Richmond kicks off fashion week
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RVA Fashion Week 2018 during model fitting. Image: Courtesy of Michael Hostetler Photography and Richmond Fashion Week
When it comes to fashion, Richmond's style is unique, eclectic and vibrant, Jimmy Budd, co-founder and executive producer of RVA Fashion Week, tells Axios.
- But mostly, it’s about confidence and a meshing of styles from boutique-bought pieces to thrift store finds.
Driving the news: RVA Fashion Week's spring event kicked off Monday and runs through Sunday.
- The spring week focuses on luxury fashion by Richmond designers, while another week in the fall showcases streetwear.
Why it matters: The event, now in its 15th year, celebrates the people who work in Richmond's fashion industry, including designers, boutique owners, photographers and models.
- Plus it showcases the way "Richmonders push the boundaries of style" and create their own unique look, Budd said.
- RVA Fashion Week was started in 2008 by a group of students from VCU Arts' acclaimed fashion design and merchandising department.
What they're saying: "The VCU School of the Arts … they're producing so much talent every year. The talent [in Richmond] is unbelievable," Budd said, adding that he was the lone UR kid to help launch the week.
Much of that talent will be on display all week in nightly fashion-focused events, including a boutique shopping event Saturday afternoon, and an awards gala Friday.
- Student work is highlighted Tuesday with Girls For A Change at Thomas Jefferson High School, which features the work of the student fashion club, and Thursday with a show focusing on emerging VCU student designers.
- The week culminates in the luxury couture Finale Show on Sunday, with "Richmond’s most influential designers."
Details: Venues, ticket prices and hours vary for each show. Visit rvafw.com for specifics and to find out what you should be wearing this year.