Richmond - It's almost that time of year again, where the capitol city shows off the latest fashion trends from around town.  It's a time known by many as RVA Fashion Week.  There was no better place to be to kick off the third annual event than the Hat Factory.  On March 5, the Hat Factory hosted its Media Sponsor Launch Party to celebrate the upcoming events that showcase Richmond's latest trends.  It is a concert party that is sponsored by local radio stations, car dealerships, news stations, and other companies that make the whole thing possible.  Celebrating new fashion trends is a big deal in Richmond because of the amazing amount of culture that can be found everywhere you look around the city.  Another reason is because it simply helps the economy around this time of year.  Many people flock to Richmond for RVA Fashion Week, be it for the music selection or the many fashion shows that take place.   

Lots of people showed up for the Launch Party donning their best dresses and tuxedos.  It was a party that had a high sense of class, but also the energy one would feel at a rock concert.  The guests were welcomed  in by the heavy beats and sounds of none other than Armond Granger and Mass FX.  Popular music was being played by him and accompanied by colorful party lights as everyone waited for the show to begin.
 

Nine o'clock finally rolled around, and the show got underway.  The first     performer to take the stage was rapper King.  He had a powerful performance that got the crowd excited to be part of the party that launched RVA Fashion Week.  King's lyrics had a certain emotional depth that could really be felt by his listeners. 

The next to perform was the popular Richmond-based rock band Conditions, who is currently on tour.  The crowd went wild when the band jumped on stage and started playing music that they knew and could sing along to.  The band rocked the Hat Factory with fast guitar riffs and head-banging visuals.  Lead singer Brandon Roundtree impressed the audience with some softer songs as well.  The flashing lights and the use of a fog machine really tied their performance together.  The success of Conditions has helped back up the idea that Richmond is a city rich in musical culture and talent.   

After a short intermission by Mass FX, Jason Isbell took the stage.  Isbell is a former member of the Southern rock band Drive-By Truckers.  He performed solo with his acoustic guitar and brought a completely new feel to the Hat Factory crowd than the first two performers.  With just a spotlight and a few background lights, he performed some traditional Southern music without the gimmicks.  It was a great honor to welcome a man who was once part of the Drive-By Truckers to the Media Sponsor Launch Party for RVA Fashion Week.   

The final performer of the night was nationally known hip-hop group Tanya Morgan.  They livened up the audience of well-dressed party-goers with their unique style of hip-hop.  The floor had once again been turned into a dance floor for people to show off their moves.  The bass of the music flowed through the structure of the Hat Factory, making it the perfect spot to enjoy the wide array of music passing through Richmond. 

With a bit of planning and organization, the opener of the third annual RVA Fashion Week was a huge success.  People who attended were all ages and ethnic backgrounds.  With a great venue like the Hat Factory, hundreds of people will continue to come back to the Media Sponsor Launch Party year after year for a great time and great music.  It was truly a unique experience with a wide array of local and national music talent, and the perfect event for those who wanted to put on their best attire to go out on the town and hear some of the best music Richmond has to offer.       

By Photojournalist: Stephen Conyers

Stephen Conyers was born in Henrico County, Virginia.  He attended Hermitage High School where he was a member of the school's yearbook for three years.  Becoming Editor-In-Chief his senior year, Stephen had a vision to create a top-notch book that the school would be proud of.  Stephen became interested in photography in his first year on the yearbook staff and basically self-taught himself the many aspects of a camera and its parts.  Also a former member of the Hermitage Marching Panthers, he played both trombone and keyboard percussion.  Stephen loves just about every genre of music, having been to many concerts, including the Doors, Three Dog Night, and even the Richmond Symphony.  He also really enjoys discovering artists who are not mainstream, but have a unique sound.  Ronald Jenkees is his favorite independent artist.  He also loves to travel and has been to many cities across the country, from Washington, D.C. to Las Vegas.

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