Civil War-inspired sustainable fashion, a national book fest and the rest.
By Mary Eileen Barber
A dress designed by Jeff Garner for his "A Dress to Change the World" collection, which debuted Sept. 14 in Monaco. (Photo by Philippe Assailly)
From Civil War-inspired catwalk shows for the fashion-forward, to wine and cheese in Arlington for a great cause, to books and poetry on the Mall for the whole family, there’s plenty to keep you busy in the coming week. Here are some of our favorites.
Fashion Trendsetters
‘American Catwalk Debut: A Dress to Change the World’
Saturday, Sept. 22, 8 p.m.-10 p.m.
Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum
Pennsylvania Avenue at 17th St. NW
202-633-1000; $100/$50 with discount code FASHION50 here. Tickets must be purchased in advance. All ticket proceeds help the museum acquire works from artists showcased in “40 under 40: Craft Futures.”
Mix and mingle with D.C.’s fashion-minded while viewing sustainable fashion inspired by dressmakers of the Civil War era by designer Jeff Garner for the Prophetik label. The show is held in conjunction with the Renwick Gallery’s exhibition, “40 under 40: Craft Futures.” With live music by DJ Coco and Eric Heatherly.
Family Friendly
Library of Congress National Book Festival
Sept. 22-23, (10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday; noon-5:30 p.m. Sunday)
National Mall, between the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial
202-485-988; Free
The 12th annual literary fest has something for bookworms of all ages. A range of authors are expected, from children’s writers Mary Pope Osborne and R.L. Stine, to short story and prose pro Junot Diaz, to 2011-2012 Poet Laureate Philip Levine.
Foodies
‘California Dreaming Wine and Cheese Tasting’
Monday, Sept. 24, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
Screwtop Wine Bar and Cheese Shop
1025 N. Fillmore St., Arlington, VA
703-888-0845; $15.99
Sample 10 wines and artisan cheeses for a good cause. All of the proceeds go to Arlington Food Assistance Center, a nonprofit that provides supplemental groceries to Arlington residents in need.
Culture Vultures
‘Czech Art in the 1950s and ’60s’
Wednesday, Sept. 26, 12:10 p.m.
National Gallery of Art, West Building Lecture Hall
6th and Constitution Ave. NW
202-842-6941; Free
Spend the afternoon getting to know Czech culture with a recital by violinist Barbora Kolarova and lecture by Andrea Rousova, curator from the National Gallery in Prague, who will speak on the period that inspired filmmaker Milos Forman.
Social Butterflies
Argentinian Tango
Sunday, Sept. 23, 6:15 p.m.-11:15 p.m.
Glen Echo Park Ballroom Annex
7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD
301-634-2222; $15 for a lesson (Milonga included), $10 to “dance only” (Milonga, starting at 8:15 p.m.). No partner required.
Tango for an evening (or multiple ones) and take those steps with you when you go! Beginners arrive early for pointers starting at 6:15 p.m. Dancers with more expertise arrive by 7:15 p.m. Lessons and dances are provided by Tango Brillante DC most Sunday evenings. The music is a mix of nuevo and traditional with a bit of alternative.
