RVA Spring Fashion Week returns to Richmond April 25th through May 1st

Local designers, business owners, artists, and creatives will present a series of events this spring to highlight the best of Richmond’s fashion community.

Richmond Fashion Week kicks off its 14th year on April 25th with a two-day marketplace featuring streetwear fashion and swimsuits. It closes May 1 with a finale runway fashion show at the Altria Theater Ballroom.

Other events include a workshop for entrepreneurs, a photography showcase, and shows in Richmond’s downtown Arts District, at the Science Museum of Virginia, and the Hilton Downtown Richmond.

“Our goal is to shine a light on the fashion, design, music, and photography that makes Richmond unique and contributes to its culture and economy,” says Jimmy Budd, executive producer of Richmond Fashion Week.

“As a long-running community event,” Budd says, “we also want to use our platform to raise money and awareness for local charities.” Spring Fashion Week will benefit HomeAgain, Honor Loan, Network of Enterprising Women, NAMI Virginia, and Forward Foundation.

RVAFW traces its beginnings to Virginia Commonwealth University, where students launched the forerunner to RVA Fashion Week in 2008. The shows are run by volunteers and include spring and fall seasons.

Find complete info at rvafw.com.

The Lineup

Monday, April 25 and Tuesday, April 26

Event: The Exchange: RVAFW Marketplace” benefiting Honor Loan
When: 5-11 p.m.
Where: Tang & Biscuit, 3406 W. Moore St.
What: This two-day event includes fashion shows highlighting streetwear fashion and swimsuits, with local vendors selling jewelry, clothing and accessories. Doors at 5 p.m. both days. Featuring designers Falln, Resort 44, Following Dory, Mama Jo’s, Curvy Body Ivy, PLV, RJ Brands, La Voute Couture, King Drew Customs and Rumors. Catch party band Weekend Plans closing out Day 2 at 9 p.m.

Wednesday, April 27

Event: The Creative Suite II: An Industry Wednesday Affair
When: 6-9 p.m.
Where: Black Iris, 321 W. Broad St.
What: This interactive networking and photography experience features designers Ego Death and Castano Moda Fina, with photographers Michael Hostetler, Mx. Bex and Byron Wimbish.

Thursday, April 28

Event: Arts District Dinner Fashion Show
When: 7-11 p.m.
Where: Quirk Hotel, 201 W. Broad St.
What: A fashion show highlighting businesses in Richmond’s downtown Arts District, to benefit HomeAgain. Featured boutiques include 707, Chilalay, 68 Home, Mod&Soul, The Spot, Liznel, The MSQ Shop, Blue Bones Vintage and Collective RVA. 

Event: WEAR RVA Fashion Show
When: 7-9 p.m.
Where: Dewey Gottwald Center at the Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad St.
What: A fashion show from Richmond nonprofit WEAR RVA, with proceeds benefitting the Network of Enterprising Women Richmond, VA scholarship fund. Ticket information at wearrva.amberkayphoto.com.

Friday, April 29

Event: America = Fashion Workshop: No Entrepreneurs Left Behind
When: 7:30 p.m., with Networking After Party from 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Where: Vagabond, 700 E. Broad St.
What: Dr. Michael Time presents a workshop for local arts and culture entrepreneurs. An RVAFW Social follows at Vagabond with cocktails, music and food provided by Mama J’s. Tickets $15. 21 and older.

Saturday, April 30

Event: Self-Care Saturday: HIIT Class and Yoga
When: 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Hilton Downtown Richmond, 501 E. Broad St.
What: HIIT to Fit class instructed by Kadija Ariyibi followed by a calming yoga wind down from Michelle Lee Landon of One Drop Yoga.

Event: Self-Care Saturday: Networking at Vagabond
When: 4-7 p.m.
Where: Vagabond, 700 E. Broad St.
What: A social event featuring live R&B music performers StayAtHomeDad, Kaay Taurus, RMZY and Zhé Aqueen alongside DJ Markus Gold with catering from Mama J’s.

Sunday, May 1

Event: RVAFW Finale Runway Fashion Show
When: Doors at 5 p.m., Show at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Altria Theater Ballroom, 6 N. Laurel St.
What: Our finale fashion show highlights the best in Virginia’s trendy, high-end and luxury designs. Featuring Von Stitch, Inceptual Sara, M.A.S, Kamala, Keziah, Liznel Official, The Suit Brother, CCH Collection, Sisters Boutique and 707. We’ll also introduce the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts as a community partner, featuring student designs from VMFA’s Teen Stylin program. Event will benefit the Forward Foundation.