FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 12, 2009

DC Fashion Week, an Eco-Friendly Runway Show, Local Design Talent and More Shed Light on DC's Arrival as Chic Central

In recent years DC’s fashion scene has overcome its reputation of being the hum drum land of navy blue suits. And now, with a fashionable First Lady in Michelle Obama, a thriving local design scene and new retail options for the shopping elite, Washington, DC is earning serious credibility as a fashionable destination.

Interested in exploring DC’s fashionable side? Here’s what’s new in DC’s fashion scene:

DC Fashion Week - Sept. 14-20
DC Fashion Week, a partnership of independent fashion designers, producers and models
that was created to enhance DC's visiibility as a center of international fashion, will have its 11th run this September. The shows will feature designers from all over the world. For more information, visit dcfashionweek.org.

Fashion Fights Poverty Benefit – Sept. 25, 7:00pm
Sustainable fashion design is the focus of this annual fundraiser, now in its fifth year and presented by local nonprofit Fashion Fights Poverty. Seasoned designers and newcomers alike clamor for the opportunity to have their designs featured in this runway show, which is designed to highlight eco-friendly and ethical designers while raising money for a designated charity each year. Event takes place at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel. Tickets are $150 for general (seated) admission and $75 for standing room only. To purchase tickets, visit Fashionfightspoverty.org.

The Shops at Wisconsin Place
DC’s Friendship Heights/Chevy Chase neighborhood has recently added more retail options, securing its position as a top spot in the city for those with a love for luxe shopping. It’s located near the Friendship Height Metro station (Red line) and the outdoor complex includes stores like Bloomingdales, MAC, Sephora, Cole Haan, Talbot’s and Eileen Fisher.

The complex comes to an area of town already known for high-end shopping. Within a span of just a few blocks, you’ll find Lord & Taylor, Tiffany & Co., Barney’s Co-op, Saks Fifth Avenue, Van Cleef & Arpels, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo and more. Wisconsinplace.com/retail

Local Designer Spotlight: Aplomb Clothing
DC culture and skating style meet when it comes to Aplomb Clothing, a DC-based collection of streetwear and accessories with an urban art twist. Founder Ryan Ryskamp, 26, designs the graffiti-inspired tees, leather wallets, and fitted caps with Washingtonians in mind, but his fashions could also easily fit in at the skate park or ski lodge. Prices run from $20-$30 for cotton tees with original artwork, while the hats and leather wallets cost $25.

Ryskamp is DC-area native, and founded Aplomb in 2007. Aplomb Clothing can be purchased at DEKKA, in the U St neighborhood, or Kickballers, located in Georgetown. Aplombclothing.com

Official DC Insider Apparel Available at Zazzle.com
Looking for a way to show your love for DC? Destination DC has created a new line of gifts and apparel designed to help you show your spirit for the nation's capital. From neighborhood-themed t-shirts to aprons, hats and even ties, there's something for everyone. For the full line of products offered and to purchase goods, visit Washington.org/store.

Other DC fashion resources:
Project Beltway
Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Congress

# # #

About Destination DC: Destination DC, the lead destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of more than 1,000 businesses committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. Washington.org/pressroom