In a surprising move for the local fashion industry, Richmond Fashion Week (RVAFW) announced it will no longer host events for the Fall/Winter season.

In an open letter shared on Instagram, Jimmy Budd, Co-Founder and Executive Producer of RVAFW, said that the organization’s board of directors has decided to transition from holding two seasonal events per year to concentrating solely on its Spring Fashion Week.

“This change is intended to allow us to focus our efforts and resources on creating an even more impactful and memorable event each spring, showcasing the best of Richmond’s fashion scene,” Budd wrote. He added, “While this decision marks a shift in our traditional approach, we believe it will enhance the overall quality and experience of Fashion Week, allowing us to better serve our designers, partners, and the Richmond community.”

Since its inception in 2008, RVAFW has been a cornerstone of Virginia's fashion industry, spotlighting top talent across the region—from models and designers to stylists, cosmetologists, photographers, and more. What started as a small initiative by a group of VCU and University of Richmond students has evolved into a highly anticipated series of events celebrating Richmond’s unique fashion and culture.

Historically, Fashion Weeks (both nationally and internationally) showcase the latest collections, boost sales, and set the tone for upcoming fashion trends during the two major fashion seasons of the year. Richmond Fashion Week has been no different, presenting two major fashion events annually: the Spring/Summer season in April and the Fall/Winter season in October. These shows have featured notable local labels such as Liznel, The Aziancy, Suit Brother, and Luxury Professionals, along with others, providing a platform for designers to gain recognition and connect with industry professionals.

However, the responsibilities of maintaining two fashion week seasons is immense, especially as many individuals move towards building their own personal brands and careers. Now in its 16th year, RVAFW remains a 100% volunteer-driven operation, sustained by the contributions of a diverse leadership team and a committed network of volunteers.

In an exclusive comment to The Richmonder, Executive Director Ryan Azia expressed optimism about the transition.

“By freeing up our fall, I believe this opens up opportunities for other events in the city during that time, such as smaller produced shows and creative projects,” Azia said. Having led RVAFW since 2020, he sees the change as a chance to diversify Richmond’s fashion landscape, encouraging fresh talent and unique expressions of style to emerge during the vibrant fall season.

Azia also noted the personal benefit of this shift, explaining that it allows him more time to focus on his own creative endeavors. “For me personally, it gives me the space to work on my art exhibit and to dive deeper into creative work without the added pressure of organizing a fall event,” he said.

Besides his role as Executive Director of RVAFW, Azia is a celebrated fashion photographer whose work has been featured in Vogue. On November 16th, he will host FLOWIXM, an event that will showcase his latest works to the public.

This shift marks a new chapter for RVAFW as it adapts to the evolving fashion landscape in Richmond. While the absence of a Fall/Winter Showcase will be felt, the decision to concentrate on the spring event could create an even more powerful and elevated experience for designers, fashion enthusiasts, and the broader community.