RVA Fashion Week returns for 18th year to elevate local designers

The annual event showcases creativity, courage, and cutting-edge style from Virginia's fashion community.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:19am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bold, vibrant silkscreen print featuring a repeated pattern of a stylized fashion accessory or textile swatch in neon colors and high contrast, conceptually representing the innovative designs showcased at RVA Fashion Week.RVA Fashion Week's 'Elevation' theme celebrates the creativity, courage, and cutting-edge style of the local fashion community.Richmond Today

RVA Fashion Week, now in its 18th year, is returning to Richmond, Virginia from April 6-12, 2026 with the theme 'Elevation.' The weeklong event brings together designers, models, stylists, and other creatives to showcase regional talent and continue growing the city's fashion and arts scene. One highlight was the 'The Framework: Vision in Form' showcase on Thursday night, which featured emerging designers presenting innovative, risk-taking collections.

Why it matters

RVA Fashion Week plays a critical role in supporting and elevating the local fashion community in Richmond, a smaller city that is still carving out its place in the fashion world. The event provides a platform for designers, especially emerging talents, to be seen, celebrated, and supported, helping to strengthen the city's fashion ecosystem.

The details

The 'The Framework: Vision in Form' showcase on Thursday night featured collections from designers like Nat Webb of WILD, who focused on sustainability by using reclaimed and thrifted materials, and Markie Colden of PLV, who debuted his first collection and stepped outside his comfort zone of streetwear to explore more couture silhouettes. Organizers say the spirit of risk, growth, and authenticity is central to RVA Fashion Week, which aims to create opportunities for creatives to be recognized and supported.

  • RVA Fashion Week is running from April 6 through April 12, 2026.
  • The 'The Framework: Vision in Form' showcase took place on Thursday night.

The players

RVA Fashion Week

An annual fashion event in Richmond, Virginia that has been running for 18 years, with the goal of showcasing regional talent and growing the city's fashion and arts scene.

Nat Webb

The founder of the sustainable fashion brand WILD, who presented a collection made from reclaimed and thrifted materials at the 'The Framework: Vision in Form' showcase.

Markie Colden

The designer behind the brand PLV, who debuted his first collection at the 'The Framework: Vision in Form' showcase, stepping outside his comfort zone of streetwear to explore more couture silhouettes.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Everything that we saw on the runway tonight is made out of reused or thrifted, reclaimed materials. That is something that is very close to my heart… and honestly, it was how I was able to bring this collection to life being a broke college student.”

— Nat Webb, Founder, WILD

“My collection … was my very first one, and I focused a lot on the silhouette, trying to go a little bit more couture. I'm always doing streetwear, so I wanted to elevate what I do in the fashion space.”

— Markie Colden, Designer, PLV

“Trust yourself. That's what I did… It's not the easiest thing to do, but it is the most rewarding.”

— Markie Colden, Designer, PLV

What’s next

Organizers say that RVA Fashion Week will continue throughout the week, with more events and showcases highlighting the creativity and innovation of the local fashion community.

The takeaway

RVA Fashion Week remains a driving force in strengthening Richmond's fashion ecosystem, providing a platform for designers, especially emerging talents, to be seen, celebrated, and supported. The event's focus on risk, growth, and authenticity helps elevate the city's fashion and arts scene beyond the major fashion capitals.