On the runway: Local fashion designer debuts fall line

From staff reports
Published: August 20, 2008

The Fifth Street boutique Folk and local fashion designer Becca McCharen plan to debut their fall collections on Saturday as part of VITA, an all-day grassroots event featuring music, art and fashion.

At press time, the organizers were working on the final details, including obtaining the necessary permits to put on the event downtown in a glass-façade building at 1009 Jefferson St. Organizer McCharen and city inspectors said they are on track to pass inspections.

McCharen joined forces with her friend, Emily Kappes of Portland, Ore., to create a fall line for their label, Chromat, which features second-hand garments that have been deconstructed and reshaped into modern silhouettes. The clothing is inspired by the local bluegrass scene, and by Madison Heights and Lynchburg street style, resulting in a montage of denim, camo, stripes and plaid flannel. Folk will also debut fall collections from designers Valentine, Velvet, Loomstate, Tea in the Woods, Scosha and Perfectly Imperfect. Folk, which opened in the spring, specializes in organic and fair-trade garments from small-label designers.

VITA kicks off with a craft fair from 1 to 4 p.m. It will feature jewelry, bags and other creations by local artists.

An art show follows from 6 to 9 p.m., with works by painters, printmakers and sculptors from Lynchburg, Charlottesville and Washington, D.C. Local restaurants Machu Picchu, Bull Branch and Vines will serve hors d’oeuvres during the art show.

Next comes the runway show at 9 p.m. To round out the night, Blair Amberly, owner of Speakertree Records on Fifth Street, will spin vinyl for a dance party beginning at 10 p.m.