Grief, resistance and the power of expression are the muses of fashion for Runway at UVA, a vibrant, student-led fashion organization that has become a sanctuary for self-expression.
Founded at the University of Virginia in 2022 by Marquis Rice and Taiwo Adepoju, both from the Class of 2024, Runway at UVA was born out of a desire to create a space where students could design their own clothing.
“I have a really hard time expressing myself in conventional ways, especially here at UVA,” said Lorena Castillo, a fourth-year student from Puerto Rico who is majoring in architecture with a minor in global culture and commerce. “It was a real culture shock being in such a different space.”
As club president, Castillo is steering Runway at UVA into its third annual fashion show, set to take place Saturday at 6 p.m. in Campbell Hall.

Runway is a key part of the college experience of fourth-year student and president Lorena Castillo, left. (Photo by Clara Castle, University Communications)
Each year’s fashion show features a distinct theme. This year’s theme is “Unveiled,” and explores grief, resistance and the power of expression. The theme drew inspiration from the work of Sanda Iliescu, an associate professor of architecture and studio art. In 2010, Iliescu hung veils on the columns of the Rotunda to bring people together in the shared experience of grief following a series of high-profile murders in Charlottesville.
”Unveiled” aims to amplify the voices of those grieving. Through clothing, veils, and lighting, the show illustrates the frustrations of marginalized communities in expressing their mourning.