D.C. FASHION WEEK IS RISING WITH STYLE

D.C. Fashion Week celebrated its 20th Anniversary and its 40th Presentation with a special honor. Ean Williams, the founder and executive director of D.C. Fashion Week was awarded The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for his commitment to service in building a stronger nation. Williams has been personally dedicated to increasing economic development in fashion design, clothing merchandising and enhancing the visibility of the nation’s capital as a center of international Fashion.

Founded in 2004, the event continues to gain popularity and sponsorships. This well-deserved recognition will solidify Washington DC as an influential fashion market outside of the Big Four (New York, London, Milan and Paris) and well-beyond the Mid-Atlantic. Sponsors include Air France, Smart Water, Tequila Patron, Shy Magazine, H Street Festival, the National Housing Center which hosts the Runway Presentations.

This three-day event launched with a Fashion Industry Networking Party, where self-identifying fashionistas reveled in Bridgerton-themed attire. The next evening is dedicated to The Emerging Designers Showcase followed by a night of International Couture Collections which includes a Menswear Capsule.

Guy Lambert hosted the weekend shows; each featuring approximately a dozen collections to a well-attended audience. Guests are invited to enjoy a Red Carpet, Cocktail Hour and VIP reception as a prelude to an exciting evening of diverse and innovative collections. You can’t help to be impressed by the inclusivity of designers and their models. The collections range in point of view from the rough and tough to the glitz and glam. There was impressive bespoke suiting as exhibited by FIATI’s finely tailored ensembles and Franck La Scelta swanky tuxedos and smart vacation-wear. Powerful masculinity was demonstrated with modernity from Andrew Nowell and with a deconstructed edge at Valencii Ventora. Extravagant eveningwear swept the floor in embroidered tulles from Paaie. Francesca Lazzari had a flair for finely crafted fabric formations. Corjor International, Williams own label, traditionally closes the show as a true grand finale. Perhaps a tribute to Parisian Couture with influences from The Roaring 20’s. The looks were largely devoid of color; opting for a mostly black palette to capture the dramatic detailing. There was a mix of street wear, co-ed day collections contributing to showcase most notably from Ethiopia, Canada, Italy, Georgia. It is a pleasure to witness the evolution of DC’s Fashion landscape rising with style.

See below for a gallery of photos from D.C. Fashion Week.