In 1964, The Beatles played their first U.S. line show at Washington’s Uline Arena. Fast forward 47 years, now Britain’s brand of fashion, food and travel are Washington D.C.’s new fab four.
Fashion: Rag & Bone
Originating in London, Rag & Bone came to Washington in early 2011.
When British schoolboys Marcus Wainwright and David Neville met at boarding school in Berkshire 20 years ago, they never dreamed that they would be the heads of a U.S fashion brand with a celebrity following that includes Angelina Jolie, Keira Knightley, Rihanna, Cameron Diaz and Blake Lively. Today Wainwright and Neville’s fashion creation, Rag & Bone, produces classic yet modern clothing for both men and women. The brand recently opened up a store in Georgetown, so you too can enjoy smart, tailored pieces into fall. Rag & Bone, 3067 M St NW, Washington, D.C.
Gastro-Pubs: Againn
Get that British pub feel at AGAINN.
The contemporary gastropub AGAINN serves traditional British Isles pub cuisine in the shadow of the capitol. Whether you try the crispy fish and chips or the seared Scottish salmon, be sure to top off your meal with a Pimm’s Cup No. 13, a British classic made here with homemade ginger syrup. AGAINN, 1099 New York Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
Fashion: AllSaints Spitafields
The signature AllSaints sewing machines grace M Street.
Just a few storefronts away from our other British label Rag & Bone, AllSaints Spitalfields is styled to resemble a turn-of-the-century London factory. The cool, vintage-inspired designs here make effortless style a breeze. AllSaints Spitalfields, 3235 M St NW Washington, D.C.
Fashion: Vivienne Westwood
Fina Vivenne Westwood at Muleh on 14th Street, NW.
Although she was the queen of punk many decades ago, now Westwood’s muse is the royal family, whom she credits for inspiring her distinctive and colorful designs. The designer’s trunk shows at DC boutique Muléh have always been a hit, giving shoppers the unique opportunity to see her entire seasonal collections and pre-order selections during the show. Muleh, 1831 14th Street NW Washington, D.C.
Travel: Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic has been shuttling Washingtonians to London in style for 15 years. (Photo courtesy of REVAMP.com)
Virgin Atlantic is celebrating 15 years of flying over 1.9 million passengers from Washington, D.C. to London with special deals through March 2012, including fares staring as low as $251 each way. See special offers HERE. Their relaxed and stylish flying is winning over travelers tired of the same flight experience. So are their lounges – the two-level lounge in Dulles offers a stylish respite from the airport along with complimentary cocktails and a well rounded menu. Meanwhile, the Heathrow Virgin Clubhouse is the standard for all exclusive airport lounges. Weary Upper Class travelers can relax in the poolside lounge, refresh in the Cowshed at the Clubhouse, or refuel at The Deli and The Brasserie. Those flying Upper Class from Washington D.C. to London also receive a fast track pass which enables them to breeze through customs and immigration once landing in the UK. On the airplane, Upper Class cabins come equipped with individual stations with seats which recline to a full laid back position. This is certainly necessary for evening flights from Washington D.C. to London, which land early morning in London.The worst part about flying Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic from Washington to London? That you don’t have more that six hours to enjoy all the amenities!
