Black Fashion. Black Beauty. Our Legacy. Our Influence.
OCTOBER 3-5, 2025 • RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
The Culture is Couture is a weekend-long cultural experience that brings together fashion, identity, and heritage to honor the undeniable impact of Black culture on global style in an immersive, multi-day event format.
The Culture is Couture was inspired by the need to showcase Black fashion and beauty through our lens—not watered down, not edited, not filtered.
We’re influenced by the past but focused on the future. This event pays tribute to the legacy of Black style, the beauty standards we set for ourselves, and the cultural influence we’ve had on the fashion world for generations.
Hosted in Richmond, Virginia, a city rich with Black history and creative energy, Culture is Couture honors our ancestors, uplifts our community, and celebrates the way we express who we are—boldly and unapologetically.
The Experience (Each Day Layout)
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The Prelude: Opening Reception
Vagabond, Richmond, VA | 6:30–9:30 PM
Kick off the weekend with style, networking, and music. In partnership with Richmond Fashion Week, this semi-formal evening brings together elegance and community.
Enjoy drink specials, live music by Mahogany Soul, and a curated vibe that sets the tone for the days ahead.
🎟️ Tickets start at $20
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The Culture Is Couture Style & Culture Expo
Greater Richmond Convention Center | 11 AM (VIP) / 12–6 PM (GA)
The heart of the weekend—celebrating fashion, beauty, and culture.Expo Host: Dominique Da Diva
50+ Marketplace Vendors featuring fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and more
Art Exhibition presented by The Art Seen
5+ Designers showcasing cutting-edge collections
Hair Throughout the Decades presentation
Panels presented by We Make The City Look Good (topics: Black influence on fashion/beauty, creative entrepreneurship, and representation in media)
Live Performances by Pay2Play Rixh, Alexander Mack, Zay The Artist + more
Nail bars, barbers, brand activations, sponsored Hennessy Activation Station, and nonstop entertainment
🎟️ Tickets range from $25-$100
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Sunday's Best Experience
Close the weekend with a powerful mix of fashion and performance. This immersive showcase blends choir performances, a runway experience, and theatrical elements for a one-of-a-kind cultural finale.
TCIC Expo
Saturday, October 4, 2025
12:00 PM – 6:00 PM, VIP Early Entry at 11 AM
Greater Richmond Convention Center | Exhibit Hall D
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1:00 PM – Performance
Performer: Zay the Artist
1:15 PM – “Tailored to Win”
Featured Guest: Andre’ Julius
Moderator: Autumn Childress
2:00 PM – Panel: Behind The Glitz vs. The Image Makers
Moderator: Kashun Monique
Speakers:
Dwayne S. Morris Jr.
Victoria Berkeley
Coach Tho
Braxton Dejohn
Jay
Aspen Brown
2:45 PM – Performance
Performer: P2P Rixh
3:00 PM – Panel: Building Stronger Black Ecosystems in Fashion & Beauty
Moderator: Dany B.
Speakers:
Star
LaTisha
Coach T
Christopher Giles
Lenise
4:00 PM – Virginia’s Musical Influence on Global Culture & Fashion
Speakers: Fam-Lay & Antonio
Moderator: Dominique Da Diva
4:30 PM – TCIC Fashion Showcase
Featured Designers:
Fort Mose 1738
Albie Sweets
Team Prezzi
RJ Brands Customs
Bloo Kaler
Jerha Couture
5:45 PM – Performance
Performer: Alexander Mack
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Brand Activations
Art & Vendor Market
Hair & Fashion Show
Networking & Community Experiences
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The Art Seen Experience Presents: “Colors” — A The Culture Is Couture Exhibit
Featuring works by:
Barrett Miller II
Joshua Maclin
Julian Greene
Lizzie Brown
MarQuise Crockett
Ron Stokes
Selah Marie
YamerieK
“Colors” is a tribute to the artistry, innovation, and cultural power of Black style. In our communities, fashion has always been more than clothing—it’s language, resistance, identity, and celebration.
Through bold palettes, textures, and silhouettes, this exhibit highlights how Black fashion continues to shape culture locally and globally.
Each piece tells a story—of roots and reimagining, of joy and resilience, of beauty carried in every shade. From streetwear to couture, tradition to trend, Colors showcases the influence of Black fashion as both personal expression and a collective legacy.
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Vendors Featured in the Market
Lost Cargo
The Nail Files
WhatChaNeed
Essential Grillz
The Aunties Room
Fly Apparel
Sage & Illumination
Max House Furs
Kiss My Denim
Mindful Reign
Astor Clothing LLC
C. Miller, LLC
Jerha Couture
Younique Selections
Newborn Vintage
My Little Boutique
And more
Featured Partners and Sponsors
Wasted Water
Lost Cargo
RVA Fashion Week
Richmond Region Tourism and BLK RVA
Richmond Economic Development Authority
Hennessy
The Art Seen
Need Buy Now, Pay Later Options Through Klarna
Why Now + Why Richmond
The Culture Is Couture is born out of history, need, and momentum.
42% of Richmond’s population is Black (US Census)
Surrounded by 10+ universities, colleges, and HBCUs
A growing creative economy, influencers, and cultural tastemakers
Virginia is the birthplace of Black fashion icons like Pharrell Williams and Pusha T
Just 2 hours from Washington, D.C.
No other event in Virginia centers Black fashion, beauty, and identity at this level
Get Involved
Be Part of the Culture. Shape the Moment.
The Culture is Couture is more than an event—it’s a platform for celebrating Black fashion, beauty, and influence. Whether you’re a sponsor, brand, or individual looking to make an impact, we invite you to join the movement.
CONTACT US AT PARTNERSHIPS@MOSTLYSUGAR.COM
Now Accepting Applications
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Volunteers
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Designers
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Beauty Team (Hair & Makeup)
Don’t Miss Important Updates.
The Culture Is Couture is coming—and trust us, you don’t want to miss this. Sign up below to get exclusive updates, early access to tickets, and first looks at what’s coming this October. Whether you're attending, supporting, or just curious, we’ll keep you in the know.
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