Project ANDRO
Story and photos by Jacynth Rodriguez I’ve always liked to think that what a person reads says a lot about them. One of the first things my eyes gravitate towards when I enter someone’s home is their personal library. Whether their shelves are packed with the classics, or more niche-bound beauties, I always feel just that much closer to a person after running my fingers over their favorite books. Then I had a thought: what happens when the tastes being showcased don’t fit “properly” into one category or another? How do we process the rejection of expectation and the unapologetic embrace of what is only beautifully eclectic? How do we define resident Richmond fashion icon Jonathan Copeland, whose collection of good reads contains issues of Vogue that go back for nearly a decade and… a Gentleman’s Guide? Where does a soul this colorful, this blissfully defiant, belong? Perhaps, anywhere he likes. I first met Jonathan last season at the RVA Fashion Week Trunk Show at The Depot. That day, clad in the most ultra-blue overcoat and floral dress, I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t define or place him, and I didn’t want to. All I wanted was to step back and admire the beautiful and confident person standing before me. That first interaction sparked the concept that later became Project ANDRO, I wasn’t an expert in androgynous fashion but I was intrigued by both its bravery and its beauty. I felt that androgynous fashion had to be more complicated than a woman in a pantsuit, or a man in a dress. After talking with Jonathan, I learned it’s not so much what you wear as it is how you wear it. Jonathan’s philosophy for style is as intricate as it is intentional, “I enjoy playing with this concept for men to show how masculinity can be amplified through womenswear, and on a higher level, I aim to display that femininity is not necessarily the opposition of masculine qualities, but rather complementary qualities that help a person to access all levels of what it means to be a complete person. Men should not be afraid to express “female ways of being” in the fear that it will diminish their masculine qualities.” The juxtaposition can be seen in the six looks styled by Copeland, which were inspired by some of Alexander McQueen’s last work. The strategic and brilliant use of the color red that regally and tastefully ornates the silhouettes all echo the late designer’s genius as well as Copeland’s attention to detail. The looks themselves showcase aspects that are as playful as they are powerful. Of these looks, good friend, model and designer Klyde Wright, seen sporting the over the top fur and the sharp red trench, mused that this style of fashion is less about choosing men’s or woman’s pieces specifically, it’s more about floating between the two. The duality and freedom found within androgynous fashion allows individuals the ability to express themselves with absolutely no restraints. Jonathan’s own style process is calculated and obviously executed in excellence, “I tend to choose women’s pieces that lend a more masculine appeal or are interestingly cut. When I go about searching for women’s pieces I tend to say to myself, “I need a cardigan. What options does the women’s section offer, which can be translated in a masculine way.” I find that European women’s style of clothing are interestingly cut and offer funky gender-neutral silhouettes, patterns, and prints to play with. It’s easy to build the rest of your menswear around that womenswear item.” When asked about how he is received by others he said, “I think when people look at me overall, they sense my positive energy more so than being hung up on my women’s pieces. Because I feel comfortable to wear womenswear and freely express my personality, my look is more of a conduit for my positive vibes to affect others so we all can enjoy the interaction we are sharing.” Jonathan’s ability to brighten a mood or a room with a smile or a killer look is undeniable. He and his team are opening up a world of fashion and lifestyle possibilities for men to explore and find their place on the gender/style spectrum, and ultimately to own it. I’ve always liked to think that what a person reads says a lot about them. One of the first things my eyes gravitate towards when I enter someone’s home is their personal library. Whether their shelves are packed with the classics, or more niche-bound beauties, I always feel just that much closer to a person after running my fingers over their favorite books. Then I had a thought: what happens when the tastes being showcased don’t fit “properly” into one category or another? How do we process the rejection of expectation and the unapologetic embrace of what is only beautifully eclectic? How do we define resident Richmond fashion icon Jonathan Copeland, whose collection of good reads contains issues of Vogue that go back for nearly a decade and… a Gentleman’s Guide? Where does a soul this colorful, this blissfully defiant, belong? Perhaps, anywhere he likes. page I first met Jonathan last season at the RVA Fashion Week Trunk Show at The Depot. That day, clad in the most ultra-blue overcoat and floral dress, I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t define or place him, and I didn’t want to. All I wanted was to step back and admire the beautiful and confident person standing before me. That first interaction sparked the concept that later became Project ANDRO, I wasn’t an expert in androgynous fashion but I was intrigued by both its bravery and its beauty. I felt that androgynous fashion had to be more complicated than a woman in a pantsuit, or a man in a dress. After talking with Jonathan, I learned it’s not so much what you wear as it is how you wear it. Jonathan’s philosophy for style is as intricate
RCFUxJosephine Baker
Story and Photos by Jacynth Serrano Rodriguez Styled by Solleyha Mathurin L ong before Beyonce or even Tina Turner there was Josephine Baker, the first Black Female Superstar . Baker was born June 3, 1906 in St. Louise, Missouri and would become one of the most famous expats in history. Baker was a singer/dancer-turned-activist who left the United States, disappointed with its racial climate, and escaped to the grandeur and mesmerization of France. Today, we honor Josephine for her luxurious taste, her unapologetic ‘black girl magic’ and her way of using her sexuality and power on her own terms– something the United States couldn’t understand and France couldn’t get enough of in the 1920’s. GET THE LOOK HAIR HAIR Like many other things, when it came to glitz and glam, Ms. Baker was never shy. With the Art Deco movement in full swing, Josephine could be seen sporting huge knocker ears and ornate hairpieces covered in gems. To show your love for all things glittery, you can pick up a trendy gem choker and/or body chain . Josephine was a woman in touch with and in control of her sexuality. She danced some acts nearly nude and famously rocked a banana skirt (now an iconic look among pop stars, ie. Diana Ross, Beyonce, Miley Cyrus). Unashamed and unapologetically, Josephine said, “I wasn’t really naked. I simply didn’t have any clothes on.” Now you obviously can’t be that brazen on most occasions, but you can be sexy on your own more modest terms. A click to read more plunge neckline body suit is a creative way to show some skin and some confidence. You can keep it casual with a pair of distressed boyfriend jeans or if you want to walk on the wild side, like our girl Josephine always preferred, you can DIY this cage skirt with a trusty hot glue gun and some goodies from your local Joann Fabric. Opt for a strappy shoe to complete your look, whether it’s a lace up heeled sandal or simple gladitors . At one point being the most photographed and most famous women in the world, Josephine Baker made the world respect and love her but she never took herself too seriously, “Beautiful? It’s all a question of luck. I was born with good legs. As for the rest…beautiful, no. Amusing, yes.”
Dream for Purpose in the New Year
Story by Julia Bratu Photos by Thomas Mednikov Video by Spencer Sease Story by Julia Bratu Story by Julia Bratu Photos by Thomas Mednikov Photos by Thomas Mednikov Video by Spencer Sease Video by Spencer Sease more info here
RCFUxBianca Jagger
F rom artists to activists, the women we’ve been highlighting this month helped change our world for the better. Many know this week’s boss babe as the first wife of the Rolling Stone’s Mick Jagger—but actress, icon and advocate Bianca Jagger is so much more. Aside from being a timeless fashion icon, Bianca Jagger is also the President and Chief Executive of the Bianca Jagger Human Rights Foundation and an activist to this day. Of her status and access Jagger said, “I am not just a celebrity, I’m a human-rights advocate for the last 20 years.” Among Bianca’s most fabulous looks was the pantsuit. Her choice to rock the white number on her wedding day is equal parts sexy and refreshing. Throughout the 70s and 80s Bianca could be seen in various suits that accentuated her power and her prowess. Another distinctly Jagger trend was the tastefully deep V. Bianca’s fashion sense completely redefined the idea of showing some skin. As far as accessories are concerned, elegance is key. Bianca would often don a bold head band, wrapped head scarf or posh hat. GET THE LOOK HAIR 1970s Bianca rocked her locks with tons of volume, so let your mane speak for you with lots of body. Work with a dramatic side part or try one of the classic Jagger head accessories (thick headband, gorgeous head scarf or chic hat). MAKE UP The matte trend of 2016 was popularized by Bianca back in the 70s and was paired with a bold red lip and a crisp angled brow. THE LOOK To modernize the essence of Bianca Jagger, definitely be on the hunt for a good blazer . Look for one with a strong shape to project your confidence to the world. If you’re feeling brave, just a blazer and jeans. The deep V-neck look will be all the homage you need. If that’s not totally appropriate for your event you can tie your blazer together with a tight or loose fitted button down or blouse and serve just the perfect amount of décolletage. You can add a pair of distressed denim (whatever wash sets your heart afloat) and practical but adorable booties . Or, if you’re more no muss no fuss, get yourself a whole pantsuit and kick butt that way. If Bianca’s fashion and her passion teaches us anything it’s the importance of understanding and utilizing your power and agency. As the icon said herself, “Style is knowing what suits you, who you are, and what your assets are. It is also accepting it all.” Bianca’s Jagger’s confident strut through life and her bold choice to stand for what is right just makes her one of the baddest women to ever do the dang thing. https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj4s-HUmMjSAhXDLSYKHZwyB2gQjhwIBQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.huffingtonpost.com%2F2013%2F09%2F20%2Fbianca-jagger-style_n_3957325.html&psig=AFQjCNGAajh37kz7OkhvOeuE6F5VNpPsMg&ust=1489106637121248 https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi5scD0mMjSAhXCKCYKHf_NAMEQjhwIBQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnessamarg.blogspot.com%2F2015%2F06%2Ffashion-icon-bianca-jagger.html&psig=AFQjCNGQsXHlhQ8Udw_vLGES46olR9kcgw&ust=1489106706761691 https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjI_PaPmcjSAhUJ0iYKHb9fDR0QjhwIBQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fagnautacouture.com%2F2015%2F11%2F29%2Fbianca-jagger-the-reigning-queen-of-studio-54%2F&bvm=bv.149093890,d.ZGg&psig=AFQjCNF2Prg53df4Lfjfeqj6JS5zQyw1SA&ust=1489106755818712 click for more info
RCFU x Frida Kahlo
Story and Photos by Jacynth Serrano Rodriguez Story and Photos by Jacynth Serrano Rodriguez Styled by Dom Khun Styled by Dom Khun Few lead a life as full, as colorful or as unapologetic as Mexican painter and liver-of-life-extraordinaire Frida Kahlo . She was born in Coyoacan Mexico City, Mexico in 1907 in the Casa Azul, which now functions as a museum and stands as vibrant as the life she lived. RCFU’s take on the artist’s free spirited, unconventional sense of style required a sense of daring creativity and a love of color. GET THE LOOK check out your url HAIR You can easily put a modern twist on Frida’s signature look by employing a milkmaid braid, or even space buns! Creating your own DIY flower crown can be fun, and with spring right around the corner, you can hand-pick real (or fake) flowers to bobby-pin into your mane to pay homage to Frida’s floral elegance. If a full-on flower crown is a bit much for your occasion, opt for bold jewelry like statement necklaces, stacked bangles and knocker earrings. FACE Frida Kahlo’s brow is iconic, and it just happens to be timely for the fuller brow trend that’s been happening lately. Pair your thick or natural brows with a bold red lip and you’ll be sure to stand out. LOOK In her youth, Frida was known to buck the system and challenge classical gender roles. She would even don menswear on occasion. Try your hand at breaking the “rules” by incorporating menswear pieces such as trousers or loafers into your look. You can balance out your look with a floral or printed top and even throw on a scarf or shawl for added sophistication, especially if worn off the shoulder for some tasteful sensuality. Frida Kahlo changed the game with her self-portraiture, saying once “I paint myself because I am so often alone and because I am the subject I know best.” She is admired not only for her stunning and lasting body of work, but also for her strength, her resilience and her love of life. Despite living a pain-laden life from childhood to adulthood, Frida chose to live colorfully. This Women’s History Month, honor this iconic and iconoclastic woman by choosing to do the same. For more on Frida life and work click here .
Rooted in RVA: Urban Traders
Story by Briana Thornton Photos by Spencer Sease Story by Briana Thornton Photos by Spencer Sease Four years ago, Charles Brown used his “exceptional ability to pick really prime locations” and opened Urban Traders at 1387 Broad Street. Since then, he’s been selling products from all around the world to a multicultural and diverse audience. But this isn’t just a retail store — these days, a shopper just has to cozy up with their laptop in bed to find the item of their choosing. Urban Traders, on the other hand, distinguishes itself as more of a social destination, according to Art Burton, the Operations Manager. “When you come here, you’re coming for more than just a piece of clothing: you’re coming for the conversation, the atmosphere, the camaraderie, the politics, the art, the music. You come here to figure out all the unique ways to express yourself in the context of the style and artistic culture in our community. You come here to be a part of the extended family,” Art said. The Afrocentric boutique carries an eclectic mix of ethnic, urban, and military-like surplus with such variety it’s almost hard to sum up. It’s hip hop, it’s eccentric, it’s relevant to people young and old, and it’s a store that is with the times without being too concerned with modernity. In a time where movements like Black Lives Matter and The Natural Hair Movement are working to show the world black is beautiful, a focus on urban wear is the job of those in the retail industry such as Charles and Art in order to accentuate beauty they have seen for their entire lives. Charles has been an innovator in the multicultural fashion industry for over 40 years now and he expresses his vision around fashion, art and music through clothes. “He was multicultural and ethnically diverse before it was popular. When everything was black and white, Charles was shades of grey,” Art said. And that’s certainly what you can expect to see when you enter Urban Traders, meet their exuberant sales staff, and see the worldly merchandise. It’s not something you see every day and certainly not something you can find in a mall. It’s a destination for those who want to step out of their comfort zone or find a way to really express themselves or tell a story through their fashion choices. Four years ago, Charles Brown used his “exceptional ability to pick really prime locations” and opened Urban Traders at 1387 Broad Street. Since then, he’s been selling products from all around the world to a multicultural and diverse audience. But this isn’t just a retail store — these days, a shopper just has to cozy up with their laptop in bed to find the item of their choosing. Urban Traders, on the other hand, distinguishes itself as more of a social destination, according to Art Burton, the Operations Manager. “When you come here, you’re coming for more than just a piece of clothing: you’re coming for the conversation, the atmosphere, the camaraderie, the politics, the art, the music. You come here to figure out all the unique ways to express yourself in the context of the style and artistic culture in our community. You come here to be a part of the extended family,” Art said. The Afrocentric boutique carries an eclectic mix of ethnic, urban, and military-like surplus with such variety it’s almost hard to sum up. It’s hip hop, it’s eccentric, it’s relevant to people young and old, and it’s a store that is with the times without being too concerned with modernity. In a time where movements like Black Lives Matter and The Natural Hair Movement are working to show the world black is beautiful, a focus on urban wear is the job of those in the retail industry such as Charles and Art in order to accentuate beauty they have seen for their entire lives. Charles has been an innovator in the multicultural fashion industry for over 40 years now and he expresses his vision around fashion, art and music through clothes. “He was multicultural and ethnically diverse before it was popular. When everything was black and white, Charles was shades of grey,” Art said. visit our website And that’s certainly what you can expect to see when you enter Urban Traders, meet their exuberant sales staff, and see the worldly merchandise. It’s not something you see every day and certainly not something you can find in a mall. It’s a destination for those who want to step out of their comfort zone or find a way to really express themselves or tell a story through their fashion choices.
Shop Sweetest Stitch for the Holidays
Story by Katelyn O’Neal Photos by John DiJulio and Becca Schwartz Story by Katelyn O’Neal Photos by John DiJulio and Becca Schwartz Sweetest Stitch is a Richmond-based boutique owned by Niki Kong. The store started out as an e-commerce business in March 2015, focusing on online sales and pop-ups. Niki recently opened up her first storefront in Richmond, which is a milestone for the company. Sweetest Stitch targets young to middle-aged women and offers a variety of products such as apparel, shoes, and accessories. Niki believes Richmond is a great location for her first store, as she is from the area and the fashion scene is on the rise. Kong says her personal style, which she describes as “contemporary”, often with an edgy twist, is clearly displayed throughout the store. Her biggest style inspirations are Olivia Palermo and Blake Lively, who, too, have a rather contemporary taste in clothes. When asked what her favorite part of owning her own business is, she responded with “Having the freedom to be the buyer, and being able to choose the clothes that are sold at the store.” Kong also enjoys working for herself, and being her own boss. The boutique owner touched on the process of being a buyer and mentioned she attends Magic, one of the most comprehensive fashion marketplaces in the U.S. – it occurs in Las Vegas. Sweetest Stitch’s collaboration with River City had a definite focus on fall/winter styles with textures like velvet and fur. The looks included jackets, vests, sweaters, skirts, and ankle booties. Color palettes incorporated the use of neutrals and jewel tones such as green, red, and blue – colors guaranteed to be trending for the upcoming winter season. Overall, looks styled had a slightly more urban vibe to capture the essence of River City, while still staying true to the contemporary and modern feel of Sweetest Stitch. For example, as seen above, a camo jacket was styled with a button-down denim skirt – which seamlessly integrates both aesthetics. Sweetest Stitch is a Richmond-based boutique owned by Niki Kong. The store started out as an e-commerce business in March 2015, focusing on online sales and pop-ups. Niki recently opened up her first storefront in Richmond, which is a milestone for the company. Sweetest Stitch targets young to middle-aged women and offers a variety of products such as apparel, shoes, and accessories. boutique Niki believes Richmond is a great location for her first store, as she is from the area and the fashion scene is on the rise. Kong says her personal style, which she describes as “contemporary”, often with an edgy twist, is clearly displayed throughout the store. Her biggest style inspirations are Olivia Palermo and Blake Lively, who, too, have a rather contemporary taste in clothes. When asked what her favorite part of owning her own business is, she responded with “Having the freedom to be the buyer, and being able to choose the clothes that are sold at the store.” Kong also enjoys working for herself, and being her own boss. The boutique owner touched on the process of being a buyer and mentioned she attends Magic, one of the most comprehensive fashion marketplaces in the U.S. – it occurs in Las Vegas. Sweetest Stitch’s collaboration with River City had a definite focus on fall/winter styles with textures like velvet and fur. The looks included jackets, vests, sweaters, skirts, and ankle booties. Color palettes incorporated the use of neutrals and jewel tones such as green, red, and blue – colors guaranteed to be trending for the upcoming winter season. Overall, looks styled had a slightly more urban vibe to capture the essence of River City, while still staying true to the contemporary and modern feel of Sweetest Stitch. For example, as seen above, a camo jacket was styled with a button-down denim skirt – which seamlessly integrates both aesthetics.