Fashion events are slowly re-entering the scene. I am so here for it.
Thanks to the coronavirus, red carpet attire may not be in order for “attendance” at fashion events this fall, but hype is nonetheless building over some shows that will take place.
First up this month is RVA Fashion Week, which is holding a series of shows virtually through Sunday. Among the designers participating is Hampton Roads' own Dapper Luq. He will stream the premiere of his fall/winter collection from the Hermitage Museum and Gardens in Norfolk at noon Wednesday.
Dapper Luq had just retired after 20 years in the Navy in January and embarked on showings in Africa when the worldwide coronavirus pandemic broke out. Forced to return home, he, like so many fashion artists, have increasingly found novel ways to keep their brand visible.
“At first it was tough. I was literally in another country and had to fly home to an unknown future. I no longer had the safety blanket of the military, so I was real nervous if I made the right decision," Dapper Luq said in an email interview Friday.
“During the pandemic I found ways to still stay relevant and was able to keep my business going,” he said. “Now with this virtual show, I still want to show my new collection, but I’m aware of the virus. This allows me to show my collection to a large group and still keep folks safe that want to stay home.”
Wednesday’s show is dubbed “A Virtual Fashion Experience.” It will include men’s and womenswear, including suits, tuxedos and coats. The public can view the show live at www.dapperluq.com/fallwinter-20.html or on YouTube: Dapperluq.
After the showing at the Hermitage, Dapper Luq will take his collection to Tanzania Fashion Week and Ghana Fashion Week, he said.
Virginia Fashion Week plans
Speaking of regional fashion weeks, Virginia Fashion Week, held at sites across Hampton Roads, is not taking place this year. However, “something extra fabulous for 2021” is in store, Ann Leister, its creator and executive director said Friday.
Trust me, the fashion faithful will be all dressed up and ready to go when that time comes.
Bra-ha-ha is still onboard
The Bra-ha-ha annual fashion-art fundraiser put on by Chesapeake Regional Health Foundation will still take place, and you can catch the show on Facebook. Individuals, businesses and groups who want to create masterpieces for it had better hurry. Registration deadline is Friday, and entries are due at a dropoff on either Oct. 13 or Oct 14.
Entries will be judged in 13 categories, including two new ones: Best Digital Entry and People’s Choice.
No live audience; the Awards Show & Auction can be viewed on on the Bra-ha-ha Facebook page at 7 p.m. Oct. 23. The winning bras will be modeled by breast cancer survivors. Then an exhibit of the entries will be on display at Dillard’s Greenbrier Mall location through Nov. 1. They will be taken to Lynnhaven Mall for display from Nov. 3 to Nov.10.
Online bidding for auction items will take place from Oct. 23 to Nov. 10. To donate an auction item/basket, email Foundation@ChesapeakeRegional.com.
For complete information on auction bidding, contest rules and categories, and dropoff, visit brahaha.org.
Workplace mask style
Let’s face it: Masks are here to stay for the forseeable future. And being that they are, those who have to project a professional image may as well do their best to look polished in them. To that end, Chesapeake-based ALFA Custom Clothiers has expanded from its custom and premium ready-to-wear menswear offerings to bring a little style to the new normal of the workplace. ALFA is offering its sleek masks in bulk to small businesses, providing the option of customizing the fabric and adding a business logo. For more information, visit alfaclothiers.com.
Jamesetta M. Walker, 757-446-2211, jamesetta.walker@pilotonline.com
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