Let me take a minute to state the obvious: Richmond is full of super fashionable, hugely talented and intimidatingly creative folks. After having only lived in the 804 for two and a half months, I’ve seen more tattoos, rainbow-colored hair and inspired night-out looks than I ever saw in my 10 years living in Fredericksburg - and that’s just walking down Cary Street on a Saturday!
Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to expand those numbers even further in one fell swoop; I attended the RAW: natural born artists showcase at the Hippodrome. Featuring dozens of painters, fashion designers, jewelry makers, photographers, musicians, make-up artists and hair stylists, the event gives a voice and stage to the freshest indie RVA talents.
Below, four of my favorites from the evening:
D’Shay
D'Shay began designing men’s jewelry after noting the obvious lack of selection in the market. He also designs custom "crowns," or fedoras. (Photo by Megan Parry)
“What I’m doing is revolutionary.” And so begins my chat with the delightful jewelry and hat designer, D’Shay, about his products and process. He began designing men’s jewelry after noting the obvious lack of selection in the market. Created to match his favorite sneaker color combos, the beaded bracelets and necklaces are bright, fun and full of personality. His fedoras, which he affectionately calls “crowns,” are all handmade with detachable and interchangeable ribbons/bows for customer customization.
Hair Killa
One of the styles by cosmetologist/hairstylist Erin Travers. (Photo by Megan Parry)
Rita Ora said it, so it must be true: your hair is your most important accessory. Erin Travers gets it. The 2009 cosmetology grad has been working steadily since, freelancing and working at the city’s salons to create some of the chicest hairstyles RVA has seen. Travers sent some sick styles down the runway, both totally attainable and awesomely aspirational. The silver cropped coif would be totally cool for a creative professional and the outsized antlers got me thinking I need a similar look for the upcoming Halloween party season (What can I say - dramatic head pieces are becoming a trend on this blog and it’s not even a month old!).
TJ Sewer
Pieces from Tabitha Sewer's vintage-inspired, feminine and fun skirt collection, which has already caught Lauren Conrad's eye. (Photo by Megan Parry)
After growing up with a seamstress for a mom, it’s no surprise Tabitha Sewer fell into fashion designing after spending time in the Air Force. The pint-sized powerhouse started her biz in 2014; it’s a vintage-inspired, feminine and fun skirt collection that has already attracted the attention of Lauren Conrad (Any Laguna Beach fans with me??). I am dying for the pink and gold polka dot number; I envision it with a cropped black sweater, ponytail and gold hoops for an evening out. My friend Kristin was lusting after the insect printed mini - it’s a cool juxtaposition of girly and edgy and perfect for a fall fete.
Michael Roxx
Michael Roxx’s looks are inspired by regular folks’ sidewalk styles synthesized with his own aesthetic. (Photo by Megan parry)
I’m going to refrain from being totally cheesy and making a “Michael Roxx ROCKS” joke here…oh wait. Anyway, the street via screen – Pinterest, Tumblr, Instagram - inspires Roxx’s designs. Roxx’s looks are inspired by regular folks’ sidewalk styles synthesized with his own aesthetic. The result is fresh and cool with playful prints and modern silhouettes.
It was a fun night that left me feeling inspired to play dress-up in my closet again. It also left me with hurting feet. These leopard print booties are killer, in more than one sense of the word.
Cute shoes...and a world of hurt. (Photo by Megan Parry)
