Photo courtesy of ThinkStock
February marks that tricky transitional time between winter and spring in the retail and fashion world. Fat spring magazine issues hit the stands and stores start filling their racks with floral prints and swingy skirts once again. The start of spring also means the return of more festivals, events and fun things to do in the RVA area. It’s all new beginnings and fresh starts and I couldn’t be happier with these first harbingers of spring. I’ve put together a list of 10 of the coolest openings, events and festivals that will be headed to RVA in the next few months. Get ready to mark your calendars!
Saks Fifth Avenue Spring Trunk Shows
The Stony Point Fashion Park is gearing up for spring with a spate of trunk shows of their most beloved brands in the coming weeks. It may seem torturous to start planning sundresses and sandals while there’s still snow on the ground but the previews will prove to be the perfect seasonal escape!
- Max Mara February 17, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- St. John March 2, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Milly March 3, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Eileen Fisher March 24, 5 - 8 p.m.
Saks Fifth Avenue, Stony Point Fashion Park, 9200 Stony Point Parkway
Art Party and Jewelry Showcase
Head out to Colonial Heights and check out the incredible jewelry artisans at the Side Street Gallery. There’s fused glass, wire wrapping, polymer clay and bead work pieces in modern and vintage styles; so, basically, there’s something for everyone. February 20, 2 - 5 p.m. free, Side Street Gallery, 127-129 Pickwick Ave.
Help support FETCH a Cure with the RVA Fashion Alliance’s art-meets-fashion fundraiser. The gala presents and sells fashion-focused artwork from a number of local artists along with hors d’oeuvres from awesome RVA restaurants, live music from Anneliese and lots of fun raffle prizes to be won from local businesses. FETCH a Cure is a local non-profit dedicated to finding pets with cancer affordable care options. February 20, 7-11:30 p.m., $50, Gallery 5, 200 W. Marshall St.
Japanese Boro Bag Workshop
Design and construct your own Japanese rice bag out of hand-dyed indigo fabric with local designer Elizabeth Cogar. You’ll learn the Japanese sashiko stitch to sew rag scraps onto your bag; all based on traditional 19th century techniques and traditions. No prior sewing experience necessary. March 3, 6-9 p.m., $30, Studio Two Three, 3300 W. Clay St.
Punjabi Mela 2016 Indian Festival
Head over to the 14th annual Punjabi Festival at the Cultural Center of India to soak up all the incredible food, music, dance and, of course - fashion they have on offer. There will be a fashion show as well as lots of vendors selling traditional Indian clothing and costumes for you to jazz up your warm weather wardrobe. March 12, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Free, Cultural Center of India, 6641 Ironbridge Parkway, Chester
Spring Fling Royals Fashion Show
The Royals Fashion Show marks the official kick-off to Spring Fling week at Virginia State University. Every year, a group of local fashion designers and student models present their collections, each with an emphasis on urban couture apparel for both men and women. It’s a fun-filled night full of fabulous frocks and fashionable friends. April 10, 6 p.m., free, 1 Hayden Drive, 524-5000
Lily Pulitzer
Lily lovers, rejoice! Short Pump Town Center has just announced the addition of the cult-classic brand Lily Pulitzer to their store line-up; the line of preppy, printed resort-wear will open their RVA doors just in time for barbecue season this summer. shortpumpmall.com
Breitling Honor Flight Navitimer 01 Watch Premier
Breitling Watch Company is unveiling their latest limited edition watch, the Honor Flight Navitimer 01 and Schwarzschild Jewelers is the exclusive retailer of the watch in Central Virginia. Proceeds from the sale of the watch will go toward the Honor Flight Network, a non-profit that helps war veterans travel without charge to Washington DC to visit the war memorials. To see the watches, call Schwarzschild to set up a private appointment. Cary Court, 355-2136; Short Pump, 967-0800; Alverser Plaza, 344-0150
