WASHINGTON, DC—The DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) on Sept. 5 hosted the inaugural District of Fashion Runway Show, which promoted local and international fashion through an exclusive D.C. kickoff event to New York Fashion Week (NYFW). The invite-only show was hosted by television personality Paul Wharton at The Showroom in DowntownDC.
“The District of Fashion runway show serves to highlight DowntownDC talent in the clothing retail industry and provides DowntownDC residents, workers and visitors with a fashion experience commensurate with what is already available in cities such as Paris, New York and Milan,” said BID President & CEO Neil Albert. “D.C. strives to embody a world-class environment and this new venture for the BID propels that mission forward.”
Over 350 guests gathered to enjoy a New York Fashion Week inspired runway show featuring Spring/Summer 2019 fashions from Paloma Correal, Sincerely KAJ, Fashions by Le Tam, Cheero Citizen, Corjor International, DiDomenico, Grindstone Universal, Carmen Eliam Jewelry, Peruvian Connection, Upstairs on 7th and Christopher Schafer Clothier set to music curated by Leather & Porridge and spun by DJ Yani. Guests enjoyed drinks and food, live mannequins, live music, a unique video booth from OM Digital featuring decor from American Eye and a stand out floral installation in partnership with Bloomia.
The show featured regional models, media coverage from Fashion Week Online, RNWY, HUAPLUS TV, The Ronin, food and beverages from Jinya, Blume Honey Water, ThinkFoodGroup, Green Hat Gin, Beam Suntory and venue partnerships with the Asian Cultural Center and The Showroom.
Guests received beauty giveaways from Caudalie and other local partners and post cards featuring art from local high school student Adelajda Zeqiri. Hair and make up, led by celebrity stylist Eva Styles, was provided by PR at Partners Salon, Aveda Institute and Sephora.
The Sept. 5 District of Fashion Runway Show was the first in a series. The BID in Feb. 2019 will host a second District of Fashion Runway Show featuring Fall 2019 styles.