MOSTLY SUGAR FOUNDATION PRESENTS
The Culture Is Couture Gala
Icons & Influence
Friday, Nov. 6, 20266–9 P.M.Crossroads Art Center, Richmond, VA
The 2026 Theme
Icons & Influence
Every generation leaves something behind — the music, the style, the beauty, the language, the art, the ideas, the businesses, the movements, the people who changed what was possible. The 2026 Gala explores the people and cultural contributions that have shaped our past, define our present and inspire what comes next.
This theme complements the 2026 TCIC Weekend theme — Then. Now. Next.
Then
We honor what came before us.
Now
We celebrate the people shaping culture today.
Next
We invest in those who will carry it forward.
About The Culture Is Couture
Black Culture Doesn’t Just Participate In Culture — It Shapes It
The Culture Is Couture, also known as TCIC, is a signature initiative of the Mostly Sugar Foundation dedicated to celebrating and advancing Black influence across fashion, beauty, art, media, entrepreneurship and the creative economy. Through experiences that combine culture, education, business, creativity and community, TCIC brings together emerging talent, established professionals, entrepreneurs, students, creators, brands and community members.
The inaugural Culture Is Couture Weekend was held in Richmond in 2025. In 2026, TCIC returns for its second year with an expanded weekend of programming.
Friday, Nov. 6
The Culture Is Couture Gala
The opening celebration & fundraiser, Crossroads Art Center
Saturday, Nov. 7
Community Programming
A day of experiences across Richmond
Sunday, Nov. 8
The Culture Is Couture Expo
Main Street Station
Where Your Support Goes
Your Night. Their Next Opportunity.
The Gala raises funds to support the work of the Mostly Sugar Foundation, including the TCIC Scholarship and programs designed to create greater access, resources, education, exposure and opportunities for emerging creatives, entrepreneurs and young leaders.
Scholarships
Financial support to help students pursue their education, professional development and creative goals.
Creative & Professional Development
Educational opportunities, workshops and experiences that give emerging talent access to industry knowledge.
Entrepreneurship & Economic Opportunity
Connecting entrepreneurs and creatives with resources, education, networks and platforms for business growth.
Community Programming
Accessible programming that brings education, culture and professional resources directly into the community.
Exposure & Opportunity
Platforms where emerging creatives, entrepreneurs, artists and professionals can showcase their work.
The Next Generation
Investing in young people and emerging talent who will become the next creators, owners and leaders.
The Gala Experience
A Cocktail-Style Fundraising Celebration
Not a seated ballroom gala — an elevated night to move, connect and explore
Guests will experience a standing cocktail reception inside Richmond’s Crossroads Art Center, creating an atmosphere that encourages movement, conversation, connection and exploration. Rather than spending the evening assigned to one table, guests are encouraged to experience the room, meet someone new and become part of the celebration.
Dress Code
Formal
Dress to Theme — Icons & Influence
Think about the people, eras, movements and cultural moments that have influenced your personal style or changed the way the world sees Black fashion, beauty and creativity. Your interpretation can be literal, subtle, historical, contemporary or completely personal.
This is not a costume party. It is an opportunity to use fashion as storytelling.
Tickets With Purpose
Choose How You Want To Support
Admission begins at $35. Every ticket level provides admission to the same Gala experience — giving levels above General Admission represent an additional contribution to the Mostly Sugar Foundation’s mission.
$35
General Admission
Join us for an evening celebrating Black culture, creativity and influence while supporting the work of the Mostly Sugar Foundation.
Includes gala admission
$50
Community Supporter
Take your support beyond admission with an added contribution to the Mostly Sugar Foundation and the work we’re building through The Culture Is Couture.
Includes gala admission and complimentary champagne
$75
Culture Supporter
Go a step further in supporting our work to create access and opportunities for emerging creatives, entrepreneurs and future leaders.
Includes gala admission, complimentary champagne and name recognition on our digital gala supporter list
$100
Culture Builder
Help us continue building programs that connect the next generation with education, resources, exposure and opportunity.
Includes gala admission, complimentary champagne, digital supporter recognition and recognition on the gala supporter display
$250
Creative Advocate
Make a deeper investment in the people and ideas shaping what comes next. Your support helps the Foundation expand its creative, educational and community-focused programming.
Includes gala admission, complimentary champagne, recognition on the gala supporter display and recognition on the Mostly Sugar Foundation website
$500
Icons Circle
Make a significant investment in the future of creativity and culture. Your support helps advance the TCIC Scholarship and the Foundation’s year-round programs and initiatives.
Includes gala admission, complimentary champagne, featured Icons Circle recognition at the gala and in select event materials, and a special donor appreciation gift
$1,000
Legacy Circle
Make a leadership-level investment in the next generation of creativity, entrepreneurship and cultural influence. Legacy Circle supporters help us expand access, opportunity and resources for emerging creatives, entrepreneurs and future leaders.
Includes gala admission, complimentary champagne, prominent Legacy Circle recognition at the gala and in select event materials, special acknowledgment during the evening, an invitation to a future Mostly Sugar Foundation donor experience, and a premium donor appreciation gift
For gifts above $1,000: Supporters interested in making a larger individual contribution, corporate gift or sponsorship can contact foundation@mostlysugar.com.
Can’t Attend?
You Can Still Make An Impact
You do not have to attend the Gala to be part of what we are building. If you believe in creating more opportunities for emerging creatives, entrepreneurs, students and future leaders, we invite you to support the Mostly Sugar Foundation with a contribution.
Whether you give $25, $100, $500 or more, your contribution becomes part of a larger investment in access and opportunity.
foundation@mostlysugar.comBecome A Gala Partner
Partnership Opportunities
Corporations, businesses and community organizations can support the evening through financial sponsorship and in-kind contributions.
- Event & supporting sponsorship
- Champagne & beverage partnerships
- Hospitality partnerships
- Creative & experiential activations
- In-kind product or service donations
- Guest gifting & scholarship support
About The Mostly Sugar Foundation
Talent Exists Everywhere. Access Does Not.
The Mostly Sugar Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to creating access, opportunity and resources at the intersection of culture, creativity, education, entrepreneurship and community. The Culture Is Couture represents our commitment to celebrating cultural influence while connecting that influence to education, economic opportunity and the next generation.
Why Your Support Matters
A gala lasts one evening. The goal is for its impact to last much longer.
You are helping a student.
You are helping an emerging creative.
You are helping an entrepreneur.
You are helping us invest in what comes next.
Celebrate the icons.
Recognize the influence.
Invest in what’s next.
Attend. Give. Support What’s Next.
Friday, Nov. 6, 2026 · 6–9 P.M. · Crossroads Art Center, Richmond, VA · Formal Attire
Frequently Asked Questions
Good To Know
Is this a fundraising gala?
Yes. The Culture Is Couture Gala is a fundraising event produced by the Mostly Sugar Foundation. Proceeds support the TCIC Scholarship and Foundation programming and initiatives.
Do I have to attend to donate?
No. Supporters who cannot attend are encouraged to make a contribution. Contact foundation@mostlysugar.com for donation information.
Is the Gala seated?
No. The event is designed as a standing cocktail-style reception rather than a traditional seated dinner gala, encouraging guests to move throughout the space and connect with one another.
What should I wear?
Formal attire is requested. Guests are also invited to interpret the 2026 Gala theme, Icons & Influence, through their attire.
Do I have to dress according to the theme?
The theme is encouraged but not required. Formal attire is the primary dress code.
What does my ticket support?
Gala proceeds benefit the TCIC Scholarship and Mostly Sugar Foundation programs focused on access, education, entrepreneurship, creative and professional development and community opportunity.
Why are there different ticket levels?
The Gala uses a giving-level model. General Admission begins at $35. Supporters who would like to make a larger contribution can select a higher giving level while receiving admission to the same Gala experience.
Is champagne included?
Giving levels above the $35 General Admission level include complimentary champagne.
Are tickets refundable?
All ticket purchases and contributions are final and nonrefundable.
Can my company sponsor the Gala?
Yes. Financial, in-kind and customized partnership opportunities are available. Contact foundation@mostlysugar.com for partnership information.
Is the Gala the entire TCIC event?
No. The Gala opens The Culture Is Couture Weekend. Community programming takes place Saturday, Nov. 7, followed by The Culture Is Couture Expo at Main Street Station on Sunday, Nov. 8.