Wilson’s work headlines RMA wearable art exhibit

Published 8:08 pm Thursday, October 9, 2025

: Internationally recognized fashion designer Gwendolyn Wilson, a Franklin native, is leading a wearable art exhibit at Rawls Museum Arts. Her work has been featured at the Met Gala, New York Fashion Week, Arab Fashion Week in Dubai, and the Versace Mansion in Miami. (Photo submitted by Rawls Museum Arts)

(Following the story below are more photos from the opening of Rawls Runway: ETAMIB Couture Wearable Art by Gwendolyn Wilson. Photos submitted by Rawls Museum Arts)

Rawls Museum Arts (RMA) was transformed into a vibrant showcase of creativity and cultural expression with the opening of Rawls Runway: ETAMIB Couture Wearable Art by Gwendolyn Wilson on Saturday, Sept. 13.

Officials in an RMA news release noted that the exhibition has been met with tremendous enthusiasm, celebrated as both visually captivating and one of the most unique showcases the museum has ever presented.

Designer Gwendolyn Wilson, a city of Franklin native, described the moment as “a dream come true” to exhibit for the first time in her hometown and have her art honored by her community.

Guests at the opening reception enjoyed live music by pianist Jamaal Sanford and an elegant array of refreshments, creating a festive atmosphere that set the tone for the evening.

Wilson, a graduate of Virginia Tech, is the founder and creative force behind ETAMIB Couture International (“Every Thing About Me Is Beautiful”), renowned for its luxurious, custom-designed gowns.

Her work has been featured on world-class platforms including the Met Gala, New York Fashion Week, Arab Fashion Week in Dubai, and the Versace Mansion in Miami.

She began her career in New York after college and now integrates fashion, photography and education into a multifaceted creative practice. Currently pursuing graduate studies in global economics at Harvard University, Wilson also manages textile businesses abroad and served as lead photographer at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her leadership in sustainable fashion and STEAM-based design has earned her international recognition, including a first-place award at World Expo Dubai.

The exhibition is especially notable for its collaborative and intergenerational nature. Wilson is joined by her granddaughter LaNiece Dube, a rising star in international fashion, and Franklin native Audrey D. Hart, founder of Made from D Hart. Part of the collaboration also included accessories by Tawanna Bernard of 1st Empressions, which specializes in custom-designed earrings, coasters, garden flags, aprons, T-shirts, cups and one-of-a-kind floral arrangements — each piece crafted with care and originality.

Dube, 17, began modeling at age 4 in her grandmother’s New York Fashion Week shows and is now co-owner of two youth-centered fashion brands, DuBeeDoo and Mashya. Her designs have appeared in shows across the U.S., Paris, London and Dubai. She is also a children’s book author and leads community initiatives supporting literacy and underserved youth.

Hart brings a modern, innovative voice to traditional crochet. Her handmade handbags and accessories combine bold design with meticulous craftsmanship, ranging from vibrant totes to elegant clutches. Each piece is intentionally created to celebrate individuality, empowerment and resilience.

The idea for the exhibition was championed by Mary Bradshaw, RMA Board President, a former student of Wilson and longtime friend. Bradshaw’s vision, leadership and close connection to Wilson were instrumental in bringing the showcase from concept to reality.

“Building on these partnerships, RMA is also proud to announce that Wilson will join the RMA Board of Directors, where she will bring her visionary ideas and creative expertise to the museum’s leadership,” museum officials stated.

In addition to Rawls Runway Wearable Art in the main gallery, the Francis Gallery features the work of artist Chai Miller, a documentary, event and portrait photographer as well as an oil painter based in Southeastern Virginia. Growing up nearby in the small rural town of Zuni, Miller, a graduate of the Governor’s School for the Arts, has always found inspiration in his surroundings, capturing the beauty of everyday life through both photography and painting. His work explores the intricacies of identity, environment and the emotions tied to rural living.

From painting as a child to carrying his first digital camera — a Nikon D3400 — at age 13, Miller has developed a practice rooted in documenting people, their environments and the fleeting moments that often go unnoticed. His series, Abandoned, chronicles deserted rural structures across Southampton County, preserving their quiet history. In his oil paintings, inspired by the Bay Area Figurative Movement and influenced by his uncle, artist Jon Bolles, Miller conveys emotions of loneliness, uncertainty and displacement, creating works that are deeply personal yet universally resonant. His photography and paintings have been featured in Stockley Gardens, juried shows at the Governor’s School for the Arts, and several solo exhibitions.

To continue the celebration, RMA will host a High Tea Fashion Show on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 2-4 p.m. The event will feature live runway modeling, the debut of new couture pieces — including wedding gowns. Enjoy a selection of brewed teas paired with beautifully crafted high tea-styled desserts. Guests are encouraged to dress in their finest fashion. Many featured designs will be available for purchase.

The Artworks Museum Shop at RMA also features handmade gifts created in Virginia, including pottery, jewelry, stained glass, leather, woodworking and more — offering visitors a chance to take home one-of-a-kind works by regional artists.

The exhibition remains on view through Friday, Oct. 31. Rawls Museum Arts is open weekly Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission to all exhibitions is free.

Rawls Museum Arts Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the many facets of art into the lives of people in Western Tidewater. Exhibitions are made possible through the generous support of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Southampton County, Franklin Southampton Charities, Arts Alliance, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the Camp Foundation, the city of Franklin and many other community partners, businesses and museum members.

ETAMIB Couture International founder Gwendolyn Wilson delivers remarks Sept. 13 during the opening of Rawls Runway: ETAMIB Couture Wearable Art by Gwendolyn Wilson.

Attendees listen as remarks are delivered during the opening of Rawls Runway: ETAMIB Couture Wearable Art by Gwendolyn Wilson on Saturday, Sept. 13.

Attendees listen as remarks are delivered during the opening of Rawls Runway: ETAMIB Couture Wearable Art by Gwendolyn Wilson on Saturday, Sept. 13.

Attendees listen as remarks are delivered during the opening of Rawls Runway: ETAMIB Couture Wearable Art by Gwendolyn Wilson on Saturday, Sept. 13.

Featured in RMA’s Francis Gallery is the work of Chai Miller, a documentary, event and portrait photographer who is also an oil painter based in Southeastern Virginia.

An attendee of the art exhibition opening at RMA takes a photo of a piece of artwork on the wall.

Gwendolyn Wilson, center in white and gold, socializes at the opening of Rawls Runway: ETAMIB Couture Wearable Art, as other attendees view her work.

This piece of wearable art takes the viewer through a history of influential leaders.

This photo offers a close-up look at a piece from the current art exhibition at RMA.

The art exhibition at RMA also features pieces like this structured satchel, a creation of Franklin native Audrey D. Hart, founder of Made from D Hart.