WEAR RVA was the brainchild of Amber Kay Reinink Pelletier who wanted to create a community based event involving high school girls, fashion, and charity. The idea was pitched and Taylor came on board immediately to take on the project. Together these two RVA Boss Ladies have led the way creating and planning WEAR RVA. They are delighted to bring this event to the community to help to empower girls through fashion and raise money for an amazing cause.

Over the past 7 years proceeds from WEAR RVA went to N.E.W. - The Network of Enterprising Women. In total WEAR RVA has been able to donate over $28,000 to N.E.W.! Women supporting women and empowering the young women of our community. N.E.W however closed their chapter summer of 2023.

In 2024 we are happy to say that we will support The Woman's Club Scholarship fund. They are a long standing institution in Richmond with a notable scholarship fund. We are happy to partner with TWC to help the young women of our community.

A little more information on What WEAR RVA is and what we do-

WEARRVA is an RVA based 501(c)3 committed to raising money for college scholarships for Richmond area high school senior girls while creating a space of body positivity, confidence transformation, and empowerment for our high school aged models. We ignite change by showing our girls that fashion is for every body, lead by example showing them that women build up other women (no mean girl mentality here), and show them how beautiful they are inside and out.

We hold an over the top, full production fashion show each spring featuring local high school girls as our models. We are a body positive show, showcasing girls of all shapes and sizes, helping to build their self confidence, and rally around the idea of women building up other women. The girls wear outfits from Richmond area boutiques and designers, keeping with our community-based theme.

As a non-profit organization, WEAR RVA relies solely on sponsorships to bring our event to life. We have successfully partnered with over 155 local businesses and brands, demonstrating the widespread recognition and impact of our initiative. Moreover, we have had the privilege of showcasing the talent of over 225 teen models, creating a platform for their empowerment and self-expression.

WEAR RVA has been a source of positivity and transformation. It begins with our models, Richmond area teens who are looking for a positive outlet to build and reinforce their self-confidence and gain empowerment. Our teens come from all backgrounds and walks of life. For some of them, it builds a support system, and for others it reinforces the one that they already have. WEAR RVA has created lifelong friendships, bought together families, created networking and business opportunities for both for our teens and their families, has been supported by small businesses looking to have a positive impact on the community, and so much more!

The support from family businesses brings our event full circle. Many of our sponsors are families of our models. This has further amplified our impact, by offering a platform for their businesses and for the teens to feel supported. It engages the entire family and brings them closer together in the process. Our favorite part is the transformation our models experience. When we first meet them, like most teens, they are unsure of themselves and can barely make eye contact when addressing them. But by the end of our event, they are twirling on the runway and blowing kisses into the audience. A complete transformation in just a few months.

about wear rva