RVA, ‘Tis The Season To Shop Local
Photos: By Julie Adams. Creative Direction: 24 Creative Productions.
More Campaign Editorials: https://www.mostlysugar.com/fashion-editorials/rva-fashion-campaign
Find Fashion-Forward Looks in Your Own Backyard
This season is all about dressing for the occasion — festive office parties, holiday celebrations, and plenty of outings where fashion and style are at the forefront. And lucky for the citizens of Richmond (RVA), there’s no shortage of gems to help you curate the perfect look. From standout ensembles to timeless pieces, the city’s local designers and brands offer something special for every event on your calendar.
Shopping local in RVA drives and grows the economy and community. “Local businesses are what create and shape communities,” says Jimmy Budd, executive producer and director of RVA Fashion Week (RVAFW). “You’re helping build the creative foundation of our city. Without them you have nothing.”
This foundation is evident in the array of designers, boutiques, and makers that call RVA home.
Celebrating Richmond’s Fashion Scene
By: Julie Adams. Model Haley Brown poses for Galassi.
Self-expression and individualism are what make the fashion scene in RVA so special and worth supporting. Ryan Azia, artist and partner of RVAFW, emphasizes the unique opportunity shoppers have when exploring the city’s offerings. “RVA is a prime place to be because it is perfectly positioned between giant fashion hubs like New York, DC, Atlanta, and Miami,” he says. “These local designers, brands and creatives can grow into these larger hubs when they expand their network through support on a local level.”
Not all brands in RVA have an eclectic aesthetic. One standout example is Gallasi by Bella Bishop, a chic luxury boutique headquartered in RVA that’s become a go-to for fashion-forward locals.
“I feel like you can wear any piece of mine and wear it to a cocktail party or to like a dinner,” says Bishop. “My items are high-end, but intentionally not at a high-end price point to keep accessibility to community members in this market… I want to keep pushing the boundaries of fashion and accessibility within this industry here in RVA.”
Why Shopping Local Matters
Beyond adding distinctive pieces to your wardrobe, shopping local has a ripple effect on the community. Local businesses reinvest in the area, contributing to economic growth and creating jobs. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly option, reducing the carbon footprint associated with mass production and shipping.
“Richmond boasts how diverse and multicultural our community is, but if you don’t support these local businesses and brands, you will certainly lose that,” says Budd. “You’re part of their journey, and that makes every piece you wear even more meaningful.”
Curating Your Local Holiday Wardrobe
This season, consider a wardrobe refresh that’s as unique as it is intentional. RVA’s local businesses offer everything from statement pieces to staple items that will carry you well beyond the holidays. For example, Shop Gallasi’s selection of modern pieces is perfect for any occasion, while other local spots specialize in timeless accessories or sustainable basics.
To get started, here’s our editor’s list of shops and brands in Richmond:
Galassi
