PLV’s First Solo Show, ‘Black Boys Lost,’ Captivates Richmond
‘Black Boys Lost’ Turns Fashion Into a Gritty, Unfiltered Story
Image Source: @shotsbynoves
Last Updated: March 16, 2025
On a sun-drenched Sunday, March 9, Richmond’s fashion scene witnessed a moment. PLV—short for Peace. Love. Violence.—made an unforgettable statement with its latest show, Black Boys Lost. The brainchild of Petersburg native Markie Colden, this event was more than a fashion showcase. It was a raw, unfiltered narrative told through fabric, set design, and performance.
By the time doors opened at Black Bird Collective on W. Leigh St., the anticipation was palpable. A crowd wrapped around the building, buzzing with excitement. Among them? RVA’s fashion elite. RVA Fashion Week’s executive team, Jimmy Budd and Ryan Azia, were in attendance, along with the founder of Threaded Men’s Fashion Week, Darrian Hewlett, and local influencers and creators. Fashion enthusiast Jon Cope of Richmond Magazine and fellow designers, including RJ of RJ Brands and Customs, also came out to show love. The guest list also included various business owners and supporters from a variety of areas of the 804.
Before the madness, we caught up with Markie. He described the scene as “organized chaos,” a fitting prelude to what was about to unfold. Black Boys Lost was, in his words, a biopic of his own life—a gritty, fashion-fueled endeavor that marked his first solo showcase. And once guests found their way inside, it was clear: this was a sold-out affair, with only standing room left in the venue.
The show opened with performance art. A custom set transported attendees to an urban landscape, complete with torn metal gates, scattered newspapers, and actors portraying the realities of a hard-knock life. Behind the scenes, a dedicated production team meticulously pieced it all together by hand, further proof of the passion driving this project. Leading that effort was Hannah Grace, the Production Director for Black Boys Lost, who worked closely with Markie to bring his vision to life.
From scouting venues and booking spaces for castings and fittings to curating the glam team and styling filler pieces, Hannah played a pivotal role in shaping the show’s aesthetic. She also directed media and technical crews, choreographed the theatrical opening, collaborated on set design, and even helped craft the soundtrack alongside the sound engineer. “My dedication to this project was driven by a passion for creating a memorable experience for both the audience and the team involved,” she shared. And her impact was undeniable.
Markie’s collection was a reflection of Urban America—bold, unapologetic, and deeply personal. The line featured both men’s and women’s streetwear, each piece a one-of-one creation. Whether it was a painted PLV logo, screen print, or distressed detailing, every garment carried his signature touch. His lead stylist for the day, Lambo’s Vision, summed it up perfectly: “It takes a village.” And it showed.
The goal? To leave guests wowed. And with the way the audience reacted—from the moment the lights dimmed to the final walk—it’s safe to say, mission accomplished. Black Boys Lost wasn’t just a fashion show; it was a movement.
