D.C. now has a terrific local design scene, with jewelers, potters, dressmakers and knit geniuses plying their fashionable trades here. If you haven’t checked out the hashtag #acreativedc on Instagram yet, you need to — this town is awash in cool people creating edgy things. September 25, I had the fun gig of curating a pop-up shop of some of the most vibrant of these DMV talents for a benefit for the D.C. Public Library‘s Uncensored gala
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Top local makers — DeNada (knitwear), Mallory Shelter (fabulous earrings and necklaces) and Hero Heads (cool T-shirts with portraits of iconic people like the Marvin Gaye and Frieda Kahlo) came out to support the public library (and to stand up against censorship). Hip cocktails, rocking bands and a stylish crowd made for a buzzy evening of shopping, dancing and creative energy.
All photos @Kate Warren/Go Kate Shoot except as mentioned.
To find out more about DC Style Factory Stylist Jenn’s styling services, visit dcstylefactory.com or email her at [email protected].
On Tuesday, September 29th I had the pleasure of attending Washingtonian Magazine’s Style Setters Event. I also had an even greater pleasure of styling my friend and Events Manager Jessi Taff for this event. A few weeks before the event, we met at Bloomingdales and picked a gorgeous brocade Aqua dress. We paired with some killer Pour la Victoire metallic strappy heels. She looked and felt beautiful.
Now, back to the event…Fashionistas flocked to The Anderson House to celebrate the ten best-dressed men and women in the DC area as featured in the September issue of the Washingtonian. Invitees included past Style Setters award-winners, fashion bloggers, VIP guests from the retail industry, and members of the media. The event sponsor, City Center, showcased their luxury retailers and restaurants with stylish mannequins, accessory vignettes, and food stations. Every inch of the historic and stunning Anderson House was filled with the latest fashion trends from Zadig & Voltaire, Arc’Teryx, Paul Stuart, Vince, Caudalie, Carolina Herrera, Longchamp and The Great Republic.
I, along with many fellow stiletto-wearing partygoers, kicked up my heels and relaxed in gorgeous lounges designed by Syzygy Event Production while sipping on a speciality cocktail from Mango Tree and eating scrumptious cucumber bites from Fig & Olive. Provisions Catering served delectable fare including an assortment of sushi, coconut chicken, tuna tartar in wonton cups, and mini shrimp tacos. There was even a photobooth donated by Alist Photo Booth to capture stylish guests in party mode. I danced the night away with beats from Bruce Pike Productions.
Some of the Event’s Honorees (From Left to Right): Sara Bonjean, Victor Zapanta, Washingtonian’s Sarah Zlotnik, Carl Pierre, Carl Ray, Cathy Anderson and Mera Anwar
I loved seeing DC put its most stylish foot forward…and getting dolled up myself (new hair!). More than anything, I was so happy to support my friend, Jessi both before the event, putting together her look, and also the night of Style Setters. Kudos to this amazing woman for a memorable and fabulous night.
A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of hosting a fashion show by Alliance Francaise DC - Beyond the Little Black Dress. The event celebrated emerging female French and American designers, reviving the cultural organization’s long tradition of presenting the latest couture trends. First Lady Jackie Kennedy’s mother, Janet Lee Bouvier, organized fashion events with the Alliance, working with the wife of the then French Ambassador to the United States.
Alliance Francaise Executive Director Sarah Diligenti welcoming the crowd. Photo credit: William P. Simmons, Jr.
Photo credit: Ben Droz for Washington Life
The evening explored a world beyond the iconic garment that Coco Chanel made ubiquitous – the little black dress. During the course of the evening, five inspiring French and American artists and designers took the audience beyond this style classic and into a fantasy world. A world where fashion is discarded newspapers that come alive as clothing art. The decadence and romance of burlesque inspires corset couture. Artwork by a renowned award-winning colorist comes alive in breathtaking gowns. Lingerie is a fashion statement. And, finally, modern, wearable clothing has the luxury and detail of a couturier.
Artists and couturiers have long collaborated on color to create personal style and brand identity. Larissa Noury, from Montmartre, France, is the president and founder of the Colour-Space-Culture International Association. She has PhDs in Arts and Architcture from Bordeaux and Saint Petersburg, respectively. Mme. Noury is a colorist whose dreamlike works have been compared to Monet. .Her stunning hand-painted gown creations floated across the stage one by one, works of art that demonstrate the centuries-long love affair between fashion and the art of color. This collection was a collaboration between Nory and former Dior and YSL designer, Jean-Marie Pujol.
Isabelle Alvarez-Tausch is an artist and eco-fashion designer. She hails from Fraize, in the Vosges region of France. With a Swiss husband working for the World Bank she has lived in Ecuador, Nicaragua and currently resides in the Ukraine. She lived for five years in DC and while here, she started a clothing line using recycled materials in an effort to educate people about consumerism and waste. Her “Obamania” Collection in 2013, which used posters from the Obama campaign to create dresses and gowns, was an overnight sensation. Her collection at Beyond the Little Black Dress drew gasps from the crowd. We are talking dresses made out of small doll heads, stuffed animals and rubber gloves — all discarded materials. I couldn’t resist remarking to the crowd that no one there would EVER look at their kids’ stuffed animals the same again.
Photos credit: Cameron Habahsian for MOST Magazine
Christelle Cenatiempo Jorda, a native of Montpellier, had just started law school in 2005 when she decided to design a few burlesque-inspired pieces “just for fun.” Despite having a political science degree, her passion for designing and creating fashion soon won out. Mme. Jorda’s Titelle — a line of handmade, custom corsets and weddings dresses - was born. In 2010, her husband received a job offer in Los Angeles. The young couple took a chance and Christelle soon set up a workshop in L.A.and got to work. Her corsets – worn by men and women – have since been featured at LA Fashion Week and Art Walk. Christelle is inspired by old techniques and details. Her belief is that true luxury lives in original and unique creations.
In Christelle’s world, corsets are not just for women either. Men don corsets like vests. Her waist-defining (or defying) creations graced the stage that evening in vivid colors and textures. It felt like I had been transported to another time and place where corset couture reigns.
Photo credit: Cameron Habashian for MORE Magaazine
The temperature in the room definitely skyrocketed when the Le Bustiere collection hit the catwalk. Stephanie Jacek opened Le Bustiere boutique in Adam’s Morgan two years ago. She was working in the healthcare field and was frustrated by the selection of lingerie at local shops. She couldn’t find pieces that fit well and that were fun to wear. Two years later, as owner of Le Bustiere, she is offering the DC woman the highest level of quality and style in lingerie. Her pieces are fun, sophisticated and sexy. Her belief is that the right piece of lingerie makes all the difference. As each model came down the runway in one eye-popping lingerie look after another, it was hard to deny her sentiment.
Gohar Beaver has been designing since she was 10. After finishing work at fashion design school, she met her husband and moved to the United States. They became business partners, launching their brand Ayvazyan Couture de Beauvoir – or AB Couture for short. The bohemian-inspired line featured at the fashion show included pieces from the team’s recently launched bridal line. The entrance of the designer’s daughter with model, Ms. United States, drew a sigh from the crowd followed by applause.
Photo credit: Cameron Habashian MOST Magazine
I was thrilled to host an event that introduced me to artists and designers that I know I will be keeping an eye on. I mean…an evening filled with bustiers, men in corsets, and doll-head dresses? How can that not be fun? Plus, I got to wear my go-to cocktail event look — my black tux — AND hang with my girl Jessica.
DC Style Factory Stylist Jenn Barger curated a pop-up shop for this year’s DC Public Library’s Fundraising Gala, Uncencsored. Here is a preview of the local designers featured. Join in supporting a great cause and checking out some of the city’s most exciting artists and designers.
In my work as a stylist, I meet a lot of inspiring local designers. It’s exciting to visit jewelry workrooms, see potters as they mold fab new plates and cups for local restaurants or to eyeball sketches that’ll result in sleek dresses by next spring.
It’s an experience I’ll get to share September 25 during the DC Public Library Foundation’s fundraising gala, Uncensored. I’ve organized a pop-up shop starring some of my favorite local design stars — DeNada’s funky, chunky knitwear; sleek shirtdresses by Kiki Lynn , pottery by Arlington’s Cloud Terre. At the party, you can try and buy their wares, plus take in local bands and cool cocktails in the stylish surround of the MLK Library. Here’s a sneak peek at the designers:
If you’ve slurped down oysters at Fiola Mare or tucked into a steak at the Ashby Inn, chances are you’ve seen the organic, edgy plates, cups and servingware made by Arlington potter Amber Kendrick. With her partner Ernie Niblack (a wood craftsman), she creates dreamy porcelain that’s as at home on a dinner table as at a chic restaurant. “DC residents seem to appreciate clean lines, mostly monochromatic with a pop of thoughtful color or texture,” says Kendrick. “It reflects a little conservatism but pushes contemporary ideas.”
Last year, when Colin Bill was craving a T-shirt depicting Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, he couldn’t find anything he liked. So he decided to make one, working with an artist friend. The resulting simple, stylish shirts proved so popular, he launched his company Hero Heads this summer, selling at Eastern Market, local festivals and farmer’s markets. “I’m trying to show inspirational, overall positive people,” says Bill. The bright, bold shirts now depict legends from the Pope to the Beastie Boys, and their simple, bold graphics look as good under a sharp blazer as they do paired with yoga pants for a workout.
Kimberly McKinley did her time in the New York fashion industry, working for Bloomingdale’s and Louis Vuitton. These haute experiences prepped her for her new business, Kiki Lynn, a line of U.S.-made shirt dresses, tops and caftans that mesh Georgetown glam with workday chic. She loves dressing local women. “I think DC gets a bad rap for style,” she says. “I see so many people here with such unique, individual taste.: Lynn’s trademark shirtdress came from her desire to create frocks that are both flattering (check out the unusual hemline) and practical (stretch fabric that goes from day to night).
Social media manager by day, jewelry designer by night Mallory Shelter knows a thing or two about multitasking — which explains why her delicate baubles are so versatile. Using gold, silver and semi-precious stones, Shelter constructs breezy earrings, custom wedding bands and other easy-to-wear pieces. She likes being part of D.C.’s small-yet-vibrant design community. “The creative scene here still feels really new, and everyone wants to see it succeed,” she says. “There’s a lot of support and camaraderie. It’s encouraging to feel like we’re in this together.”
Sarah Bayot’s simple, playful jewelry incorporates leather, fabric, deer horns and crystals. The sport-yet-pretty pieces not only look good, they also do good, since all sales benefit education projects in Congo. “I’m trying to connect the dots between business, fashion, community development and education,” says Bayot. “But it’s also about designing and creating pieces that are unique, authentically inspired and that beautifully adorn the wearer.”
The name of Virginia Arrisueño translates as “your welcome” in Spanish, and that’s a good phrase for how her hand-knit alpaca blend, hats and wraps make customers feel. She works from her Bloomingdale studio, and travels to Peru twice a year to meet with the artisans who produce her cozy-yet-edgy line. “The most rewarding thing about running a design business is getting to be creative on a daily basis,” she says. Her new styles for fall include wraps in rich hues like teal and scarves interwoven with different textues.
Join Jenn and these amazing local designers and artists at Uncensored’s featured pop-up shop this Friday. Tickets available online.
Last Wednesday, DC Style Factory partnered with PopNod and hosted a fall fashion event to benefit DC’s Urban Alliance. The stylish soiree took place on the rooftop of Embassy Row Hotel DC - with a breathtaking view and sunset over Dupont Circle. The evening’s good vibes centered around the mission of the Urban Alliance — to mentor and provide opportunity to under-resourced highschool seniors in DC, Baltimore and Chicago. More than 100 revelers joined us to support the organization and usher in the fall fashion season.
DC Style Factory styled and produced the highlight of the evening’s festivities — a fashion showcase of the season’s best trends to wear work and after work. Women’s looks were from Betsy Fisher on Connecticut Avenue, NW. Hair and makeup by Sunny Oh of D Sharpe Style in Bethesda.
Men’s looks were Ted Baker, Hugo Boss and AG denim. For guys, style topics and trends included monochromatic grey, mixing of pattern and texture, the Chelsea Boot, and how to wear denim on Casual Fridays at the office. For ladies, I talked about updates to the classic trench, the power of the pencil skirt, mixing patterns and menswear-inspired looks that are still going strong this season.
Models were in on the Urban Alliance mission: each of the six looks was worn by Urban Alliance program graduates, mentors, and staff that keep the mission wheels moving. Each model strutted — some eating up the spotlight and photography flashes like seasoned catwalk professionals — around the glowing, lit pool. The guests greeted each model and look with collective “oooohs” and “aaaaahs.”
The event was just the start of a bigger campaign on PopNod.com to benefit Urban Alliance interns: Fashion with an Impact. Visit this Style Story page on PopNod and learn how you can shop with meaning. We all know the power of that first impression when it comes to landing a job. You can now be a part of helping a young person make that great first impression. PopNod shoppers can purchase clothing that will be shipped directly to the Urban Alliance and gifted to intern graduates embarking on their professional journey.
The evening was best summed up by one of our models, Johnnie Wallace (he’s the dapper fellow in monochromatic grey) who works at Alexandria Renew Enterprises. Alexandria Renew sponsors two Urban Alliance interns annually, and Wallace mentors these interns:
“I grew up in an ‘underserved’ home and community. I didn’t have the support or my birth mother to pursue anything past the government assistance or “street” life that surrounded me as a child. I found mentors in people outside of my home and community that guided me through tough times as a homeless teenager. This ultimately led to my happiness and success today. I want to have an impact on youth who may not have the guidance and assistance within their home to soar past their perceived limitations and into higher education, successful careers, and positions as community and family leaders. I strive everyday with my interns to ensure they are proud of their differences and that taking the road less desired makes them stronger than those who have inherited support. Imagine if every capable adult served as Urban Alliance like mentor to just one youth within our country. We would have less teenage parents. We would significantly decrease the high school dropout rate and increase the higher education acceptance rate. We would have less crime and more youth contributing to society and not behind bars. I am living proof that positive mentorship at an impressionable age can change the course of someone’s life.”
Enjoy some of the gorgeous snaps by E. Brady Robinson of our fabulous evening. Our team was honored to be a part of this event, and I know I will remember it for a long, long time.