Eighteen Years of Richmond Fashion Week. Elevation Is the Only Direction
Eighteen years in, Richmond Fashion Week isn't arriving — it's already here. SS26: Elevation runs April 6–12 across three venues with six distinct runway experiences, dozens of designers, and a week of programming that sets a new standard for what fashion looks like in Richmond.
Is the Wellness Industrial Complex Gaslighting Us?
Before you've had a sip of water this morning, TikTok has already diagnosed you. Your cortisol is ruined, your gut is a disaster, and somewhere a brand is ready to charge you $90 to fix it. The wellness industrial complex has built an empire on manufactured urgency, and women are both its most loyal customers and its most underserved patients. We need to talk about it.
Unpartnered & Unbothered: Why Successful Black Women Are Redefining Life Without a Partner
The data is clear: Black women are the fastest-growing demographic choosing single life. But the reasons why are more structural — and more powerful — than you think.
Marvella Akiojano Is Building a Beauty Brand That Refuses to Blink
At 22, Nigerian-born founder Marvella Akiojano is doing what most beauty brands won't — building for real life, not the algorithm. Marviano Cosmetics started with lip liners and a simple philosophy: if it doesn't solve a problem, it doesn't ship.
Softness Is Not Surrender. It's the Most Radical Thing You Can Do.
We've been sold a story about womanhood that equates exhaustion with excellence. That frames hyperindependence as a personality trait instead of what it often actually is: a survival strategy that's outlived its season. We're not here to celebrate how much you can hold. We're here to ask you to put some of it down.
How Does It Feel: Remembering D’Angelo and His Sonic Love Letters to Black Women
When D’Angelo sang, Black women exhaled. His music didn’t just move us — it gave us permission to feel. To be soft, sensual, seen. I remember watching my mother and aunties sway when Untitled (How Does It Feel) came on, eyes closed, hands to their chests, letting go for once. D’Angelo’s sound wasn’t about seduction — it was about liberation. He reminded us that our softness is sacred and that being vulnerable is its own kind of power.
Inside the New Black Fashion and Beauty Experience Taking Over Richmond
A new cultural event is coming to Virginia’s capital this fall to celebrate the influence of Black culture on fashion and beauty. The Culture Is Couture will debut Oct. 3–5 with three days of programming, including a formal gala, an expo featuring more than 50 Black-owned brands and a runway experience inspired by the Black church.
Your Vulva Called. She’d Like A Little More Eye Contact
When was the last time you really looked at your vulva? Not a quick glance in the shower—mirror in hand, lights on, every curve and fold reflected back.
For many—especially Black and brown folks and those in the LGBTQIA+ community—the answer might be never. That’s why mirror-gazing matters. It’s not vanity. It’s connection, awareness and unlearning shame.
DJ Envy Brings Car Culture and Community Back to Virginia
DJ Envy brought more than just cars to Hampton—he brought community. The Drive Your Dreams Car Show turned the Hampton Coliseum into a full-day experience of nostalgia and connection. With Pusha-T in the building, car clubs from across the region, and a crowd that reflected Virginia’s legacy, this wasn’t just another stop on the tour.
3 Reasons Why You Need to Be at the Richmond Jazz and Music Festival
The Richmond Jazz and Music Festival returns August 8–10 with a stacked lineup, unbeatable energy, and a crowd that brings the culture every year. From T.I. and Muni Long to bold fashion and community pride, here are 3 real reasons you need to be at Maymont Park this summer.
Durag Fest 2025: A Celebration of Black Culture and Creativity in Charlotte, NC
Durag Fest returns to Charlotte on June 21, bringing together music, art, fashion, and community empowerment to celebrate Black culture. Headlined by trap-anime artist TiaCorine, the festival features an exciting mix of rising stars and local talent, including Eastside Brotha, Byron Juane, and Loren Lai.
Radio One Richmond Launches Black Music Month Collective
Radio One Richmond is celebrating Black Music Month with The Black Music Month Collective, a month-long event series showcasing local Black artists. From R&B to jazz, hip hop to funk, the collective will feature live performances at four Richmond restaurants throughout June. The events, which are free and open to the public, aim to highlight the city’s vibrant music scene while honoring the legacy of Black musicians.
RVAFW 2025: Here’s What To Expect
RVA Fashion Week is back for its 17th year and more immersive than ever. From avant-garde runway moments to trending streetwear, the weeklong event will showcase the designers shaping the future of fashion. With a fresh leadership team and a reimagined vision, this year’s lineup is packed with must-see shows, exclusive experiences, and a celebration of style that pushes boundaries.
PLV’s First Solo Show, ‘Black Boys Lost,’ Captivates Richmond
The energy outside Black Bird Collective was electric—fans, fashion insiders, and local influencers wrapped around the building, waiting for the doors to Black Boys Lost to open. Inside, Markie Colden’s debut solo showcase for PLV was more than just a runway—it was a statement. From the raw, theatrical opening to the hand-crafted urban set, every detail told a story. Streetwear pieces, each one unique, carried Colden’s signature touch—painted logos, distressed textures, and screen-printed graphics that reflected the grit and resilience of Urban America. By the end of the night, one thing was clear: Black Boys Lost wasn’t just a fashion show. It was an experience.
Interwoven: Celebrating Black Hair, Sisterhood, and Creative Freedom
Some projects are more than just a shoot—they’re a movement. Interwoven, a recent photoshoot brought to life by a powerhouse creative team, set out to celebrate the beauty and identity of Black hair through the themes of sisterhood and connectedness. But what unfolded was something even deeper: a space where artistry, authenticity, and community thrived.
RVA, ‘Tis The Season To Shop Local
Beyond adding distinctive pieces to your wardrobe, shopping local has a ripple effect on the community. Local businesses reinvest in the area, driving economic growth and creating jobs. Choosing local isn’t just a fashion statement — it’s an investment in Richmond’s culture and sustainability.
Why Richmond Fashion Week Deserves A Spot On Your Bucket List
Richmond Fashion Week (RVAFW) recently concluded its 16th annual showcase, dazzling audiences with its diverse array of emerging and established talents. From an accessories showcase to captivating runway spectacles, RVAFW showcased Richmond's fashion scene and its potential to emerge as a formidable fashion hub. While comparisons to established fashion capitals like New York may be premature, industry insiders like Travian Vann and Noel Calubaquib believe Richmond's unique identity as a nurturing ground for emerging designers sets it apart. As the city continues to evolve and embrace its role as a creative powerhouse, the world watches with anticipation, eager to see what the future holds for RVA Fashion Week and the talented visionaries it champions.
Candid Behind the Runway with Alex and Dieynaba
In a candid behind-the-scenes glimpse, models Alex Williams and Dieynaba Diop offer intimate insights into their journey through the fashion world. Beyond the glamour of the runway, they delve into the realities of modeling, sharing personal experiences of navigating confidence and beauty standards. From overcoming initial hesitations to embracing authenticity, their stories resonate with aspiring models and fashion enthusiasts alike. Join Alex and Dieynaba as they peel back the layers of the runway, revealing the raw emotions and triumphs that define their unique paths in the industry.
Sleek and Clean— The Hair Trends Dominating 2024
In 2024, elegance and sophistication reign supreme in hair trends. From sleek buns to daring pixies, individuals embrace styles that exude confidence. Ajah Bolden, CEO of AK Beauty Co., highlights the versatility of these trends, encouraging clients to experiment freely. With variants of blonde and copper making dramatic appearances, 2024 promises transformative hair journeys where each strand tells a story of individuality and self-assurance.