Pop-Up Shopping with DC Style Factory and the DC Public Library
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.