The fashion house(0)

Metallic Gala to transform Slover Library into fashion house

A Library is a house of knowledge. But for one night , the Slover Library, Norfolk’s premier resource center, will be transformed into a house of fashion.

Come decked in glitz and glam for The Metallic Gala at 7:30 p.m. April 1. Friends of Norfolk Public Library is sponsoring the evening of runway shows created and produced by Chesapeake-based designer Mikasa La’Charles of House of VII Jewels. The inaugural event is a fundraiser for the library’s summer reading and multicultural programs. Guests are asked to wear black, white or metallic eveningwear.

The showcase will feature presentations from emerging and established designers from across the region:

- La’Charles, who has an affinity for metallic themes.

- Deon Croom of North Carolina, who has a niche in eveningwear.

- Michael Carter of Washington, D.C., an industry veteran known for sophisticated, clean lines and tailoring.

- Ric Lamar of Chesapeake, now living in Hampton, a designer and textile store owner whose focus ranges from streetwear to socialite and who is known for bold design elements .

Angelia’s Couture of Richmond, whose work has been showcased during Richmond Fashion Week.

- Melesia Robinson-Williams, a former Navy petty officer from Norfolk, owner of MRW Co., specializing in custom eveningwear and dresses.

- Paulette Washington of Norfolk, an emerging designer with a foundation as a seamstress.

The event also serves as an introduction to the main library for people who have yet to experience its marvels. The 138,000-square-foot facility reopened in January 2015, merging its historic space with a contemporary addition that houses numerous collections, a gaming lounge, digital media labs, a bistro, study nooks and vast meeting spaces. La’Charles can attest to the library system’s being a jewel. Since last summer, the Slover has been the site of her Sketching Dreams Fashion Design and Arts Academy for young participants.

After the camp’s completion last August, Dudley Colbert, manager of the Blyden branch, asked La’Charles if she would be interested in assisting the Friends of Norfolk Public Library with its mission.

“After Mr. Colbert’s tremendous help with the camp, I couldn’t resist. I said yes immediately.”

Kristen Crowley from WTKR and Trevor Lucas from the VAdio Show are the emcees. If all goes well, the gala could become the annual kickoff to major spring fashion events in Norfolk.

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