Couture for a cause. Fashion in Motion

by Tess Dixon

Friday night’s Couture For a Cause fashion show at Plaza Bowl not only was a success, but really captured the electrifying vibe that’s going around the local fashion scene. The show was a high-heeled, dressed-up hullabaloo, but relaxed enough to fit in comfortably at Richmond’s favorite duckpin bowling establishment. As some of the city’s most ubiquitous girls-about-town hit the runway, attendees listened to 50s classics and looked on from crayon-colored booths.

The show featured ladies’ clothing by Shabby Apple, an online boutique that manages to produce designs that strike the perfect balance between jaw-droppingly unique and classically practical. Glamorous party dresses with details like oversized collars, ruffles, and tucking stood out equally in black as in green and blue jewel tones. Shabby Apple takes the concept of the little black dress and reinforces why this wardrobe staple never gets boring. Several dresses they featured were also very stylish while remaining structured and office-ready. Silhouettes were predominantly hourglass, rather than favoring rail-thin waifs only (as the recent trends with tent dresses have done). Most impressively, these pieces have a very current feel, but unlike throwaway fads, they have the ability to remain reliable occupants of the closet for years to come.

Rumors Boutique outfitted the gentlemen with selections from their own store and Exile, choosing button-ups and vests for a polished, wintry look. Casey Longyear, co-owner of Rumors, commented on the ease of throwing together the menswear. “I think people forget about it or don’t think to look for vintage there, but she really has a lot,” she said, speaking of the availability of vintage mens’ shirts at Exile. The men made dapper companions for the elegantly dressed ladies in their used fashions.

Instead of the usual beer and french fries, the concession area was laden with a truly top-notch feast. Champagne Taste Catering provided a slew of fantastic snacks: asparagus, spring rolls, shrimp, artichoke cheese dip, and various sweets including cannolis. Several guests commented on the abundance and quality of food, as well as the lavish cocktails being mixed at an adjacent table. Live music also contributed to the overall festivity, as Wrenn Magnum entertained with his spot-on rockabilly tunes.

And all this glitz was piled on to benefit Unitus, an organization that provides microloans to impoverished women in India. “Shabby Apple, which is a women-owned and operated company, believes in women empowerment and wants to help as much as they can with the lives of other women. With that being said, they decided to donate a percentage of every dress sale to help alleviate global poverty worldwide for women and their families. Each of our dresses that are purchased come with a unique hang tag with a micro-credit success story,” said Natalie Oddenino, Marketing Manager for Shabby Apple. “As for the fashion show, we thought that this would be yet another perfect opportunity to raise money for Unitus and women around the world. We realized that every company that is participating in the show (expect for the venue space) is women-owned and also have similar beliefs as Shabby Apple.”

This event isn’t the first charity event thrown by Richmond fashionistas, and judging by the momentum adding up with local boutiques, bands, designers, and friends willing to put in some effort to make a difference, it won’t be the last. Couture For a Cause was presented by Community Chest RVA, a new group that books and promotes events at Plaza Bowl. Several bowling lanes have ben closed off to make space for a stage, dancefloor, runway, or what-have-you, and their recent series of successful events will likely be followed with more of the same. With the promise of a new multi-purpose venue in town and people energetic enough to arrange and attend events, it woudn’t be too optimistic to say that these folks are working toward something bigger.

Classic looks for the everyday woman provided by ShabbyApple. Shoes provided by Plaza bowl. Cute pose provided by model.

Sorry Catherine but Talia is looking amazing in this pic.

Make it work

RUNNIN SH*t

WRIR's favorite dj Mary Claire gives the models music to strut to.

Whats a fashion show without an Elvis impersonator

I love a man in a vest and button up shirt.

Mckenzie from Need runs over to show his support.

Dressed to impress Jeff from Dean Lee and the Unwanted Guest and Maggie From Pilgrims with Strangers (on left) Two classic Holiday dresses from ShabbyApple.

Fashion shows cant exist without the help of amazing talented girls behind the scenes

Urge Magazine... WHAT WHAT REBECKAH IS A GODDDDDDDDDDDDDD

New clothing line by a Richmond Resident

So we have a new local designer at Rumors Boutique you may know her as one of the original boulevard house kids or a member from Aractopussy or you may know her as one of the foxy red head twins that we have used in our photos over the past year but now you will know her as the lady that makes dresses and tops that represent the Richmond Woman in all of us. Jojo's line is called Altered Beast.

Where are you from and how long have you been living in Richmond?

I am from Santa Fe New Mexico. I have lived in Richmond for 4 years. I had been living on the East Coast for five years in D.C and it seemed so cold and deliberate. I came to Richmond and it seemed different. It was really sunny, not the weather but the people. Richmond was young and creative and exciting.

Why did you start making clothing?

I really love you and Casey and I wanted to do something to support Rumors. I also wanted to join the creative young women in Richmond Movement.

Why did you name your clothing line altered beast?

None of the pieces are 100 percent from scratch, all the material is recycled from vintage clothing or from thrift shop items . It is also a name of a video game and I am a nerd

Have you thought about expanding your women's line? I have thought about producing a lot more of everything in general. Since the winter is soon approaching I am sure I will have a lot more time to spend sewing and designing. I want to add some skirts and more detailed tops and dresses.

Do you have any thoughts about doing a line of mens dress shirts? Man I didn't even think about that. That is a great idea. Boys in Richmond need some help in that department.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happen to you in the past year?

When I was in Belgium last summer I got off at the wrong train station and I was so lost. Some crazy guy tried to offer me a ride and I couldn't figure out the tram system and then I ended up taking a cab and the cab driver hit a person it was so insane. And then when I finally get home after hours and hours I'm locked out and I have to climb into a window on the second floor it was an insane day. I love Ghent Belgium.

Who is your favorite band in Richmond? Catalyst but that's not really a fair question because my boyfriend is in the band. Lets see I love Antlers they are so good and Hot Lava is really amazing as well.

Tell me a funny story about elementary school? I've blocked out all those memories. But wait I do remember people making fun of me because I played with bugs. I love bugs. Bugs are my passion. I love them all equally and they are all equally fascinating.

What is your favorite Non Profit in Richmond? Books on Wheels hands down. I also love the bizarre market as well as Plant Zero.

Why should people purchase your designs? Because they are Original Pieces made with love. And if you are someone who seeks individuality then they are perfect for you.

Three Random facts about you? I love bugs, I am a nerd, I am in a all female girl band

the dresses are available for purchase top Altered Beast $44 bottom picture Altered Beast $44 neckerchief by Jett $18 flannel remastered shirt $38

STEAL YOUR Ex-BOYFRIENDS FAVORITE FLANNEL AND TURN IT INTO THIS.HE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU.

A weeks worth of Street Fashion Photography in Richmond

black and white pure contrast against Richmond's bleakly decorated public transport

GQ on the runways and off. Authentic Vans with fitted jeans a sweatshirt and a Classic Black leather coat

when dressed in predominately monotone colors its always a good idea to throw a splash of color into the mix to show a bit of your personality.

A stressed tee with a comfortable tights and a loose fitting tunic cinched with a belt

WHO SAYS PUNK BOYS DONT KNOW HOW TO ACCESORISE

Reminicent of Betsey Johnson from the 1990's... Finshnets ankle boots flirty flowers with a motorcycle jacket.

Layer yourself to death when riding fast during the winter.

Beware of babies stealing the spotlight.

DURKYL: District of Columbia gets some street cred.

Durkl is a clothing line that’s becoming increasingly popular with the underground music culture. Their clothes include a mixture of bright colours and crazy designs that’s fit for people with crazy and bold personalities. They’ve just released some new designs so click on the links and start loving the clothing line!

UPDATED!!- I managed to get the interview with them- Enjoy finding out what’s on their mind!

Who’s behind the design label?
two guys who have one goal each and every day…MAKE FUN.
there are 2 of us…Will and Cole…both of us love Basset hounds, candy, Budweiser and making clothes that force everyone have fun. life is amazing, and we try to spread that with our clothes.

When and how did it start?
DURKL started about 4 years ago here in Washington DC as a tiny 5 design t-shirt line and has now matured into a full line of clothing. By this Fall we will be offering jackets, tank tops, tees, hats, visors, hoodies, crewnecks, flannels, sweaters, cardigans, sunglasses, 3 cuts of denim in 10 different colors and washes. one of the visors has hot dogs on them! gonna be so smashing. oh, and the hot dogs have some yellow mustard on them.

What did you do before starting the clothing line?
nothing!…i moved to Brooklyn, New York when i was 22 to “find my calling”, but i failed so hilariously badly. I wanted to start a band that was purposely bad and just have the most amazing shows where people partied like maniacs…but i never got it together…I guess Girl Talk had the same idea and actually executed it! Girl Talk is amazing. But it was in Brooklyn where my pale friend screamed the word “DURKL” on roller blade in the rain for the first time…so i guess i kinda did find my calling there.

What kinda inspirations do you use to design?
so many…i know thats a bad answer but there are way too many. always get asked that question and i never have a good or real answer, so i decided i would just list a few lines of stuff that i like and helps me design….twizlers, construction paper, getting cosmic, telepathy, basset hounds, pizza parties, shorts, mammals, black holes, salt and peppa, NKOTB, Fila, Oakley, women skiing in bikinis, Spudz MacKenzie, geometry, Alexander Calder, CROOKERS, Child Ballads, leather, Lacoste, the future, little kids, Budweiser, nylon…

Any plans to stock clothes in Australia in the near future?
we do have plans for Australia. We get a lot of online orders from down under, and have a distributer down there working to spread the word. We love Australian style and will be selling in some stores down there soon. stay tuned!–YAY

How did you come up with the name?
my friend in Brooklyn screamed it one night in the rain on roller blades…neither of us can ride those things at all….i think i pee’d my pants laughing so hard watching ourselves falling all over traffic and the sidewalks. I never forgot DURKL after that.

–Random Questions–
What song have you been listening to most over the last few weeks?
anything by CROOKERS! those dudes are f-in killing it right now. that remix of “The Salmon Dance” (WOW) might be better than candy cigarettes.

Has having a clothing line helped in picking up girls/boys?
hell no!…i suppose it could in a place like NY or LA, but here in DC no one really cares..and we like it that way! hahaha. we do what we do because we love it and we wouldnt do anything else…not to pick up women…even though thats why Cole does it. he’s a slut.

What one materialistic thing can you not live without?
does the future count?

Any advice for people wanting to start a clothing line?
never be afraid to do what you want and never let anything or anyone tell you to change for any reason. designing for someone else is shooting yourself in the foot.

A mashup of street style.

So things have been very crazy with the store lately. We have expanded our recycle section and it is doing so well. Thanks to the support of our community selling us their pre-loved recycled stylish looks from previous seasons we have been able to hand over $1,000 cash in the past month to our friends and new favorite customers. We have also recently added two men's racks to our pre-loved section and we plan on expanding even more adding collectible records and a children's clothing section. OUR PLANS ARE HUGE.

As you all know I got Richmond in Nylon magazine and the feedback has been wonderful . I was recently offered a position for Urge magazine by the brillant and beautiful Rebecca Jones (http://www.urgeonline.com/) doing street photography around the city. Rumors has been featured in three issues of Urge in the past year and we are delighted to be working with such wonderful people. Finally Richmond has a magazine that combines fashion, music, community, art entertainment. And me of course. SO STOKED.

Well you know how Casey and I are overachievers so I hit the streets seconds after I got the OK. Casey helped me flag down eye catching outfits and here is a collection of all the people that inspire us in Richmond. I am excluded the pictures that Urge is using for their next issue. (they are the best)

I will title this picture cuteness personified

a simple shirt with a couture edge. Worn in jeans with classic black on black chucks

Rainy November brings out the creative side of this adorable girl I flagged down on Harrison st.

If these kids were in a band they would make folk and electronic music. Folktronic. I love that deer cardigan I may have to steal that for myself. A pair of solid tights completes any outfit when you pair them with faux vintage shoes. And a thrift-ed flannel is a must have for any man who claims he is from Virginia. (anyone who pays more than 30 bucks for a flannel shirt is insane).

Wolfattack!!!! Wolfgang has a style inspired by john cusack movies and early 90's nickelodeon. comfort is a must for this fashionista. Wolfgangs boyish looks and charm get him everywhere.

I honestly don't know why Chino and I don't have a love child. Chino refers to his style as Afrofuturistic. mixing bright whites with black already makes a bold statement but when you add gold it makes you a super star. Malcolm X mixed with Ziggy Stardust. They should name a drink after this guy.

When I first moved to Richmond 6 years ago grace st was covered in studded jackets, bullet belts, bright red mohawks and combat boots. I found this girl on the steps of johnson hall and she reminded me of why I moved to Richmond so many years ago.

Tiara Willians has a sophisticated yet playful look. She has a very original style.

eclectic style can be found all over vcu campus

Nathan has a style influenced by There will be Blood. It takes a real man to wear a bolo

Shannon has a style inspired by European street style.

Reem has a traditional look with a flair.

Shannon has a look inspired by James Dean and Audrey Hepburn.

vabeach relaxed style. I love these boys.

Demand Attention and Defy Rainy Days.

Kerri gives us a classic richmond look. Comfortable and well layered

A mash up of style. slightly quirky visual perfection.

Noelle lead singer of Show me the Pink shows us her blue side.