DC Fashion Week: A Treat For Lovers of Menswear, Local Talent, and Custom Design
‘Tis the season once again in the District - and this year, local menswear designers descended upon Crystal City, Virginia, atop DoubleTree Hilton’s stunning view of a glittery Washington, DC skyline. Guests were ushered to their seats, and anticipation grew as cameras steadily flashed brighter and more furiously with each passing windup leading to the big show.
DC Fashion Week’s Menswear night kicked off night one of the weekend’s fashionable festivities. Sponsored by Magnum Underwear, also the opening designer of the evening. My thoughts while watching all designers showcase in a nutshell…
Magnum Underwear. A skimpy kick-off for the designer lineup, and a smashing hit. Magnum offered VIP bags to special ticket holders and sponsored the show.
Obioma Fashions. What a rainbow indeed...the vibrant colors and Ankara prints and patterns were unmistakably African-inspired, nodding to its Nigerian roots, interwoven with more familiar Western influence. As a 100% fair trade line, all items are hand-crafted by Nigerian artists. The full head-to-toe print suits were especially a delight to watch on the runway. Even the name has historic meaning (click here to learn more).
Ainsely & Troupe. Incredibly stylish suits, evening wear, and outerwear. Flashy pocket squares, lovely lapel pins, to add an impressive personal touch: an elaborate metal ampersand lapel pins (gold, ivory, and onyx) on double-breasted coats.
Alex Risimnic Couture. DC-based and family owned since 1995, Alex Risiminic Couture brought their dapper game real strong. Think sequined, floral, velvet, and fur-lined tux jackets. Follow them @idesignclothes for a major menswear content rabbit hole.
Aramide Closet. Since 2016, the fabulous Aramide herself has offered both styling services and custom pieces to life with the purpose of highlighting her clients’ personality in each creation. Over the years her lines have expanded to both menswear as well as womens’.
via @Earlebannister
EBannister Couture. As if the line ups couldn’t get any more suave - heighty fur hats atop flowing cape coats of a beautifully (but simply) varied winter color palette. Check out their Facebook page here.
Bottom Line: if you’d like front row glimpse into local talent and custom design, I recommend attending next year’s menswear show. Fingers crossed that they repeat this saucey tradition!
