As RVA Fashion Week (RVAFW) kicked off its 18th season in April — bringing with it dynamic runway presentations, photo-ready moments, and immersive fashion experiences — it also created space for deeper collaboration and conversation, particularly through its opening event, Prototype: Made to Inspire, held April 7 at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture.
The venue was chosen intentionally. Prototype partnered with the VMHC to present a show inspired by the museum’s “We The People” exhibition, exploring the stories of immigrants to Virginia and how they have helped shape the commonwealth (on view through Sept. 7). Through curated looks by designers Laviet, Mapulder Vol. 1, and Suigens, RVAFW explored themes of identity and civic engagement through fashion. Members of the RVAFW team share more about the vision and thought process behind the collaboration and curation of the show.
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en forme: What was the initial vision behind Prototype: Made to Inspire?
RVAFW Fashion Operations Manager Aliyah Coley: The vision was to transform history into inspiration. When VMHC approached us to showcase their museum, we saw an opportunity to merge fashion with culture using design as a way to reinterpret the past and inspire the future of creativity.
en forme: What does the name “Prototype” represent in the context of this show?
AC: Prototype represents the origin of innovation, the first version of an idea brought to life. In this show, we’re talking about history — history that may have been altered or retold — and using fashion to reinterpret those narratives. And after 18 years in production, RVAFW itself is a prototype; continuously evolving, refining, and setting the foundation for what’s next in fashion.
en forme: How did you approach curating designers like Laviet, Mapulder, and Suigens?
AC: RVA Fashion Week operates through an open application process, but we also curate with intention. When we identify designers whose work aligns with a show’s aesthetic and message, we extend direct invitations. This balance allows us to remain inclusive while ensuring each show feels cohesive and purpose-driven.
en forme: What makes this show feel different from a traditional runway presentation?
AC:This isn’t just a runway; it’s an experience. What makes this show different is the level of intention behind every detail. We’re not just sending looks down a runway. We’re telling stories, building energy, and creating moments that people can feel. It’s fashion, culture, and community all in one space.
en forme: What conversations do you hope this show sparks for attendees?
RVAFW General Manager Steffene Cheeks:I hope this show sparks conversations around how to get involved and stay connected for what’s next. Whether that’s creatives asking how they can be a part of next season, attendees wanting to support in a deeper way, or brands looking to collaborate — I want people to leave feeling like they don’t just watch this; they can step into it.
More than anything, I hope people are saying, “We want more of this,” and that their experience felt meaningful — from the energy in the room to the connections they made. If the show creates real relationships and opens doors beyond the runway, then it’s done exactly what it was meant to do.
en forme: How does this show reflect or support the local creative community?
SC: RVAFW is rooted in collaboration, which is the heartbeat of the local creative community. From designers and models to photographers and the production team, it creates a platform where emerging and established talent can intersect and be seen. It’s not just about showcasing work — it’s about building opportunities, visibility, and real connections within the city. Supporting local creatives means giving them space to tell their stories authentically, and this season as a whole is a direct reflection of that intention.
en forme: What does it mean to present a show like this in Richmond right now?
RVAFW Executive Producer Jimmy Budd: It’s vital that we advocate freedom of expression and always create room for diversity in America. This country was built by immigrants, and unfortunately, our current administration does not feel the same way. So there’s a lot of irony here, and we must not adhere to this administration’s agenda.
en forme: This event supports Dress for Success Central Virginia. Why was that partnership important?
JB: If you think about women and immigration years back, what type of support did they really have when it came to economic mobility? Not much. Endless challenges to gain the rights they deserved. This incredible organization strives to empower women by providing workplace attire, development tools for success, and a global network of support.
