15th anniversary season of Richmond Fashion Week kicks off next week

Members of the Richmond fashion industry are launching an awards celebration this spring, marking the 15th anniversary of Richmond Fashion Week, which begins next Monday, April 17th.

The RVAFW Awards Gala will honor rising stars and industry leaders in Richmond’s creative community on April 21 at the Hippodrome Theater. The new event is being held in partnership with Shockoe Records to benefit the RIFF Arts Institute.

The gala is part of a weeklong series of events across the Richmond area to showcase designers, photographers, models, artists and entrepreneurs.

“Thousands of talented people have been part of Richmond Fashion Week throughout our 15 years,” Executive Producer Jimmy Budd says. “We’ve seen emerging artists develop their skills and watched careers take off.”

Other events include:

• A Youth-Driven Fashion Show at Thomas Jefferson High School
• An Emerging Designer Showcase at The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design
• A Luxury Couture Fashion Finale at the Bon Secours Training Center.

“We invite everyone to help us celebrate Richmond-born fashion and support the unique creative talents of our community,” Budd says. “Our local fashion industry is a key contributor to the Richmond area’s culture and economy.”

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.

The Lineup

Monday, April 17

Event: The Creative Suite

When: 7-10 p.m.

Where: The Tobacco Company Restaurant, 1201 E. Cary St.

What: This kickoff to Richmond Fashion Week is a creative evening full of photographers, models, designers, artists and anyone who appreciates fashion. Join us for this networking event with members of the 804 fashion industry

Tuesday, April 18

Event: Girls For A Change

When: 6-8 p.m.

Where: Thomas Jefferson High School, 4100 W. Grace St.

What: This unique fashion show experience will feature original pieces designed by the Girls For A Change team, and modeled by future fashionistas and professionals. Imagine a high-fashion runway complete with red carpet, stage lights, and professional sound — at a school. The Thomas Jefferson Girl Action Team has reimagined the fashion show experience as a way to bridge the gaps that public schools face with community and youth engagement.

Wednesday, April 19

Event: Wellness Wednesday

When: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Where: Black Iris, 321 W. Broad St.

What: On this day we encourage the fashion community to visit local businesses that promote wellness through physical fitness, healthy food, emotional healthcare, and access to professional health care to keep us physically and emotionally healthy. We will provide a schedule of different businesses that will participate and we would love for you to join us. Wellness Wednesday benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Thursday, April 20

Event: Emerging Designer Show

When: 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Where: The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design, 2501 Monument Ave.

What: A spectacular runway event to launch new and emerging designers Hugh by Fitz Godwin, LG Motion, C.Renee, Kavin Todd and Leve Clothing.

Friday, April 21

Event: RVAFW Awards Gala

When: 5:30 p.m.-midnight

Where: Hippodrome Theater, 528 N. 2nd St.

What: A new celebration of individuals and businesses who continue to enhance Richmond and set higher standards for the arts community and surrounding areas. Honoring rising and influential leaders in the fashion community. Held in partnership with Shockoe Records benefiting the RIFF Arts Institute.

Saturday, April 22

Event: The Exchange Boutique Show

When: 2-5 p.m.

Where: Graduate Hotel, 301 W. Franklin St.

What: The ultimate luxury vendor experience, where we focus on local, small businesses and boutiques followed by a seated fashion show. Featuring Vestique Richmond, Luxury Professionals and Shop the Runway.

Sunday, April 23

Event: RVAFW Finale Runway Fashion Show

When: 5:30-9 p.m.

Where: Bon Secours Training Center, 2401 W. Leigh St., Suite 110

What: A luxury couture fashion event featuring Richmond’s most influential designers: Tough Cookie, 707 Fine Clothing, Kill the Seams, The Aziancy, The Liznel, Suit Brothers and Ron Lee. Benefiting the Forward Foundation.

More info can be found here.