The Richmond boutique behind Spanberger’s dazzling inaugural ball gown

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — For nearly 30 years, women across Central Virginia have trusted Lex's of Carytown to help them find the perfect gown -- so when the Commonwealth's first female governor contacted the boutique, they had it covered.

On Saturday, Jan. 17, Abigail Spanberger (D) made history as Virginia's first female governor. She celebrated the historic feat that night at the inaugural ball, where she wore a blue gown sourced in Richmond.

"The second she came out in the one that we picked, everyone just said, 'That's the dress,'" said Lisa McSherry, Owner of Lex's of Carytown.

Back in December, McSherry learned she and her team would be tasked with finding a gown for Spanberger's ball. McSherry said the boutique pre-selected dozens of gowns for the historic occasion.

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"We were honored that she chose to shop locally," McSherry said. "We only had, I think, maybe four days? And thank goodness we carry a lot of inventory at any given time ... so we had plenty to choose from."

McSherry knew the perfect gown would be one that shines on stage -- both figuratively and literally.

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger speaks to the crowd at the Inaugural Ball in Richmond Va., Saturday Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, Pool)

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, right, and her husband Adam enjoy a performance by Dave Matthews at the Inaugural Ball in Richmond Va., Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, Pool)

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger speaks to the crowd at the Inaugural Ball in Richmond Va., Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, Pool)

Singer Dave Matthews, right, hugs Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger at the Inaugural Ball in Richmond Va., Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, Pool)

"The shimmer in it photographs really well," McSherry explained as she held up the gown. "It hits the light when you're on stage,"

Since the ball, McSherry said the buzz at the boutique has been overwhelming.

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"Thousands and thousands of people on our LinkedIn, Instagram [and] Facebook were commenting," McSherry said. "We've actually even had a couple of people since then, over that weekend, come in and buy dresses."

McSherry called the opportunity monumental and said playing a part in the Commonwealth's history has been an honor.

"There's a lot of excitement just around the first female governor and the fact that a local store was able to dress her, I think, was quite a big deal," she said.

McSherry said the gown retails for $534 and is still available in-store as of the time of reporting.