Meet this week’s guest editor, Markie Colden. Historical influences and personal experiences have shaped Markie's journey as a designer for his brand, PLV. What began as sneaker art in middle school evolved into a full-fledged brand born from rebellion—a response to a lack of representation in fashion. Over time, design became a powerful outlet for navigating complex emotions, transforming into a medium for storytelling and self-expression. As his designs for PLV gained recognition, the transition from behind the scenes to the runway became a natural next step, marking a new chapter in artistic exploration. Music has also played a significant role, with occasional forays into lyric writing and live performances alongside brothers and friends.
The first New York Fashion Week experience in 2016 was a turning point, revealing the limitless possibilities within the industry and reinforcing the importance of community and collaboration. Art Basel 2023 provided another transformative moment, deepening an appreciation for Miami’s vibrant creative scene. Immersed in the works of artists who had long been sources of inspiration, Markie experienced a creative snowball effect that led to the debut fashion show, Black Boys Lost, in Richmond. Along the way, a growing awareness of fashion’s environmental impact sparked a commitment to sustainability, incorporating organic materials and upcycling techniques into more ethical designs.
Take it away, Markie…
Wonder Women: Restoring Feminine Power
Immerse yourself in an evening of art, music, and empowerment at this First Friday pop-up event celebrating revolutionary female artists. Experience a live full-body painting of Wonder Woman, explore a pop-up art gallery, and be inspired by a keynote speech from My Own Image founder Susanna Gibson. With music, poetry, and community, this is a night dedicated to restoring and honoring feminine strength.
Black Boys Lost, my first independent show, transforms conceptual ideas into a fully realized experience, immersing the audience in my latest works. Every detail—from composition to color, texture to placement—has been meticulously hand-selected and executed with intention. This exhibition is not just a display of art but an invitation to engage with a narrative that explores identity, resilience, and the complexities of the Black experience.
Vitals:
Black Boys Lost / Sunday, March 9th, 6:00 pm / Tickets: $20 - $35 pp / 904 W Leigh Street, Richmond
RVA Fashion Week
As a seven-year veteran of RVA Fashion Week, my first major show with them opened countless doors and opportunities in the fashion space. RVA Fashion Week, dedicated to showcasing Richmond’s rich and diverse fashion and arts scene, highlights the city's top models, designers, and creatives. By celebrating local talent and fostering collaborations with businesses, RVA Fashion Week amplifies Richmond's unique style.
BLACK BOYS LOST is an independent collection that embodies the stories of individuals in urban communities—gang members, bikers, mob bosses, gangsters, families in poverty, and other underrepresented voices. Inspired by the experiences of those from the streets, this collection reflects the trials and tribulations, the violence, love, and peace within these communities. It is a testament to diversity, inclusion, and the elevation of voices that often go unheard in the fashion and art world.
The collection is driven by a mission to amplify the voices of those within these communities and to bring awareness to systemic issues such as discrimination, police brutality, and poverty. Through fashion and art, it serves as a megaphone for these struggles, making them more accessible to those outside these lived experiences. A central piece in the collection represents the fusion of different communities, symbolizing the very essence of this production.
“If you feel lost, that doesn’t mean you can’t find salvation. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.” — Markie Colden / PLV
