Stylecurated: FANCY: Costumes, Characters and the Richmond Masque @the Valentine

Fancy: Costumes, Character and the Richmond Masque at the Valentine Museum in Richmond, Virginia

On the drive back from our Memorial Day weekend visit to Virginia, we stop at the Valentine Museum and stumble onto a remarkable slice of Richmond's fashion history. From the outside, the stout brick building at the corner of Clay and 10th feels unassuming, almost easy to miss. Inside, visitors are greeted with something unexpectedly rich. FANCY: Costumes, Characters, and the Richmond Masque is the kind of exhibit that surprises you with its intimacy and depth. Spanning from the 19th century to the present day, it offers a vivid look at the capital city’s layered culture through the lens of costume and self-expression. Keep reading for a look inside...

The Tobacco Queen was accompanied by attendants dressed in velveteen mini dresses at the National Tobacco Festival (1948-1984)

Divided into four themed sections — Disguise, Display, Draped, and Dazzle — the exhibit showcases everything from Halloween costumes and performance pieces to festival wear and fancy soirée dresses. It's playful, yet thoughtful--a reminder that how we dress for celebration says a lot about our identity and what we value. What struck me most is how comfortable and familiar the show felt. Whether a longtime Richmonder or just passing through, FANCY draws you in like a heartfelt love letter to community, creativity, and the enduring joy of dressing up. Bravo to Nichol Gabor for the tight edit and curating such a vibrant and thoughtful tribute to Richmond’s spirit! This is the first fashion exhibit since 2020; stop by to visit until January 25, 2026.