On Fashion: 'LaManiere' show enters its sixth season having evolved into an artistic expression

When Chloe Burch and Darius Burnette first met in the halls of Richmond’s Thomas C. Boushall Middle School, they bonded over a shared passion for creative self-expression.

Now, more than a decade later, that spark has ignited a collaboration that’s shaking up Richmond’s art scene: LaManiere, a one-of-a-kind theatrical fashion experience. What began as Burch's personal project has blossomed into a vibrant spectacle of identity, storytelling, and style, captivating audiences and establishing a new artistic dialogue between fashion and performance.

In its sixth season, LaManiere has solidified its place as an annual must-see, dazzling audiences with bold colors, intricate styling, and audacious self-expression. With a fresh new theme and immersive storytelling elements, LaManiere has become more than just a fashion show; it’s a celebration of beauty, authenticity, and collaboration. Richmond’s audiences are treated not just to couture designs but to a creative vision that feels like an unguarded conversation between the artist and the viewer.

At the center of this production is Chloe Burch, LaManiere’s director, fashion designer, and lead makeup artist—a 29-year-old transgender artist who has been quietly revolutionizing Richmond’s artscape with her high-concept fashion shows. Each season of LaManiere, for Burch, has been an act of self-revelation, a chance to express her true identity on her own terms.

Her approach is deeply personal: “Each show feels like a coming-out moment, a chance for me to share who I am through every detail—from the looks to the performances,” Burch explains.

In addition to leading LaManiere, Burch has gained recognition beyond Richmond. Her work has attracted star clients such as Big Freedia, Sarah Jakes-Roberts, and Le’Andria Johnson. Each collaboration has further shaped her artistry, adding new layers to her evolving narrative as a designer who, in her words, “feels most alive” when creating.

Burch's journey into fashion began in 2014 when she became a licensed cosmetologist and discovered drag culture through RuPaul’s Drag Race. She recalled watching the show and feeling a magnetic pull toward its blend of art, style, and liberation. “RuPaul showed me that art could be liberating and beautiful,” she shared. “It was a world I wanted to create for myself, and that’s where the first vision for LaManiere came from.”

At 30, stylist Darius Burnette brings his own bold flair to LaManiere. Known for his editorial work and innovative approach to couture styling, Burnette reconnected with Burch in 2020 on a shared project. From their initial collaboration, which saw Burch handling makeup while Darius styled hair, they sensed a synergy that had been waiting since middle school. A Grace Jones-inspired photoshoot sparked the idea for a larger project, ultimately culminating in LaManiere.

“I’ve always admired Chloe’s work,” Burnette said. “When we started brainstorming, it was like we could see the vision so clearly. Working together has been seamless because we both bring our own strengths and respect each other’s creative process.”

Together, they strike a balance in their creative process — Burch establishing the vision for each piece, with Burnette lending his distinct touch to styling and visual storytelling. This mutual respect is evident in the seamless blend of elements that has come to define LaManiere.

Burch unveils the show through her production company, Translations Productions. Through this venture, Burch aims to redefine fashion not only as an art form but as an expressive language, using each scene to reveal the creative processes behind couture. Audiences will be offered a rare glimpse into the minds of designers and artists whose work transcends traditional boundaries, with each piece reflecting Chloe’s vision of high fashion as a deeply personal statement.

This season, LaManiere also sees a venue change—from the Peter Paul Development Center to A Touch of Class Event Hall—a move that allows Burch and Burnette to expand the show’s theatrical elements and connect more intimately with the Richmond community. Richmond, for Burch, isn’t just a backdrop but a foundation. She recalled creating her early designs in her mother’s living room and how her first show at the now-closed Club Colors marked a turning point in her career.

Navigating family tensions surrounding her transition, Burch's work ultimately became a bridge for mutual understanding, and her mother, now her assistant, has become one of her most dedicated supporters.

“I’m incredibly proud of how far this show has come,” Burch said. “It’s both a celebration of personal growth and the power of community. I’ve had a lot of family challenges, but through my work, I’ve been able to share who I am, which has helped my mom and me find common ground.”

LaManiere has grown to represent more than Burch and Burnette's artistic journey; it has become a platform for diverse voices and perspectives. What began with the theme “When Runway Meets Broadway” has evolved into a signature blend of drama, dance, and high fashion. Each scene features drag artists and individuals from a range of backgrounds, making LaManiere as much a tapestry of human expression as it is a fashion show.

“LaManiere is about more than drag or fashion,” Burch explains. “It’s about showcasing authentic expressions from everyone who takes part. It’s personal, and people resonate with that honesty.”

For Chloe Burch and Darius Burnette, LaManiere is a testament to resilience and creative evolution. They’ve crafted a show that not only celebrates high fashion but tells a story of two artists who stayed true to themselves and reunited to create something transformative. 

On Nov. 17, they invite Richmond to witness LaManiere — a night of unapologetic expression, elegance, and theatrical grandeur. As they continue to redefine the local arts scene, LaManiere stands as a shining example of how fashion and performance can create a dialogue that is both visually captivating and emotionally profound.