Jimmy Budd and his team are working through the challenges of the pandemic to present the 12th year of RVA Fashion Week. The show will be held October 5 through October 11.
“RVA Fashion Week is a giant community celebration of local art and talent. Richmond has so much talent. Our goal is to spotlight that talent and help them advance their career,” says Budd, RVA Fashion Week’s executive producer.
Brands showing during RVA Fashion Week include Travian Vann, 707,Very Ashley, Evolve, The Dapper Luq Collection, 3 Waves, Leve Clothing, Inceptual Sara, FallnThe Brand, and Dillard’s.
Planning the event this year has been extremely difficult. Because of COVID-19, the show was postponed in the spring. During the summer Budd reached out to everyone involved to discuss moving forward with the event in the fall.
“I found support,” he says. “From then, the [momentum] went from zero to 100.”
The show includes everything from fashion and jewelry to accessories and education. This year there will feature a combination of virtual and live events.
“The live events, for the most part, will have as minimal capacity as possible — twenty to forty people tops,” Budd says. “We have a COVID-19 waiver that people fill out to attend. We will take temperatures, and 707 Fine Clothing is donating masks. We are trying to be as safe as possible going into this.”
Lights, Cameras, Action
Each event is unique to the show. Every year mental health is discussed through a partnership with the local nonprofit Runway2Life, which aims to spread awareness and provide support.
This season’s artwork features sketches from Amanda Campbell of ABLE designs, who is in recovery for a severe eating disorder. Her focus on sketching is a “huge motivator for her to power through these difficult times and we are honored to share her work,” Budd says.
The fashion show presented by Neechic at Dillard’s, Stony Park Fashion Park, on Oct. 6 will take on a different look this year by featuring the escalator as a runway.
“Dillard’s has a giant space so people can be socially distanced,” Budd says.
This fashion show will display timeless and chic comfort for the professional and everyday woman. The looks will reflect the real world, showcasing women of all shapes and sizes.
Even though it has been challenging to prepare this year, Budd is pleased with the efforts of the volunteers and with the final product.
“This season shows how tight-knit the Richmond community is,” he says.
You can find the full lineup of the show at rvafw.com.
