“Rich” in Creativity – Fashion, Design and Art Week, VA

So, I wouldn’t be an avid advocate of fashion in the DMV if I didn’t visit the ‘Va.’ I came across Fashion, Design and Art Week online, and thought I gotta go to this.  I reached out and actually got a call back from Tammy who was super fun, passionate and clearly working tirelessly to make this week come to fruition.  Just a 20 minute conversation on the phone made the event more personable, you could feel the energy she was putting into the show, and it put a healthy pressure on me to do my best.

It wouldn’t be a Naomi blogpost unless I mentioned my travel woes
from Baltimore. Clearly I am spoiled by the timeliness of Megabus, because Greyhound unrepentantly got me to Richmond 45 minutes late.  But I shook it off, after all, Richmond is a beautiful city, like a mix of DC/Philly in the historical city aspect but with a southern charm relaxing feel.

I quickly checked into my hotel, showered off my 3hr Greyhound ride, threw on a dress, and caught a cab quickly to the event, and was on time! And you know I have a special love for fashion shows in galleries, so immediately this venue was awesome!!!  Artworks not only a gallery but has artists in residence, which actively make art and sell as well.  So, as soon as you walk in the door the place is exuding creativity.

As I perused and of course snapchatted the room, it was clearly a upscale event, there people networking, respectfully chatting, and I was quietly enjoying the Baltimore club music the DJ was playing, all the while everyone was eagerly awaiting the show.

Now, the show started off with a bang, not only with a hip hop/breakdance trio but also with some amazing lingerie, by Bossy Lingerie, which I could not personally pull off but it was beautifully hand-made, sort of when tact meets risque.

The following two designers although displayed limited amount of their designs, they were true statement pieces!

 

 

White Dress by Greta Kay

Definitely elicited some immediate “Ooos and Ahs” from the guests.

 

It’s just something about a seeing a unique dream wedding dress, with beautiful beadwork, flare, stunning fabrics/tulle.  But after seeing like 6 in a row, I was truly intoxicated. Oh my,  then she had the dress that transitioned to a jumpsuit. A true ‘drop the mic’ moment.

Retro Mami Fashion by Real Mami

…was an outrageously fantastic collection.

Blas Couture by Azi Blas

…was downright amazing. Clearly a seamster, tailor, and designer that is not afraid to use an accessory!

Designer du jour – Tangee Massey Jones.

I had the pleasure of interviewing the creator and designer of Tangee’s Closet! She has been crocheting for over 30 years, initially taught by her mother.  She has beautiful couture designs, stating her favorite fabric to work with is shoe string leather! She is inspired by Balmain which could definitely see in the gentle pastels and one of the pieces was a pouf skirt.  She wants to change the stereotype that only grandmas crochet.

She’s such a beautiful woman, if you met her, you definitely wouldn’t think grandma lol. She uses e-commerce, and works diligently to adhere to your measurements, to make sure your clothes are truly one-of-a-kind.  She is single-handedly “preventing knitwear from being a dying art.”

One of the goals of FDAW is to “create an event that supports a sustainable, philanthropic fashion industry in Virginia,” so it was only fitting to conclude the show with Dr. Steven K Blanch! Although, I was only able to attend the gala couture event, their message and goals of the week prevailed throughout the show.  I hope I was able to show how much I enjoyed this experience, and expressed the richness of creativity that the Richmond, Virginia fashion industry has to offer.

 

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined” -Henry David Thoreau

Naomi