RALEIGH – David Vashon couldn’t contain his emotions any longer.

Vashon was overwhelmed by the show of support and love from an overflow crowd at an invitation-only reception at the Inner Sanctum in Raleigh.

After several weeks of emails with tidbits and clues about Raleigh’s first luxury fashion house, the House of DAVA was presented to the public on June 28.

“I watched the room, and I felt who was really listening, who picked up on what I was saying underneath what I was saying,” Vashon said. “I have not stopped thinking about it since. What you witnessed is not finished. It is only the beginning, and I intend to keep building it sharper every time we show up.”

The Raleigh native is a designer and U.S. Navy veteran. His family can trace their heritage back to the Revolutionary War, when his fourth-great-grandfather served as a captain in North Carolina’s militia.

Vashon kept that streak alive by entering the Navy after graduating from high school in 2008.

Vashon learned from the best on his path to this moment, working with Louis Vuitton, Bond No. 9 Fragrance and Nordstrom. He’s also used his love of design and dedication to country to combine the two for philanthropic projects. The Elite Edition is a veteran-founded organization that supports families of fallen and deceased service members. Dress for Success, Saks Fifth Avenue and Rolls-Roye Motorcars Raleigh are local partners.

Vashon built the House of DAVA entirely within North Carolina, at a point in his career when departing for a larger market would have been the easier course.

“My family has been part of this state for generations, long before I ever picked up a needle or a pattern,” Vashon said. “I graduated high school here, I entered the Navy from here, and I built this House here, when I could easily have left. I have carried what I learned inside some of the most storied names in luxury, and brought it home. Too often, the talent this state produces leaves because it does not believe a future exists here for a fashion career. The House of DAVA stands as proof that it does and as a reason for that talent to remain.”

The House will showcase three design levels: Supreme Luxury, where money is no object; High Luxury, the stuff runway models wear; and Standard Luxury, a ready-to wear collection with more versatility.

Vashon and staff introduced the debut collection, The First Chapter, in a room filled luxurious designs worn by models and staff, and lined with sports cars designed for the rich and filthy rich.

Visit www.davaprive.com/ to learn more.

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