DC FASHION WEEK NIGHT THREE:
A hopeful fashionista set descended for Menswear Night at DC Fashion Week
Crystal City Doubletree Hotel
By Monifa Smart
The third night of DC Fashion Week occurred on February 20th with the Menswear Collection Shows. About 75 people gathered to view an eclectic array of menswear, ranging from speedos to sharply tailored suits. Ean Williams, Executive Director of DC Fashion Week, commentated as male models flaunted the latest looks from the Fall 2010 collections.
Designers:
What We Liked: The gold star of the night went to Andrew Nowell, who presented well constructed clothes with a modern military and aviator inspiration.
What We Did Not Like: Emore J Couture’s Gothic and dominatrix themed collection with garbage bag-like accents did not fulfill its intention of being “wearable art.” Just because something is constructed by hand that does not make it couture.
As an aside, the bar at the show was comprised of a water-filled cooler with Styrofoam cups. This was a fashion show, not a soccer practice.
Final Thought: In order for DC Fashion Week to play in the major leagues, it needs a corporate sponsor. A non-profit organization won’t have the wherewithal in the long run to draw the major designers, editors, models, venues, socialites, and celebrities needed to make a successful fashion week. Most importantly, DC needs to attract buyers. Fashion is a business, and that’s what makes international fashion shows grand, successful, and scalable. When that happens DC Fashion Week will truly be able “to enhance the visibility of the nation’s capital as a center of international fashion.”
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