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Get Ready: RVA Fashion Week 2019 Takes Over Richmond This Week

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Back for an amazing 11th time, RVA Fashion Week will bring all the glamorous runway action your little heart desires to a variety of venues around town. Here’s our full rundown of what’s in store.

Converging on Richmond this week for six days of colorful runway shows, intriguing industry-minded panel discussions, and invaluable networking opportunities for the creatively inclined, the 11th RVA Fashion Week kicks off Monday, April 22.

Masterminded by a ragtag group of VCU students more than a decade ago, the week of events maintains a DIY work ethic to this day, and boasts a heart, soul, and body of volunteer workers. Their effort plays an important role in the community; one previously unknown model who walked the local runway just last year was recently featured on the cover of Vogue Japan, according to a press release.

Read on for a day-by-day rundown of all the festivities which will rage on across the city until Sunday, April 28. Trust us, you’re not going to want to miss any of this.

Fashion Funhouse Networking Event
April 22, 6- 9 p.m.
Location unknown

Not much is known about the dark acts transpiring behind the closed Funhouse doors — as David Foster Wallace might have urged us to ask: for whom is the funhouse fun? OK no, we’re just kidding — but this event is invite-only, a networking get-together for industry professionals, photographers, bloggers, and the like, according to our sources. Probably a schmooze-fest, but an exciting one, no doubt. Holding that golden ticket? Let us know how it goes.

“Model Behavior” Panel
April 23, 6- 8:30 p.m.
Gather

The first real event of the week for us laypeople, the Model Behavior panel will cover everything about, as the cheeky wordplay of the title suggests, professionalism in the modeling side of the fashion industry. Expect networking and self-branding tips, what to wear to a model call — you know, before you get chosen and put the real stuff on — and all the Q’s and A’s you can hope for.

WEAR RVA Pre-Show Event
April 24, 4:30- 8:30
The Shoppes at The Renaissance

This event is really just a pregame for the real event — the WEAR RVA Fashion Show — but it’s sure to be a hootenanny nonetheless. Officially branded a “sip + shop experience,” which we think is incredibly cute (in a good way), the evening will include shopping from featured designers, boutiques, and local businesses; booze catering by Belle Isle Moonshine; and DJing by Rhythm of Love. What’s more, tickets go directly to The Network of Enterprising Women’s (NEW) scholarship fund, so what’s not to love?

Designer Download panel
April 24, 6- 9 p.m.
Venture X

Do you dream in silk and lace? Wake up in the mornings surrounded by Micron pens and brimming sketchbooks? This panel, crafted just for aspiring designers, is definitely for you! Like “Model Behavior,” “Designer Download” will tread the ground of professionalism and personal branding, but we’ll also get words and stories from some of the best: designers who have succeeded against all odds in markets such as film, designing for celebrities, international publications, and more.

Check out the panel lineup online, and prepare your questions for the Q and A. Terms like “monumental success” and “against all odds” are being thrown around on the website, so you know you aren’t going to want to miss this one.

2nd Annual WEAR RVA Fashion Show
April 25, 6:30- 8:30 p.m.
The Renaissance

This one’s really special. Local high school-aged girls strutting the catwalk in local boutiques’ hottest summerwear. Everything goes to the NEW scholarship fund, which, according to the RVA Fashion Week website, resulted last year in five different scholarships for local ladies. Feel good with your complementary “swag bag” and get a tad tipsy at the cash bar. Support the scene, people. It’s all going down at WEAR RVA.

Day to Night Fashion Show
April 26, 5- 9 p.m.
Stony Point Fashion Park

Day to Night — we’re not entirely sure what this means, but it sounds stellar. Or another daytime-equivalent term. But, we’ve just got to say — this one’s free; jam-packed with features from designers including Haus of Klyde, Runway Couture, Stitch by Chanel, High Maintenance LLC, and many more; and there’s going to be food and shopping popups all over the place. Yeah. Need we say more?

Fashion Freedom: Day Party & Runway Presentation
April 27, noon- 5 p.m.
Courtyard by Marriott

Are late nights and evening shenanigans just not really your thing? Not a twentysomething anymore? Tend to crawl into bed with an Agatha Christie paperback at the stroke of 9? Well, you’re in luck, because the Fashion Freedom Day Party & Runway Presentation not only starts and ends a reasonable time, but it’s packed with more than enough fun for one person, or even all your fashion enthusiast friends at once. Here’s the lowdown: food, drinks, music, streetwear-inspired runways, and a contest for you — yes, you! Unleash your inner Tyra Banks and come dressed in your favorite outfit; you might be crowned “Best Dressed” before you make it home at that oh-so-sweet reasonable hour.

Tim Reid’s Cultural Fashions Showcase
April 27, 5- 7 p.m.
RVA Event Space

Masterminded by actor and Virginia native Tim Reid (That 70’s Show, WKRP In Cincinnati), and hosted by model and designer Salome, the Cultural Fashions Showcase will bring together models and designers from all over the world, and will be filmed for international distribution. Proceeds benefit Reid’s nonprofit, which assists young people looking to break into the entertainment industry. WTKR gave us a little sneak peak last month, so check that out if you haven’t already.

Dapper Luq presents An Evening at Black Iris
April 28, 5- 10 p.m.
Black Iris

Maybe the perfect way to bring RVA Fashion Week to a close, An Evening at Black Iris is everything this wide-ranging week of events has to offer bundled into one classy little shindig. Come on, where else are you going to find networking opportunities, body painting, and a fashion showcase in the same space as a cigar lounge? It’ll be interactive. It’ll be fun. And there’ll be way too much going on to concisely list here. Just go — you’ll be glad you did.

Photos via RVA Fashion Week/Facebook

Photos: The Best of RVA Fashion Week 10th Anniversary Show

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This past week Richmond saw some of the city and surrounding area’s best designers, models, designers, producers, choreographers, and stylists at RVA Fashion Week‘s 10th Anniversary. From designer showcases during the week, to the main runway event on Saturday, Fashion Week has continued to show the diverse and unique designs that talented fashion designers and boutiques create. This year’s runway show, held at The Jefferson Hotel, saw the latest creations and lines and brands from emerging designers including 707, Destiny Howard, Tailor, House of LaPosh, Tangee’s Closet, toFREEyourSTYLE, Dreamin’ Diamonds, Iconic7, Angelia’s Couture, and Trunk Up.

RVA Mag was on the scene last Saturday night to capture the models walking the runway, and below you can find some of the best looks RVA Fashion Week had to offer:

Photos By: Bruce Allen 

 

Making of a Model: Heloíne Moreno, From Brazil to Richmond

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When Heloíne Moreno left her hometown of Bauru, Brazil, locals mourned. The striking young woman had quickly risen from anonymous local daughter to highly sought-after fashion model. Now she was heading to the far-off city of Richmond, Virginia, to take the next step in her new career.

Before she got her break, she had lived with her mother and grandmother in a small house. She helped with bills by working as a go-go dancer at nightclubs like Labirinthus, which led to her first modeling gig, promoting the popular gay dance club.

Originally printed in RVA #32 Spring 2018, you can check out the issue HERE or pick it up around Richmond now. 

Then she helped out backstage during a fashion show for a friend who owned the Óbvio Boutique. “I remember at the end of the show, a lot of her friends asked why I wasn’t modeling,” Moreno said. “Next season I was a model and was featured in a magazine. I just loved that.”

Moreno had been studying English and Portuguese, and had a side job translating for local tourism companies. Modeling wasn’t a passion, but she was curious, and she knew she wanted to go to the United States. She found a job as an au pair for a single mom here in Richmond and set out.

“I started modeling on the side a few months after living here,” she said. “I did a photo shoot for my birthday and things started picking up. I got really interested in learning more.”

Moreno researched her chosen career by watching episodes of America’s Next Top Model, which she described as one of the most practical and significant resources. She built a portfolio, learned the poses, and made a few connections. Then she went to New York. There, she spent three months with her portfolio going from casting call to casting call, walked in a few fashion shows, and signed with an agency. But she kept her apartment in Richmond.

When I got signed, I learned and understood more about who I am as a model,” Moreno said. “New York modeling is very high fashion, super tall and skinny. I can’t grow more. I was frustrated in the beginning. I learned I needed to be happy with who I am.

Moreno took the experience and connections back to her studio apartment in Richmond, where she kept receiving casting calls from all over the country. Moreno also found work here, and walked her first local show at Carytown Fashion Feeds the Byrd in 2014.

“There’s definitely growing opportunity here for fashion,” she said. “Competition is a sign. There are competing fashion shows, new boutiques, and new models. Competition spurs growth.”

Moreno has worked with local boutiques including Fab’rik, Trunk Up, and Tailor, as well as designers including Tangee’s Closet, TJ Sewer, and Victoria Lynn Designs. She also works with national brands who have a local presence, like Bebe and Lily Rain. If there’s a show to walk in Richmond, she tries her best to do it.

Most of her work isn’t local, but she calls Richmond a good home base, especially with access to the train. Since 2012, her modeling career has taken her to New York, Salt Lake City, and Hawaii. Her specialty is glam modeling, which mostly means lingerie and bikinis.

“Sometimes I get criticized because I’m in a bikini contest again,” she said. “Because I keep trying to show who I am, I got to go to Hawaii, Salt Lake City. It’s all paid and I love to travel.”

She’s found success in competitions and pageants, notably winning the crown of Miss Brazil USA in 2014.

“Then I started knowing about other contests and submissions I could make,” she said. “It was and is all about networking — who you know. Then, I started getting published in magazines and now I’m in at least 20 of them.”

She recently placed second in Maxim’s Finest competition, among a field of thousands. She’s set her sights on a $50,000 prize from Jet Set Magazine for her next event. In the first round of public voting, she’s held strong in first place. The competition ends April 11. She asks local supporters to vote for her daily at jetsetmag.com/model-search.

While Moreno travels for these competitions and photo shoots, she works closely with a list of Richmond-based photographers for her photo submissions. Her favorite photographers in Richmond include Glen Dandridge (GD shoots), Michael Hostetler (Michael Hostetler Photography), and Bobby Stephis (Nothingman Photography). Dandridge took the photos that secured Moreno’s runner-up position in the Maxim contest.

Keep an eye out–chances are that you’ll be seeing Moreno in a lot more magazines, especially since her first cover in late 2017 on Implied Magazine. And if you’re in Richmond, you can see her in person this April when she walks in RVA Fashion Week.

Photos By: Allison Macewen

RVA Fall Fashion Week 2017: A Rundown of This Weekend’s Events

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For the fourth year in a row, RVA Fashion Week will celebrate the fall season with a special series of events this weekend. Local non-profit Dress for Success and VCU’s student mag will also host fashion-related events. Throughout the weekend of shopping, partying, and walking, Richmonders will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with boutique owners, designers, and local influencers. Check out the rundown of events below and be on the lookout for a followup piece from RVA Mag next week. 

Thursday, October 5
This year, the events kick off at Vagabond (700 E. Broad St.) with a private networking party for industry professionals, photographers, bloggers and sponsors. This night is usually filled with reconnecting, brief presentations from event sponsors. 

Friday, October 6
The kickoff of RVA Fall Fashion Weekend coincides with First Fridays held in the Arts District. Starting at Fresh Richmond at 5:30 p.m. (213 E. Broad Street), attendees can view designs by Aziz Blas from Midlothian. You’ll want to visit Fresh, which is a new event and art space owned and operated by local DJs Neil Flick (NeilNeil) and Andrea Marshall (DJ Lady Syren). They’re supporting artists in a number of new ways at this new venue. Belle Isle Moonshine will also serve up cocktails using the brand’s locally made moonshine.

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Michael Hostetler Photography

Participants are then invited to visit the newly opened  Lou Stevens Glam Squad space, just four blocks west on Broad Street. The business specializes in bridal hair and makeup and if you’re one of the first 25 guests here after 7:30 p.m., the Lou Stevens staff will treat you to their lip and lash bar. An 8:15 p.m. fashion show will feature local consignment boutique Ashby and online boutiques Tailor and Trunk Up who both recently launched fall collections. Belle Isle Moonshine will also offer signature cocktails at this stop on the fashion crawl.

Saturday, October 7
Two non-profit events coincide with RVA Fall Fashion Weekend and are worth a visit before the evening’s ticketed runway show. Dress for Success is hosting a pop-up shop during the 2nd Street Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its boutique in Jackson Ward (210 E. Clay Street). Shop new, gently used, and vintage designer clothing and accessories to support the non-profit’s professional development and employment programs. Dress for Success is also the beneficiary of the evening’s formal wear runway show.

Michael Hostetler Photography

River City Fashion Uprising, VCU’s student-run fashion publication, is hosting a clothing drive to collect gently used items and accessories for Born 2B Great, a local non-profit that provides academic support to local children through after-school tutoring. Born 2B Great funds its programs through the profits made at its boutique on Main Street, which relies on donations. The drive will be held 2-5 p.m. at 12 West Broad Street.  

Michael Hostetler Photography

Saturday evening is the main event. Fall Fashion Weekend attendees will get a taste for a true runway experience at the Observation Deck at Richmond City Hall.  Guests must purchase tickets in advance, which range from $50 to $80 for front row seating. Arrive when the doors open at 6 p.m. to get a view of the city before the sun goes down.  Before the show starts at 8 p.m., shop clothing, and accessories from local vendors including Miranda Classic Ties, Tailor, Trunk Up, Ichiakor Designs, Beauty Counter, Lonely Pine and more. Food and drinks are included with event tickets. Food will be catered by Vagabond and Mama J’s. Belle Isle Premium Moonshine will wet palettes again for this final night of Fall Fashion Weekend.

Michael Hostetler Photography

The Weekend Formal Wear Runway Show will feature 11 local designers and boutiques: Travian Vann, STITCH. by Chanel Green, Salome Styles by Salome Autolino, toFREEyourSTYLE by Charissa George, Angelia’s Couture by Angela Cooper, Destiny Howard, House of LaPosh by India Watson, Amanda Welch, DNB by Destinee Nicole Browne, Kamala by Kamala Bhagat and 707. Kelli Lemon will host the Runway show featuring music from DJ MASS FX.

Doors open at 6p, show starts at 8p. Tickets for the Runway Show are $50-$80 and can be purchased here.

 

The 4th Annual RVA Fashion Week Fall Fashion Weekend

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Mark your calendars!!! The 4th Annual RVA Fashion Week Fall Fashion Weekend takes place Oct. 5th-7th!!!!

Event Lineup:
Oct. 5th Kickoff Party:
Invite only networking event.

Oct. 6th First Friday’s Fashion Crawl:
First check out designs by Azi Blas at Fresh Richmond starting at 5:30p. Then join us for a fashion party at Lou Stevens “Glam Squad” – On Location Hair and Makeup from 7:30p-9p. Check out a mini fashion show featuring fall looks from local boutiques Ashby, TAILOR and Trunk Up!! Featured drinks from Belle Isle Moonshine at both locations. This event is FREE and open to the public.

Oct. 7th Formal Wear Runway Show at the City Hall Observation Deck:
Don’t miss the 4th Annual RVAFW “Fall Fashion Weekend” Formal Wear Runway Show benefitting Dress for Success Central Virginia featuring 11 local designers and boutiques. Enjoy live music and refreshments fromBelle Isle Moonshine, Vagabond and Mama J’s plus shop from local vendors including Miranda Classic Ties TAILOR, Trunk Up, Beauty Counter, Lonely Pine Jewelry, Ichiakor Designs and more!!! Hosted by Kelli Lemon (@likethefruit) featuring music from Perri Young (@djmassfx). Stylish cocktail attire suggested.

Check out all the latest fall trends plus amazing views of the city from The Observation Deck at City Hall. Participating designers include:
Travian Vann
STITCH. by Chanel Green
Salome Styles by Salome Autolino
toFREEyourSTYLE by Charissa George
Angelia’s Couture by Angela Cooper
Destiny Howard
House of LaPosh by India Watson
Amanda Welch
DNB by Destinee Nicole Browne
Kamala by Kamala Bhagat
707

Doors open at 6p, show starts at 8p. For more info and to purchase tickets go here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rva-fashion-weeks-fall-fashion-weekend-formal-wear-runway-show-tickets-37774617899

**TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE. NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR**

RVAMag 2017 Fashion Week: International couture at local boutique Mod & Soul

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In 1943, fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert established the first ever Fashion Week in New York. Lambert, the founder of the International Best Dressed List, remodeled the French concept of a fashion show into an organized, seasonal event, and since then, fashion weeks have become forums for the conversation of style in cities around the world.

On March 8, this year’s Fall/Winter cycle of women’s fashion weeks came to a close in the “Big Four” fashion capitals: London, Milan, New York, and Paris. The high concept spectacle of runway shows continued to dazzle, but the street style found outside tents pulled just as many eyes and headlines.

The intersection of what goes down the runway and what people wear is the concept Richmond boutique Mod & Soul is founded on, and the starting place of RVAMag’s hunt for local businesses that showcase the top styles of 2017.

“I definitely get very inspired by the runway shows and street style of fashion week, and I kind of take that into consideration when I’m buying, but I don’t like to follow trends completely,” said Jasmina Zulic, owner of Mod & Soul. “I like to be more versatile…I don’t buy anything so trendy that a person who doesn’t really follow fashion week, or seasonal trends, doesn’t feel comfortable wearing it.”

Zulic opened her boho chic store on West Broad Street last spring after running a successful online boutique for a year a half.

Mod & Soul was full of 2017 fashion week runway trends, like stripes, garments with exposed shoulders, floral prints and culotte-style bottoms. However, the presence of the store’s own personality was equally unmistakable in items like an eye-popping metallic gold top, minimalistic jewelry, and strappy shoes in neutral colors.

“Mod & Soul is for someone who makes their own rules,” said Zulic. “Their style is super fun, flirty, cute. A bubbly personality.”

The top 2017 trend item at Mod & Soul had to be the Sealily slingback pump, its soft pink shade falling in with the huge trend all forms of pink were on this year’s runways.

The boutique’s most unique piece was the Emma floral embroidered dress, which nearly floated on a cloud of romantic whimsy in the store’s window.

The curation of style occurs from luxury brands down to the individual, and what people choose to buy and wear is equally as powerful as what the top designers choose to make. Today, it is up for debate whether street fashionistas and Beau Brummels are the influencees or influencers in the fashion world, and the selectivity of local boutiques like Mod & Soul are a testament to the dialogue of fashion.

When a garment goes down the runway, we are not only being presented with a piece of clothing, but with an idea. Clothes are the avatar of the designer’s opinions, and style, both personal and general, is born when decisions are made.

Stay tuned for more as RVAMag continues our 2017 fashion week series, and if you represent a local boutique or atelier who would like to be featured, email us at [email protected].

To shop Mod & Soul, you can go to their brick and mortar store at 323 W. Broad St., or visit them online here .

Words by Gabriella Lacombe. Photos courtesy of Mod & Soul