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.
VCstyleU: Erica Thompson ft. 7:77SALU
Story by Jacynth Serrano Rodriguez Photos by Solomon Bullet and Wanyeh Digital Illustration by Ammor Dennis Bullet BulletTell me who you are? ET: Creative that’s creating. ET: Creative that’s creating. Talent that’s trying in trials and a Talent that’s trying in trials and a masterpiece made from mistakes. masterpiece made from mistakes. What year are you and what are you studying? ET: 2019 and I’m studying Business Administration! And I just chose it to get through school honestly, not really a deep thought into it. ET: 2019 and I’m studying Business Administration! And I just chose it to get through school honestly, not really a deep thought into it. Can you tell me a little more about your brand, as it just launched? Or is it in the process of launching? How exhilarating has the experience been so far? ET: My brand has been out since the summer. ET: My brand has been out since the summer. I do releasing in increments, meaning I have my Spring/Summer releases, Fall/Winter and then back to Spring/Summer again. It’s been a stressful experience honestly. Makes me anxious lol! I do releasing in increments, meaning I have my Spring/Summer releases, Fall/Winter and then back to Spring/Summer again. It’s been a stressful experience honestly. Makes me anxious lol! Bullet Bullet What drives you to create? ET:I can’t say really, it’s just in my blood, in my purpose, my destiny. It was written in stone of what I’m supposed to be and do in this world, and I’m doing it or at least attempting ET:I can’t say really, it’s just in my blood, in my purpose, my destiny. It was written in stone of what I’m supposed to be and do in this world, and I’m doing it or at least attempting it. Are there any specific designers you really admire? ET: I really admire the designer Briana Shaneè. Her @ name on Twitter is: @eenahsanairb & she is the owner of THE MATTE BRAND. From my knowledge, she started off as an online boutique owner and look at her now. Everyone knows her name. ET: I really admire the designer Briana Shaneè. Her @ name on Twitter is: @eenahsanairb & she is the owner of THE MATTE BRAND. From my knowledge, she started off as an online boutique owner and look at her now. Everyone knows her name. Tell me where and when readers can get their hands on your pieces? ET: more info here ET: 777salubrand.bigcartel.com 777salubrand.bigcartel.com is where people can buy everything. is where people can buy everything. My site, My site, icyoue.com icyoue.com is mostly going to be pictures of my models, updates/announcements on upcoming releases, interviews and DIYs! is mostly going to be pictures of my models, updates/announcements on upcoming releases, interviews and DIYs! I loved your shoot featuring some stunning VCU ladies, Is that suede or a suede like material that you chose? Can you tell me more about what goes into your selection process? ET: Thank you love, and it’s ultra suede. Very durable, very stretchy. Made to fit any body shape. With the selection process, I go into a fabric store, see fabric, buy it on a whim, and then go home and make an outfit! ET: Thank you love, and it’s ultra suede. Very durable, very stretchy. Made to fit any body shape. With the selection process, I go into a fabric store, see fabric, buy it on a whim, and then go home and make an outfit! Wanyeh Wanyeh What do you plan to do post-graduation? ET: Honestly, the plan is to pursue my purpose. Have faith in this fashion stuff. Take it to L.A. Take it to New York, get my name out there. And if all else fails… the Marines. ET: Honestly, the plan is to pursue my purpose. Have faith in this fashion stuff. Take it to L.A. Take it to New York, get my name out there. And if all else fails… the Marines. Do you have an ideal client in mind? ET: I target more towards 16-30 year olds. ET: I target more towards 16-30 year olds. What can you share about your creative and design process? ET: Honestly all there is to share is that it’s a lot of hard work. I can’t be lazy, I can’t be disorganized, and can’t fall short on anything. I have to stay on top of everything, always! There’s no slacking! ET: Honestly all there is to share is that it’s a lot of hard work. I can’t be lazy, I can’t be disorganized, and can’t fall short on anything. I have to stay on top of everything, always! There’s no slacking! How would you categorize the style of 7:77SALU? I can’t because it’s a category, trend, style, and brand all in its own 😉 If you could get any celebrity in one of your fits, who would you choose and which piece would they wear? ET:Once I start doing men, I would LOVE to see Big Sean & Kid Cudi in my stuff. Women wise: Zendaya, Kendall Jenner. ET:Once I start doing men, I would LOVE to see Big Sean & Kid Cudi in my stuff. Women wise: Zendaya, Kendall Jenner. Biggest supporter? ET:My brother Dominique. Everytime I come up with an idea, or I’m having difficulties I text him immediately. He knows everyday he’s going to get a text from me, lol. Whenever I get discouraged, he’s there. He even said that I inspire him…. and for him being 26, and me being 19 + 1 (I never say “20” lol), it’s an honor. Also my friend Morgan that goes to GMU. She was the first person to interview me, the biggest supporter besides my brother, that has been there since day 1. Definitely when I’m famous, they’ll be sitting courtside with me at the basketball games, like other celebs! Haha ET:My brother Dominique. Everytime I come up with an idea, or I’m having difficulties I text him immediately. He knows everyday he’s going to get a text from me, lol. Whenever I get
Lonely Pine Gives Mother Nature a Sense of Style
Story by Briana Thornton Story by Briana Thornton Story by Briana Thornton try this web-site Melody Milleker leads a busy life. By day, she teaches 8th grade art students at a middle school in Prince George County, a job she describes as “exhausting but awesome.” And by night, she creates beautiful jewelry that repurposes nature’s rejects, perfect for those whose personal style lean towards the “non-traditional” end of the spectrum. When Melody first started out, she would collect fallen leaves, evergreens, bugs and flower petals on walks with her dog, alluding to the name she later developed for her jewelry line, Lonely Pine. “I pulled the ‘pine’ part of the name from the wintertime; I was using a lot of evergreens. The ‘lonely’ aspect of it came from the solitude of me walking on my own, picking up these things. The only being with me was my dog and I was the only person making them. It was all just a very personal process.” Much of her knowledge in jewelry-making came from Google, but she also credits her growth as an artist to the VCUarts school, where she majored in art education, allowing her to learn about various aspects that made up the arts program. When asked about her biggest inspiration, Melody said, “Just nature itself; that’s where it all came from. I don’t ever like to use things that I don’t like because it doesn’t inspire me. I just want the plants and nature to speak for itself.” She takes pride in showcasing nature’s beauty rather than fabricating something fake or plastic, which is why much of her jewelry uses resin which preserves the natural delicacy of the plants and creates a lightness that she says is always present in her designs. Although Melody does not yet have a storefront, she has been successful at selling her jewelry in local boutiques including Ashby, The Orange, and the Valentine Museum Gift Shop, as well as at many local events which allow her to network and get her designs out there. “Making nature’s treasures your own.” Not only is this Lonely Pine’s Instagram bio, but it’s how Melody would describe her brand. She’s using something that’s naturally gorgeous and letting it speak for itself, which is why many of her pieces are simplistic. A pansy flower fits perfectly into a circular shape so why would someone try to force it into a square mold? “I don’t like forcing things into a mold that doesn’t fit or putting things together that don’t make sense; I like to stick with the natural essence of the pieces,” Melody said. I asked Melody what her ultimate piece of advice would be for students also interested in turning their creative interests into cash, to which she responded, “Really put your everything into it; don’t just see it as just a side hobby. Make sure that if it’s something you’re passionate about you’re giving it the attention it deserves.” And to VCUarts students, her word of advice: sleep! “If you’re frustrated with something, take a break. I found that my most successful moments in AFO was when I was able to walk away from something and come back to it with fresh eyes,” Melody said. I know I could definitely get on board with that! But the key to turning your passion into success is giving it the time and attention it needs to grow and flourish, just like the beautiful blooms Melody works with.
Lonely Pine Jewelry- Winter (Video)
Modeled by Katelyn Eagle Styled by Solleyha Mathurin Video by Monica Seagle Stay tuned for the Lonely Pine lookbook launching tomorrow! Modeled by Katelyn Eagle Styled by Solleyha Mathurin Video by Monica Seagle find out this here
Lonely Pine Jewelry- Fall (Video)
Modeled by Stephanie Lugus Styled by Katelyn O’Neal Video by Monica Seagle Stay tuned for the Lonely Pine lookbook launching this Friday! Modeled by Stephanie Lugus Styled by Katelyn O’Neal Video by Monica Seagle wikipedia reference
Lonely Pine Jewelry- Summer (Video)
Modeled by Tamarah Clayton Styled by Daniela Osuna Video by Monica Seagle Stay tuned for the Lonely Pine lookbook launching this Friday! Modeled by Tamarah Clayton see this page Styled by Daniela Osuna Video by Monica Seagle