Emerging Designers Shine on Day Two of Richmond Fashion Week
Three emerging designers showcased their talent on day two of Richmond Fashion Week (RVAFW) in a runway event at The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design. Sire 711, Leve, and Suigens presented collections that captivated attendees.
House music boosted the energy, making people sway and move to the beat. Guests went for drinks and Hors D'oeuvres to kill time before the show. Black and chrome outfits imbued the showroom as viewers filed in.
The event had an old world meets a new world feel. The deep brown paneling and woodwork on the walls created a beautiful contrast against the bold fashions strutting the runway. But, in true RVAFW fashion, nothing could be simple.
Models walked through two rooms, creating an immersive experience for the viewers and designers.
“For the emerging designers and really showcasing people who want to be known in the industry, it’s so crucial to have a really grand space to feel inspired, to feel luxurious,” Bella Bishop said. “The setting is really to inspire everyone.”
The culture of RVAFW is elevation and inspiration. Keep in mind that this isn’t an age-exclusive event: go-getters, grandmothers, and kids were in attendance, basking in the inspiration and talent in the room.
The first designer featured was 14-year-old Eris Audie’s brand Sire 711 (sire_711 on Instagram). Golds, silvers, and whites decorated the runway. Girly, feminine energy powered through as each model came out.
Amani Daylie’s brand Leve (leve.clothing on Instagram) shook the room. Her pieces were eye-catching and breathtaking. Viewers gasped and cheered from the first look to the end.
“My inspiration is basically like when you hard work, you’re greedy and a lot of people are greedy for money and we need to start being greedy for ourselves. It’s actually a capsule of my full collection Leve Deadly Sins, so this is Greed,” Daylie said.
True artistry and passion were on display for the show.
Noel Calubaquid’s brand, Suigens (suigens on Instagram), was otherworldly. Minimalist, alien-like pieces added an outlandish layer to the show. Spikes, wings, and helmet-like shades transformed the show into an intergalactic exhibition.
Calubaquid, VP of creative direction for Dash Talents, debuted at RVAFW, this was his first show ever.
“Its actually my first fashion show. We’re in an Information Age now, we have access to all the designers on the internet… so I really pulled from the best that’s done this,” Calubaquid said.
Even though these designers are emerging in the RVA area, they aren’t short of creativity, passion and expertise.
“With this collection, I was watching Belly and then as the storyline came, it just started evolving into this… it transcended into what we have here today,” Daylie said.
The key to an audience-hooking show is to infer what fashion-forward people would love and appreciate.
“I think the crowd, and journalists like yourself and people that know fashion critique your work. So they’ll know if you’re a real artist or designer,” Calubaquid said.
The Emerging Designer Show was a showcase of contemporary creations and inspiring artists. Attendees marveled at the avant-garde creations showcased in the museum's fashion show, making it an unforgettable fusion of art and style.
