials in the collection that ranged from velvet to sheer fabrics. This line definitely gave off evening glam/red carpet looks that showcased various minimalistic, but elegant pieces that were mixed with detailed sequin fabric or fur. A lot of the sheer fabrics included applique detailing, giving it a very couture feel. 707, the
RVA Fashion Week: Casual Wear Show
Story by Katelyn O’Neal Photos by Mia Navarro On Friday, the Casual Wear Designer Fashion Show kicked off as the second show to take place during RVA Fashion Week. The show featured men’s and women’s street style and everyday fashions from designers including Kylde by Haus of Kylde, Metaya, Future Society, STitch, Is., Victim15, LaPosh, Tangee’s Closet, and Sew Uneek, in addition to the local boutique Sweetest Stitch, whom RCFU has worked with before. Each designer delivered their own unique vibe or theme. For example, there were some very edgy collections from Future Society and Klyde by Haus of Klyde, and there were also designers with a more conservative vibe. A few big themes of the casual wear show included crochet, mesh, and denim. However, a pleasantly recurring feature was on fashion for women of all sizes, in contrast with the usual norms of the fashion industry. Klyde by Haus of Kylde’s pieces were all cohesive throughout the colors, fabrics, and silhouettes. His collection featured cool one-pieces and fashion forward trousers. apply now Metaya’s collection was vibrant with cobalt blue dresses, and fun patterns. STitch also had flowy, vibrant pieces such as blue flowy trousers, and accent leaf prints. House of LaPosh showed a menswear collection heavily focused on monochrome mesh pieces. Tangee’s Closet had a collection hand-crocheted entirely by the designer, Tangee Massey Jones.
RVA Fashion Week: Boutique Show
Story by Julia Bratu Photos by Victoria Frank The RVA Fashion Week Boutique Fashion show was hosted by the charismatic Jonathan Copeland, boutique manager for Dress for Success RVA. They strutted out onto the runway before each collection with a new 60’s inspired outfit from each designer and boutique, as well as a fun tidbit of fashion history and knowledge of the highlighted designers. The first designer on the runway was “Designs by Michelle Livigne.” All of the designs down the runway were hand sewn and inspired by drag costume. Each piece was magnificently crafted with emphasis on true glamour. Leather, sparkles, sequins, and feathers made their way down the aisle wrapped up in dresses and bodysuits that stretched across every color of the rainbow. There was a daring allure with this line; one dress featured a ski mask set with a large bow on the back, turning the typically foreboding accessory into a picturesque expression of femininity. Another dress innovatively incorporated a gorgeous rainbow of butterflies that fluttered as the model walked. Michel Livigne’s line had onlookers breathless, and their was a sense of loss as the last models made their appearance on the runway. The next designer was announced excitedly as Daphne Maxwell Reid. Some of our readers might remember her as Aunt Viv from the Fresh Prince of Bel Air. We were able to speak with her after the show, and found out that each of her pieces was overseen by her personally– and amazingly, her mastery of design could be attributed to the fact that she had been sewing since she was nine years old. As luck would have it, Richmond was host to Mrs. Reid’s second collection. Her line included an array of Chinese inspired jackets with strikingly colored brimmed straw hats. Beautiful floral and traditional Chinese patterns woven with metallic thread flashed against the silk fabrics of the jackets. Each design that made its way down the runway had an air of elegance, but also of comfort. The most marvelous piece was showed last, sporting a fur collar and cuffs- a design fit for royalty. Rumors boutique of RVA was the third line to show, exporting a different attitude entirely with their bright button up shirts and geometric patterns. There was a healthy mix of classy and casual looks showcased. Night life inspired-outfits featured shiny and iridescent fabrics, or sequined bodycons. The theme for daywear was based around Red, blue, yellow, green, and orange colors all juxtaposed around a shirt or dress with a geometric or palm leaf pattern. These looks in particular were summer ready and showed how rumors is able to keep up with the ever evolving cycle of fashion. A boutique based in Carytown followed. Clementine focused their line on looks with florals on top of white. Thin satin chokers were juxtaposed against exotic patterns and bright colors, and fringe dominated the runway for this stretch of time. Every look down the runway had a sense of bohemian summer sophistication, with refreshing style that was reminiscent of a sweet Hawaiian sunset. After a brief intermission Salome Styles made their way down the runway. The designer, Salome, is also an actress and model herself. RCFU had a brief moment to speak with her, and found that she went to school in Milan and has travelled all over the world. Her own designs were inspired by her home country, Ethiopia, which is where all of her hand woven fabrics are sourced. Salome wanted the opportunity to be able to bring Richmond something different and fresh, and her cultured line is a wonderful example of her talent. She featured designs with earthy tones, simple lines, and small elegant details. Some of the designs had small amounts of metallic gold embroidery that did not overpower the look but enhanced it and gave the model a natural glow. Turban head pieces were a showstopping addition to the outfits, bringing added charm to the already beautifully constructed clothing. Ashby, also based in Carytown, had their moment as the next in line to show their styles for the season. Thin satin chokers with floral maxi dresses were bountiful, along with palm tree patterned shirts. This collection was interesting because it showcased more earthy tones and cool toned floral patterns mixed with black pieces. Worn in kimonos and dresses that moved like water enhanced the runway experience. Ashby was able to focus on what Richmond does best in keeping their style down to earth. There was definitely something for everybody down the runway this time. The last featured boutique to show was yet another one based in Carytown. Eurotrash featured much darker colors than the previous boutiques. Their colors consisted mostly of navy blue and white, with pleated weaves and floral and palm tree patterns. Some fringe highlighted the vintage craze that has been on trend in the recent months. Each of these looks were focused more towards appearing fun, but maintaining the idea that they could mean business. Speaking of business, Dress for Success surprised show attendees with one last treat, a Devil Wears Prada inspired collection styled from their own stock of garments. In the words of the host, each of these looks emulated the “empowered business woman with a fashion edge.” Blazers, satchels and sunglasses were plentiful on the runway. Button ups and cheeky, chunky jewelry gave off fierce vibes. Bodycon dresses paired with stylish blazers and lots of red accessories and clothing were an excellent addition this last collection. Each woman looked as if she were ready to buy out her opposing companies, write her memoir, and fire 10 employees all over a light lunch. Each of the boutiques showcased in the RVA Fashion Week boutique show further established the bond that our local businesses have with their customers and fashion followers, and showed that each of these businesses is unique in style and ready to embrace that within the community. The RVA Fashion Week Boutique Fashion show was hosted by
RVA Fashion Week: Art and Jewelry Gala
Photos and story by Briana Thornton The Art and Jewelry Gala, the second event in RVA Fashion Week, kicked off at Gallery 5. Local jewelry makers and artists were able to present their work and attendees could shop over a glass of wine while mingling with other local art enthusiasts. Keep reading to meet some of the awesome artists that I had the privilege of talking to: Photos and story by Briana Thornton The Art and Jewelry Gala, the second event in RVA Fashion Week, kicked off at Gallery 5. Local jewelry makers and artists were able to present their work and attendees could shop over a glass of wine while mingling with other local art enthusiasts. Keep reading to meet some of the awesome artists that I had the privilege of talking to: Spit and Wishes Spit and Wishes Adriane Dalton is a local jewelry designer that makes uniquely crafted pieces out of repurposed, recycled and ethically sourced materials, like wallpaper. All of the pieces featured here are made of recycled vintage wallpaper and can be purchased on her website . AddieRawr AddieRawr Adrienne is the talented mastermind behind AddieRawr and actually graduated from VCU with a bachelor’s in creative advertising. Adrienne creates beautiful prints using watercolor or acrylic paints then transfers them onto several different mediums, from canvases and greeting cards to mugs and notebooks. Jenny Martos Jenny Martos Jenny Martos is a metal and wood jewelry designer. Her pieces are super unique and can be purchased here . Lightbox Print Co. Lightbox Print Co. Lightbox Print Co. is run by James and Meredith and every print they collectively produce is 100% handmade, screen-printed and are based off their original drawings, photographs and concepts. Check out their website to see the variety of products they hand-produce and sell! Glister Glister going here Whitney Kuhn describes her jewelry in two words: clean and modern. All of her jewelry can be found on her Etsy site . For a full list of the local artist and jewelers involved, check out the link here .
VCstyleU: Nick Southern
N ick Southern’s Instagram feed is populated with knock-out look after knock-out look. From embroidered trousers to kimonos, and ponchos to kerchiefs, the boy knows what he’s doing. To say that I was inspired to step up my personal style just by ogling over his is a massive understatement. Back in January, the busy Richmond boy sat down with me to chat about his fondness for fashion and our shared love for model Bella Hadid. Our aficionado started out studying psychology but decided to follow his dreams and his heart and convert to the fashion merchandising field. When asked about his plans post-graduation, he revealed that he’d love to be a personal stylist, and if he could style the celebrity of his dreams it would absolutely, without a doubt, be IT girl Bella Hadid. When it comes to his eclectic and eccentric personal style, Nick mused, “I would definitely say that I float between looks from day to day, but my favorite look to go for would probably be like, edgy-chic. You know incorporating a lot of heavier metals, leather, ripped jeans, and then pair it with like a beat up pair of shoes, but a timeless one like Converse, or chelsea boots.” He also admires the style of model Lucky Blue Smith , who tends to incorporate some of Nick’s favorite edgy-chic trends in his looks. I was surprised to learn that Nick’s favorite season to dress for is winter. While many a fashionista/os I’ve spoken to this year tend to lean toward transitional seasons like fall and spring. For Nick however, when it comes to the cold and to layers, he simply says bring it on. “Winter is my favorite to dress for because you can just wear so much stuff I feel like you can wear anything,” Nick said. “In summer, I find it’s just really hard to dress in summer, you’re limited to maybe one or two statement pieces to work your outfit around, whereas in the winter you can show off multiple items at once.” Nick also says that, as far as trends go, never say never. “I would sit here and say that I wouldn’t wear something and then in ten years I’d probably wear it,” Nick said. “Even putting a contemporary design on a fanny pack can make it really cute.” Among thrift stores, Nick favors stores like Asos and Topman when he does his shopping. He also swears by Forever 21 when in search of good basics to fill out your closet. When the topics of staple items arise, Nick advises, “You have to have a neutral flannel, and a denim jacket, a leather jacket.” Nick knows that fashion is more than what you wear. “I definitely believe that fashion is an outlet for expression,” Nick said. “If you put on an outfit that you feel really awesome in, whether that’s something out of your comfort zone or something you feel good in for the day, I find that you probably have better day.” His confidence and flare have always been innate to him, but he’s also had to grow into it. “The first time that I bought my own clothes, I was like 10 in fifth grade and I wore these jeans that had rips in them, and this graphic tee with this little vest at the time, and I wore it, and people just tore into me at school,” Nick said. “So I just found through the years of growing up, I mean I’m gay obviously, but people tend to put labels on you because you’re gay. Let’s think of a couple stereotypes for people that are gay, ‘they love fashion, they have a girly voice’, I found that growing up I always tried to stray away from that and I almost felt like I couldn’t enjoy the things that I liked because they were considered so stereotypical. I found that as I’ve gotten older, I don’t want to be who you guys expect me. I think I kept wearing the things that I’ve worn because I feel good in them but also it also shows that I don’t care about other people’s opinion.” Nick’s final answer to the question of confidence is this: “You need to try things on you need to find out what looks good on you; you need to make mistakes. And if you like something don’t be afraid to wear it. Obviously, if there’s a fur coat that you really want and you wanna pair it with a hoodie or something, that’s a streetwear look. That would look awesome, but keep in mind that if someone says something to you, you definitely have to let it pass you.” Follow him @wearyourfaesthetic @nicksouthern their full website
Fashion: The World of Contradiction
Story by Briana Thornton Photos by Mia Navarro Every fashion trend has a story. As it sits at the intersection of time, place and subject, there are countless ways to interpret each and every one of them. Take the mini skirt for example; at the turn of the 20th century, it was inconceivable for women to show even her ankle, much less her knee. Now however, walking down the streets of Richmond, men and women alike are wearing skirts of varying lengths. To the untrained eye, fashion may seem straightforward — in actuality, it’s a world of contradictions. In fashion, the imperfect is coveted, then rejected, and then celebrated once again. The current moment escapes its timeline and what is in one day is out the next, just as it becomes popular among the masses. Modern fashion is an endless array of styles that seem to oppose one another: women wearing menswear, men wearing womenswear, the mixing of punk, hipster, or gothic with activewear, or tomboy with glam. Sound confusing? It is. Marc Jacobs, for example, described the women he dresses as “womanly and young at the same time”. Angela Missoni defined her look as being “very, very feminine, very romantic, but very tough”. The singer Florence Welch enjoys a line that’s “panthers and pansies, the aggressive and the fragile”. Interpret it as you may but essentially it means dress the way that makes you feel most like yourself and ignore the idea of “fashion rules”. Need some inspiration? Take a look at some awesome looks our stylists have put together: Tomboy & Glam Styled by Zshavoni Modeled by Asya The athleisure trend has been around for a while now and understandably so; you can be fashionable and cool while still being comfortable. Asya is rocking a baseball jersey, but instead of the typical jeans or shorts try a glam midi-length pencil skirt and edgy Perspex-heeled, patent leather booties. From Night to Day Styled by Daniela Modeled by Marley Learning how to transition from “desks to drinks” is an imperative skill, taking your business casual wear and it appropriate for nighttime. But, what about the other way around? Style your top that would typically be left in the bedroom, featuring yet another recently made-popular-again trend : wearing lingerie on the on the outside. Paired with black skinny jeans and booties, the outfit has just the right amount of edge for your daytime activities. Preppy & Urban Styled by Zshavoni Modeled by Asya Preppy and urban are two styles that you might never think to pair together. Preppy is a style that’s been around for decades and is usually defined by pastel colors, embroidered emblems and brands like Ralph Lauren and Lily Pulitzer. When unexpectedly paired with urban style essentials like bamboo hoops and worn Converse, and a cute gray circle skirt, the look is much more approachable and versatile for any occasion. Women Wearing Menswear Styled by Daniela Modeled by Marley An oversized button-up is such a classic piece and a menswear staple, but it’s also become an essential in any woman’s business casual wardrobe, and for good reason. Its versatility allows you to dress it up or down. Play it down by pairing it with a ripped denim skirt. When paired with a black lace bodysuit, the white blouse is given a more feminine touch. get the deal