Round two for DC fashion week and the evening was a lively scenario, for once. In my previous post for my first attendance to any fashion week I was disillusioned upon arrival, but it seems that DCtonions are finally catching on to the essence of fashion week! It’s where high-end couture fashion meets street fashion and clashes in a war of the personalities! A spectacle worth attending, though still a far cry from New York fashion week, the DC International couture show 2017 really brought its game this time around. Even the locals brought their own personal looks to show off! Gold leggings to velvet pink pumps to my down right shameless outfit comprised of women’s and men’s wear, in my book, fashion hold no boundaries.
This year the array of designers held such a variety and great sense individuality that one after the other you were transported to one country after the other. One designer even dared to take you down the rabbit hole with an Alice in Wonderland inspired collection that left the crowd intrigued and with a sense of bold nostalgia. The culprit for this sudden sense of wonderlust was none other than…
Iyrna Levkovych: A Ukrainian designer whose inspiration was clear and concise throughout the whole collection, which to me felt like a refreshing stroll through a psychedelic 1920’s era. Bold patterns intermingling with luxurious fabrics collided into beautiful motley outfits with an air of sophistication. The men received a little love as well shying away from the kaleidoscope of colors, but grasping onto more subtle earth tones that touted a dominating presence.
Leighel Desiree: A designer from within our borders was celebrating 20 years of business in the fashion industry. An exciting night for her but also a particularly rare and special show for the fashion goers. For her show she compiled some of her favorite looks from over the years and what an amazing showcase of passionate talent it was! Her fabric choices and cuts are a worthy mention. Pairing delicate classical fabrics with daring cuts in sheer bluntness.
O’mak Designs by Uche: A Nigerian designer who kicked off the show with an exceptionally eclectic collection. Beautiful native fabrics exploded onto the runway making a statement, but the designer did an incredible job of also creating dresses for the modern day women caressed by African influences. Altogether I felt that everyone in the audience couldn’t leave without admitting they would wear at least one of her designs. Her collection told a story …a story for all women.
Abugida Fashion: An Ethiopian designer that made me feel like a prince….and a princess all in the same instance. A luxurious royal blue splashed across the collection that included designs for both men and women. Glints of gold here and there weaved itself throughout each design allowing for a cohesive fall/winter collection that made you wish you were spending your winter days in a far off country that has never been kissed by snow.
Vladlena Design: Another Ukrainian delight filled with compassion and motivation to end violence toward women throughout the world. Her collection featured hand made skirts with custom printed designs. A parade of colors and intricate designs suddenly filled the runway with bouquets of joy that celebrated womanhood. Her custom T-shirts alone are a noteworthy mention because 20% of the proceeds go toward an organization called “Women Against Violence”. If you would like to support her cause check out her page and join the fight! CLICK HERE
Medici da Natalia: Can I start out by saying ….Wow! Natalie a designer from Lebanon definitely rocked the runway that night. Her collection told the story of young, modern, sophisticated women with an edge and high end taste for statement pieces. Bold pieces with stripes, polka dots, metallic, lace, and GLITTER! Her designs held no boundaries, but as chaotic as it may sound she was able to tame each look to a well tailored outfit that left me wanting a sex change just to wear every outfit…EVERY OUTFIT!
Corjor International by Ean Williams: This will be my second time witnessing this man's mastery of boundary pushing fashion designs. A local designer who has made Washington DC his home and whom has a distinctive style and ability to PUT ON A SHOW! His fall/winter collection was a dark fairy tale with honor and valor that allowed you to witness a transformation from dark to light. His collection included beautiful sheer fabrics, coats that screamed drama, and mysterious masks that alluded to the depths his imagination and capabilities. Ean Williams makes DC Fashion week a force to be reckoned with.
In a previous post I asked, “Where’s The Fashion DC?” and after attending this seasons show I can comfortably say that Washington DC Fashion Week is quickly becoming a local sensation that needs to be on everyone’s calendar!
