façon magazine

BRAVE NEWWORLD

FALL/WINTER 2011façon

façonthe fashion revolution

CONTENTSFALL/WINTER 2011

EDITOR’S NOTES

FEMMESTYLE SPOTL IGHT

WISH L ISTSPLURGE VS . STEAL

OBSESSIONLESS IS MORE

L’HOMMESTYLE SPOTL IGHT

ON THE RADARSPLURGE VS . STEAL

THE COVETEDLESS IS MORE

BEAUTY REPORTBEAUTY SHOP

CULTURE

THE LAST WORD

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IN EACH ISSUE

BOUTIQUE BUZZM29 L IFESTYLE

A CONVERSATION WITH. . . CHRIST INE BROOKS-CROPPER

THE DEFIANT ONESDARRELL CORTEZ F/W 11

DIRTY PRETTY THINGS KOLTON.J JEWELRY

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30

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FEATURES

façonEDITOR- IN-CHIEF

Janice Susan Wal lace

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHYDaniel St i les

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHYDenisio Truit t

DIRECTOR OF DESIGNGamal Amadou

MARKET EDITORMarie-Beatr ice Gauthiez

BEAUTY EDITOR Adrienne Whyte

COPY EDITORTonya Sprat t-Wi l l iams

EDITORIAL STAFFEmmanuel Egolum

Shamaya Fenwick-ChisholmCameron Gucker t

Grant Harr is Jasmine McCrae

Christopher Rucker Dominica T i l lary

CREATIVE PARTNERChauncea Carothers, The Fount Group

TM

FACON IS PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY A FASHION PARADE. THE CONTENTS OF THIS MAGAZINE ARE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT AND CANNOT BE REPURPOSED, REPRODUCED OR REDISTRIBUTED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION BY A FASHION PARADE. TO REQUEST PERMISSION, EMAIL [email protected] © 2011 A FASHION PARADE, HYATTSVILLE, MD 20781

A New Beginning

As I closed the last box containing the contents of my 12-year career on Capitol Hill, I knew that I had made the right decision. I needed to follow my heart. I had been deferring my dream for far too long. It is very easy to be seduced by the stability and pay of a good government job. But for me, the price was too high.

This magazine has been in my head for as long as I can remember. But it wasn’t until I volunteered at the Greater Washington Chamber of Commerce (GWFCC) that I knew that my focus needed to be on emerging fashion. At the GWFCC, I saw firsthand how hard it was for designers to get their name and their designs out into the world. It was disheartening to watch some amazing people go unnoticed.

As of today, the buck stops here. Façon is the new voice of emerging fashion design, the fashion revolution. Each issue will be filled with the best in emerging fashion. I will be scouring our great country to bring to you the talented designers who are toiling away in their studio basements, their momma’s kitchens, and their dorm rooms. I promise to stay true to emerging fashion. Today is the start of a brave new world in fashion. Join the revolution.

If you know an amazing designer or would like to send me a note, shoot an email to [email protected] or hit me up on Twitter, @stylish_in_dc. You can also follow the magazine on Twitter, @faconmagazine. Enjoy.

Our first photo shoot

Janice Susan WallaceEditor-in-Chief

EDITOR’S NOTES

STYLE SPOTLIGHT

TEN QUESTIONS FOR J ILL HOMIAK, PRESENZA (SHOPPRESENZA.COM) TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF/YOUR BACKGROUND.I’m an identical twin who loves to travel, try new food and have fun with friends. I’ve grew up outside of DC. I guess I can’t get enough of all that DC has to off er. I am quite business-minded and my wheels are constantly turning with new ideas.1

WHO IS YOUR STYLE ICON AND WHY? I have no formal design background. But my mother did a great job of teaching my twin sister, Erin and me how to dress for our body. I would have to say she is my style “icon”. She always wore unique accessories and never left her confi dence at home. I think that’s what looking your best is about - feeling confi dent in your own skin and projecting that to the outside world.

23 TELL ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL STYLE.

Like me, it’s diffi cult to categorize my style. I would say I have a classy sophisticated look, with a touch of trendiness.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT FASHION? My favorite thing about fashion is that it’s an art that communicates self-expression. One’s style is a unique and individual way to communicate with the world, without saying a word.

45 WHAT CAN’T YOU LIVE WITHOUT?

I cannot live without LIPGLOSS. If you were to empty my purse, you’d probably fi nd seven diff erent ones in there. It would be a bad day if I were without any!

6 TELL ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL STYLE. Presenza is about dressing for your body type. I am a curvy female - but wouldn’t categorize myself as plus-size. It always been diffi cult to fi nd stylish clothing that fi ts my 34FF chest without being overly sultry. I knew I wasn’t the only one with this issue, so I created a wrap top to frame the hourglass fi gure, for the perfect combination of sophistication and curves.

WHAT’S BEEN THE HARDEST LESSON? I can be impatient. I’ve had to learn that everything does not happen instantaneously. It takes a lot of work, dedication and diligence to make things happen they way you’d like. 7 8

WHAT ITEMS CAN WOMEN EASILY PAIR WITH YOUR LINE?Presenza’s wrap top is quite versatile! You can pair it with dark boot cut jeans, your favorite fall boots to wear on the weekends or throw it on with black cigarette pants and your favorite pair of heels for work or pair it with a skirt and belt it at the waist for a night out with your girls!

9 WHERE CAN YOUR BRAND BE PURCHASED?You can purchase items online at www.shoppresenza.com. If you’d like to try it on and you live in the DC area, you can also stop in at Julia Farr boutique.

10 WHAT’S NEXT FOR PRESENZA?Th e main goal of our launch is to fi nd out what customers want most. We’re continuously taking everyone’s feedback into consideration as we begin to sketch designs for the next line!

7

WISH LIST

WHAT WE WANT NOW!

PLATFORM BOOTIES ON DUTY • Megan (in Brown), $188, lillybeeshoes.com

CHUNKY JEWELRY WITH A TWIST • Dolly Necklace, $35, laurenjoan.com

Chunky MonkeyAccessor ies that make the r ight statement

ROCKING IT• Big Rock Cuff, $20, loulouboutiques.com

CHANDELIER LOVE• Gold with Crystal Beads, Mother of Men, $65, taridc.com

WRAPPING IT UP• Infinity Crochet, DeNada, $74, simplysoles.com

8 Façon | Fall/Winter 2011

SPLURGE VS. STEAL

Ride ‘Em CowgirlPair ing your winter out f i ts with the r ight r id ing boot makesal l the d if ference

SPLURGE STEALvs.

GUCCI ‘RIDE’ BOOTS • $978, Bluefly.com

LILLYBEE ‘FAITH’ BOOTS • $295, Lillybeeshoes.com SPECIAL NOTE: The Faith Boot convertsfrom a riding boot into a pant boot.

9

OBSESSION

SnakeCharmer

Use exot ic sk ins to channel the temptress that l ies with in

LORELEI • Lucia Boa Embossed Clutch, $145, shoptreat.com

BRIAN ATWOOD • Cognac Snakeskin Pumps, $805, husonline.com

SNAKE CHARMER BELT • Faux Snake skin Belt, $18, francescascollections.com

FORNASH • Faux Snake skin Bangle, $25, fornash.com


SeeingRed

Pair neutra ls and graphic pr ints with th is bold color

BB DAKOTA • Peplum Jacket, $55, shoptreat.com

ANDEAN COLLECTION • Polished Tagua Bracelet, $38, virtuarte.com

TSUBO • Cusus Bootie, $169, carbondc.com

AMY MATTO • Front Twist Dress, $265, gingerstyle.com

11

GraphicDelight

Go a l i t t le crazy with graphic pr ints

HOLLAND COX • Alchemy Pocket-book, $47, hollandcox.com

EMILIO PUCCI • Beaded Sequin Shift, $795, taridc.com

LILLY PULITZER • Mell Sunglasses, $170, simplysoles.com

BETTYE MULLER • Rita, $350, store.theshoehive.com

OBSESSION


LESS IS MORE

What to Wearto WorkFAB F INDS UNDER $100

VINTAGE CHRISTIAN DIOR • Wool Jacket, $90, House of Eloise Vintage (etsy.com)

TRIFECTA BAG • $45, loulouboutiques.com

BALLYHOO JEWELRY • Black Spider Necklace, $17, Ballyhoo Jewelry (etsy.com)

ANTHROPOLOGIE • Inlaid Sweater Skirt, $98, anthropologie.com RESTRICTED • 'Flirt ' Tall Boot,

$97, southmoonunder.com

13

l ' homme

STYLE SPOTLIGHT

MATTHEW DONOVAN TALKS ABOUT HIS MENSWEAR L INE , DONOVAN ENGLAND(DONOVANENGLAND.COM)

When you hear the name Donovan England your imagination may take you to places across the Atlan-tic where umbrellas, fi sh and chips, and a little corner of the world called Saville Row reign supreme. In others words—England. However, you’d be sorely mistaken. Donovan England (DE) is indeed an American brand run by a savvy entrepreneur from Los Angeles who now owns and operates one of Washington’s most respected custom tailoring houses. Donovan England—not for cads. For the dandy.

WHO IS MATTHEW DONOVAN?

I grew up in the DC area and relocated to the west coast where I owned and operated several entrepre-neurial ventures before even thinking about owning a tailoring operation. My early interest in cloth-ing can be credited to my friends and family who often seek my advice and heed my warnings about square toed shoes and the like.

HOW DID DONOVAN ENGLAND GET ITS START? WHAT SHOULD WE KNOW ABOUT THE BRAND?

Upon returning to DC in 2007, I wanted to take my life in a diff erent direction and subsequently launched my clothing line “Donovan England” in the winter of 2009. Th e Donovan England namesake is attributed to the classic English cut and exclusive English fabrics off ered by the tailor. A structured shoulder, hearty fabrics—which now include options from Italy and Australia, a slightly nipped waist and tapered trousers are the hallmark of English tailoring and are accentuated with a modern twist at DE.

Th e DE brand is built upon off ering aff ordable luxury to the man just launching his fi rst start-up ven-ture, or the one putting up his feet in the corner offi ce. DE is the brand of innovators. I have carefully developed my measurements system—twenty three in all, with techniques built on customer service and enhancing the custom experience. Th ese things I hold dear to my heart.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR UPCOMING PROJECTS?

Being a brand built on innovation requires well, innovation. In addtion to suiting, I am also expanded to other menswear items including a ready-to-wear denim line and accessories. A footwear line is in the research and development stage and a new e-commerce site will be launched in the coming months.

My biggest news is the launch of a private collection coined after James Bond and created for “the man of mystery” featuring double-reinforced stitching and construction. It is for the man who may fi nd himself in a bit of Bond situation and needs the extra durability.

15

ON THE RADAR

WHAT WE WANT NOW!

M29 LIFESTYLE • Will Leather Goods Hopper, $295, 2800

Pennsylvania Ave., NW WDC

All AboardThe necessit ies for successful travel

BARNEYS• Cashmere Polka DotSocks, $52, barneys.com

STERLING & BURKE LTD • Wash Kit by Daines and Hathaway, $175, classicluggage.com/

LOST BOYS DC• Derwin Jacket, Theory, $795, lostboysdc.com


SPLURGE VS. STEAL

Wooly MammothThe perfect wool sweater separates the men from the boys

SPLURGE STEAL

vs.

THOM BROWNE DONEGAL CARDIGAN • $580, Barneys.com (Barneys Co-Op)

LIFE/AFTER/DENIM BELLEVILLE CARDIGAN • $110, Rue 14, 803 14 St., NW WDC

17

THE COVETED

BurgandyBusiness

Use this powerfu l color to exude conf idence

AMI • Cable Knit Beanie, $160, barneys.com

BROOKS BROTHERS • Lambskin Cashmere-lined Goves, $128, brooksbrothers.com

J. CREW • Repp Piqué Polo, $29.50, jcrew.com

BRIONI • Silk Tie, $195, barneys.com


WalkingTall

Lace Up Boots : add swagger, wi l l travel

PEAL & CO. • 'Cordovan' Boot, $699, brooksbrothers.com

J. CREW • Red Wing® for J.Crew Beckman Moc-Toe Boots, $320, jcrew.com

AHNU • Hiking Boot, $219, carbondc.com

TSUBO • Winslows Boot, $249, carbondc.com

19

Take ABow

Mr. Peabody never looked so cool

BANANA REPUBLIC • Plaid Silk Bow Tie, $59.50, bananarepublic.com

ZARA • Striped Bow Tie, $19.90, zara.com

BROOKS BROTHERS • BB#4 Bow Tie, $55, brooksbrothers.com

THE COVETED

BROOKS BROTHERS • Dot Bow Tie, $55, brooksbrothers.com


LESS IS MORE

Living ForThe Weekend

FAB F INDS UNDER $100

HUGH & CRYE • Borg Shirt, $55, hughandcrye.com

JACK SPADE • Golden Team Hat, $75, jackspade.com

JACK SPADE• Fox Hoodie, $85, jackspade.com

CONVERSE • Perforated Chuck Taylor, $76, barneys.com

ALL SAINTS• Corduane Short-kicks, $96, us.allsaints.com

BANANA REPUBLIC • MarceloSunglasses, $98, bananarepub-lic.com

21

beauty

BEAUTY REPORT

Bobbi Brown believes that makeup is a way for a woman to look and feel like herself, only prettier and more confi dent. Th rough Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Bobbi enables every woman to enhance her unique beauty. What better way to glam up for the season and refresh your looks than with one of Bobbi Brown’s palettes? All off er straightforward, easy-to-use, timeless hues, and all are formulated to create a smooth, natural, and healthy appearance

Th ree exciting new palettes are available in Bluemercury (multiple locations, including Georgetown and Bethesda) and Bobbi Brown counters at department stores. Th e only problem you may have is selecting only one.

1. Bobbi’s Warm Party Eye Palette ($45) will prepare you to pop the bubbly! Champagne, gold, and copper shades will ac-centuate and complement any party attire for the holidays.

2. Th e Cool Party Eye Palette ($45) will allow yo u to choose to keep it cool and icy or go for a dramatic smoldering eye. Th ese are the perfect shade options to go from day to night, with just the right amount of shimmer and sparkle.

3. Bobbi’s Ultimate Party Collection ($65) features everything a girl about town needs to look party ready. With eight matte, metallic, shimmer, and sparkle eye shadows plus four glitter lip glosses, this palette will add a special touch of holiday fun to any look.

Leave it to Bobbi Brown to think of everything! Visit DC’s hometown beauty destination, Bluemercury, to see all the beautiful looks for the season.

BOBBI BROWN MAKEUP PALETTES FOR FALL AND WINTER

1

2

3

23

BEAUTY REPORT

Founded in the 1960s, Bottega Veneta is one of the world's most prestigious luxury brands. Renowned for its craftsmanship and understated el-egance, Bottega Veneta produces handbags, wom-en's and men's ready-to-wear, and luggage and fi ne jewelry. Now, revel in the luxury of Bottega Veneta with a fragrance that mirrors the brand, its feeling, and atmosphere. Imagine fi ne leather, a countryside villa, the smell of furniture, food, and vegetation, and you’ll conjure the leathery, fl oral chypre that was introduced this fall to wide acclaim.

Bottega Veneta opens with a spicy note that whets the appetite, but departs within seconds, leaving a soft fl oral. Th e fl oral notes dominate and remain with the fragrance until it fades into the skin. A leathery softness develops in the heart notes and lasts for hours. Th e scent recalls harmonious and pleasant dreams. It’s sensuous, soft, comfortable, and romantic – and never too assertive, just as Bottega Veneta›s leather bags are conservatively elegant.

Bottega Veneta ($65) is available at specialty stores globally. A body cream, body lotion, and shower gel are also available.

The Smell of Luxury

FOR THE BOYSA FEW NEW SMELL GOODS TO MAKE HER DO A DOUBLE TAKE

PACO RABANNE • 1 Mil l ion, $75,macys.com

GUESS • Seductive Homme, $49, guess.com

YSL • L'Homme Libre, $59, macys.com

ARMANI• Code Sport, $59, bloomingdales.com

Bot tega Veneta wants you to smel l good


T he New Skin RegimenNew products for a healthy sk in regimen

GLAMGLOW MUD MASK

Tingle Eff ect + Exfoliating = Sexy! Designed with mud dredged off the coast of France for Hollywood’s entertainment and music industry celebrities, GLAM-GLOW has landed in DC. GLAMGLOW Mud Mask ($69) is an amazing, rapid, and gentle facial exfoliant for men and women. It’s fi lled with ancient volcanic pumice rock, French sea clay, real pieces of tea leaf, and botanical oils and herbs to leave the skin with a radiant, three-day glow. Massage it into your skin and leave on for 15 minutes just twice a week to reveal a younger, fresher you.

Th e paraben-free, cruelty-free, vegan and natural mask has been the buzz of the town since it arrived in DC in September. Get your cool, sexy tingle at Neiman Marcus in Mazza Gallerie to see what all the fuss is all about.

SISLEŸUM FOR MEN

When Hubert d'Ornano founded Sisley-Paris in 1976, his use of botanical active ingredients and essential oils in beauty products was an innovative con-cept. Today, Sisley continues its tradition of pioneering new treatments with research from its own laboratories, using botanical ingredients that off er state-of-the-art benefi ts. Good news for the guys in our life - the French collection has expanded into men’s skin care.

Th e Sisleÿum skin-revitalizing treatments are formulated specifi cally for men to visibly reduce the signs of aging, while instantly soothing and repairing skin irritation due to razor burn, weather, and environmental stressors. Th ere are two textures, one that mattifi es, hydrates, and nourishes the skin with a light, fl uid gel for normal to combination skin; and a supple and comfortable cream for dry skin. With Sisleÿum for Men ($265), they can wear a targeted product to send them out the door in the morning looking (and smelling) fresh and pampered.

Sisleÿum for Men is available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdale’s (online).

STOCKING STUFFERS: TREAT YOUR NAILS TO SOMETHING NAUGHTY AND NICE

Neiman Marcus Fashion Director, Ken Downing, designed two sets of metallic mini-nail lacquers for the luxury brand Le Métier de Beauté. Merry Metallics (top) and All Th at Glitters (bottom), ($32) are avail-able exclusively at Neiman Marcus, packaged as ornaments in gorgeous holiday globes. Merry Metallics shimmers with shades of copper, sheer golden red, rich plum, and moonlit platinum. All Th at Glitters will shine with metallic gold, deep sapphire, shimmering evergreen, and cherry red.

25

BEAUTY SHOP

Just So Lush Taking a bath, while reading a book with an exfoliating facemask, is a privilege. By simply using the completely organ-ic, mostly vegan fresh handmade cosmetics brand LUSH, that privilege is elevated to another level. LUSH Cosmetics is a fab brand of facial, hair, and bath products. With a range of ever-so-delicious smelling products, loaded with essential oils, you feel like you just got back from the spa (oh wait that’s right, LUSH actually has their own spas in Europe). And the best part is how they incorporate everyone’s likes into a product. For people who love showers, they have a shower gel, and for someone who loves a good, long bath, they have that same smell in a bath bomb. But what’s a bath bomb? Th ose perplexing fi zzing “balls” that pack oils and lotions into your skin after dissolving into a bath. And with creative names like “Twilight” and “Fizzbanger,” one can appreciate their bath even more. But there’s more! How about a Bubble Bar? Take half of one, crumbling it under your stream of running water, and watch your bath become a mountain range. LUSH bubbles are the “Himalayas” or bubbles. By adding a moisturizing soap, bath melt, scrub, or combining all three, bath time translates to Heaven. If you are getting into the habit of taking LUSH baths, please let me, the ultimate LUSHaholic, explain what to use and how to use it. Th e basic components of an unforgetta-ble LUSH bath are two things: a bath bomb and bubble bar. If you are up for an adventure, try adding soap (or shower gel depending on personal liking) and a bath melt (my per-sonal favorite products).

Lush Cosmetics Take Bathing To A New Level

Creamy Candy Bubble Bar

WHAT WE LOVE

Big Blue Bath Bomb, So White Bath Bomb,

Honey Bee Bath Bomb, Creamy Candy Bubble

Bar, Ma Bubble Bar, Sunny Side Bubble Bar,

Ceridwen’s Cauldron Bath Melt, Floating Island

Bath Melt, Strawberry Feels Forever Massage

Bar (use it as a Bath Melt), Honey I Washed the

Kids Soap, Rock S tar Soap

STEPS FOR THE PERFECT BATH

1. Split a bubble bar in half . Break that half into the small pieces. Th en plug your drain, dump the pieces on top, and turn on the tap.

2. Once the water is fi lled to the top, or nearly fi lled, drop a whole bath bomb into to water. Let it dissolve completely, and let the aroma evaporate into the bathroom.

3. Split a bath melt in half. Let in fl oat with you in harmony, and let the oils sink into your skin, leaving softness and a delicious scent.

4. For added smell and fun, use a LUSH soap. With many to choose from, pick a scent that is easy to help you relax and warm up.


BOUTIQUE BUZZ

M29 LIFESTYLE A bout ique in Georgetown where indiv idual i ty and creat iv ity merge and make beaut i fu l music together

ABOUT THIS BOUTIQUE29th and M Streets NW | Washington, DC

202. 295.2829

Mon - Sat: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

Sun: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

KEY PERSONNELDeborah Bush, Director of Retail

Allyson Wilder, Store Manager

Natascha Froelich, Sales Associate

Ronald Edwards, Sales Associate

WHAT WE LOVE

• Beirn Bags

• Marika Charles Knits

• Bella Jenna Note Cards

• Penelope Chilvers Boots

• Mercedes Salazar Jewelry

Perched next to the Four Seasons Washington hotel is M29 Lifestyle. It is a little piece of shop-ping heaven in Georgetown. With its enticing window displays, It is nearly impossible to pass this boutique without enter-ing. Once you are inside, your senses are imme-diately stimulated. Filled with delicious smells and radiant light, even on an overcast day, this clever boutique is strategically modeled after an art gallery in design and function. To the shopper’s delight, you are sure to discover little gems in every nook and cranny. If you fi nd yourself leaving empty-handed, you may need to check your pulse.

“We try to tell a story

when we put things

out on the fl oor.”


Everything in M29 Lifestyle has its place. Th e layout is deliberate but fl uid. Staff members rearrange the pristine space on a weekly ba-sis to keep it fresh and new. “We try to tell a story when we put things out on the fl oor, “ says Allyson Wilder, M29 Lifestyle’s Store Manager. Th ere are racks and shelves of carefully selected apparel, shoes, ac-cessories, books, trinkets, household items and a little something for pets. As you browse, you get to know that story better. It is the ideal destination for the shopper who celebrates individu-ality. Th e store only stocks a few of each item, particularly in apparel where you will fi nd only one in each available size. “What we have is trendy, fun, and special,” added Wilder. “Something that you can’t fi nd anywhere else.” But if you see something you love, buy it. What is there today, may not be there tomorrow. Th is is the allure of M29 Lifestyle. You will be seduced by the thought of owning something so exclusive.

M29 Lifestyle is meticulously curated by Director of Retail Deborah Bush. Wilder is also a big part of the buying operation. Th e seasoned fashion and luxury goods duo embark on buying trips 3-4 times a year to Mexico, New York City and around the U.S. Th anks to the expertise of these savvy women, shoppers reap the benefi ts. M29 holds the exclusive rights to approximately half of the items in the store. Th e pair work diligently to build one on one relationships with the designers. Just to name drop a little, you will fi nd gorgeous Chan Luu sequin dresses, delicate handmade shawls by Jess Brown, lush cashmere knits by Marika Charles, sumptuous bags by Beirn, the fan favorite - beaded jewelry by Mercedes Salazar and the

modernization of the plaid shirt by the renown Pen-delton brand. If you examine the pedi-grees of Bush and Wilder, then it will come as no surprise why M29 Lifestyle off ers such a unique shop-ping experience. Bush has over 25 years of fashion

and luxury goods experience with iconic brands such as Hermès, Bottega Veneta and Yves Saint Laurent. Wilder studied textiles at N.C. State and worked for the legendary textile brand, John Robshaw. Together, they make a dynamic buying team who know to move quickly when they spot something fabulous. Once found, that something fabulous will make its way to the store in time for the season at hand. As we enter the holiday season, M29 Lifestyle has an array of great gift options just waiting for the perfect home. So if your holiday shopping list includes family and friends who relish gifts that are unique and diff erent, start your shop-ping at M29 Lifestyle. You will be sure to leave with wonderful gifts to please even the pickiest person in your brood.

Deborah Bush is the creative force behind M29 Lifestyle. She has worked with Strate-gic Hotels for 5 1/2 years, both creating and collaborating on retail concepts for the company’s portfolio of leading properties including projects in Mexico, L.A., D.C., Miami and Chicago.

SPECIAL NOTE

29

A CONVERSATION WITH. . .

Christine Brooks-CropperTHE PRESIDENT OF THE GWFCC TALKS ABOUT DC'S NEW FASHION INCUBATOR

Image courtesy of Christine Brooks-Cropper

It's been a long road for Chris-tine Brooks-Cropper, President of the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce (GWFCC). She has been fi ghting the good fi ght for almost a decade to help build a strong and vibrant fashion commu-nity in D.C. All of her hard work has fi nally paid off . Brooks-Cropper, with the help of the D.C. Government, is launching the city's fi rst project specifi cally focused against the local emerging fashion community, the D.C. Fashion Business Incubator Project. Th e idea was formulated some years ago. While doing research, she stumbled upon information about the Toronto Fashion Incubator, currently in its 23rd year. “Th is is what I wanted to do for the Washington DC area to nurture fashion designers and the Washington fashion community," said Brooks-Cropper. “I wanted designers to be recognized by the industry, the trade.” But happy endings usually have interesting beginnings. During her tenure as a Victim of Crimes Administrator in the DC government under Mayor Anthony Williams, she started a company with two business partners. Th e com-pany, Style Movement Con-sultants, focused on designer management and fashion production. During a well know annual fashion event, she saw how fashion designers were being misused. “I didn't like the way they were treat-ing the designers,” she said. “I didn't appreciate the disrepect. I felt like the design community was being used only for charity events. Designers

were more focused against creating new collections instead of developing work as a business.” During this event, she noticed that fashion models were given more klout and respect than the designers who were providing clothes. Th is did not sit well with her. She knew that she had to do something to change the way the designers were creating collections for charity events that were not going to market. Several years after the birth of her son, Christine decided not to return to her government job in the crimi-nal justice fi eld. Instead, she chose to merge her Public Administration education with her love of fashion. Initially, she pitched to the D.C. gov-ernment to create an entity similar to the Arts Commission that would focus specifi cally on the fashion com-munity. When the city chose to make the entity an advisory committee, she launched the GWFCC as a trade commission. Th e GWFCC works

to advocate on behalf of the fashion community to the district and federal governments to ensure that issues like piracy and trademark infringement, retail development, business develop-ment opportunities for designers are at the forefront of political discus-sions.

“I wanted designers

to be recognized

by the industry,

the trade.”


In early 2010, GWFCC honored esteemed fashion pioneers for their tireless eff orts to support and promote the fashion industry. Fashion notables such as Fern Mallis, Fern Mallis, Inc., Save the Garment District organiza-tion, and Lara Miller, fashion designer and executive director of the Chicago Fashion Incubator, and several others were recognized and were presented with beautiful glass awards as memen-tos of the occasion.

In 2010, Brooks-Cropper, along with former Rep. Diane Watson, invit-ed Giorgio Gucci, Founder of Giorgio G. fashion line and the third generation heir of the famous Gucci dynasty, along with a panel of three esteemed mem-bers of various U.S agencies to address the congressional community and edu-cate Members on issues with the black market and counterfeit goods. In addition to advocacy, she created the D.C. Fashion Foundation (DCFF), a 501(c)(3) non-profi t organization. Under DCFF, she vies for grants that allow her to create development pro-grams designed to teach the fashion community the business side of de-sign. Fashionably Business is one such program. Members of the D.C. fashion

community can attend free workshops on developing their brands, small busi-ness fi nancing, creating business plans, understanding social media, merchan-dising and production/manufacturing. At last, it all comes full circle. Th e D.C. Fashion Business Incubator, which was once just an idea in her head, has now come to fruition. On M Street NW, in the Art in Public Places space, fashion art using mixed me-dia will fi ll windows displays. Six city destinations will be featured. Th e space will be curated by menswear designer Andrew Nowell. Inside the Washington Conven-tion Center (thanks to the Conven-tion Center Arts Commission), there will be an administrative space (750 N Street NW) and a studio space (760 N Street NW) for fi ve resident designers to share. A designer selection panel is currently being formed. “Th e panel will be made up of representatives from business, design, arts, fi nancial, and retail industries,” said Brooks-Cropper. Wanted are a range of designers in-cluding menswear, womenswear, acces-sories, and textiles. In the works are an outreach pro-gram to help other emerging designers, as well as, a pop-up retail space. In the next phase, 16,000 sq. feet of space in Anacostia will expand the studio space and house a job training program.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE DC FASHION BUSINESS INCUBATOR

Call For Applications

Deadline: December 15, 2011 Th e DC Fashion Incubator Project is currently seeking designers who are interested in being located in our Phase One location at 760 N Street NW near the Convention Center.

Opportunities are available for four designers. Rent will be $250 per month and include 24/7 access to the studio, access to industrial sewing equipment, 2 hours per month of one-to-one consulting, and free business courses.

Applications can be downloaded at: www.dcfashionincubator.org

To learn more about the GWFCC/DCFF, visit gwfcc.org.

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culture

CULTURE

FIVE THINGS THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT

1

2

3

Manolo Blahnik and the Ta le of the Elves and the Shoemaker : A Fashion Fa ir y Ta le Memoir Camil la Mor ton, HarperCol l ins Publ ishers

Firs t Ladies Exhibi tNat iona l Museum of Amer ican History, Washington, DC, November 19, 201 1 - Unt i l

Yohji Yamamoto: This Is My Dream Avai lable now on DVD from the Y-3 London f lagship store, 54 Conduit Street , Londonht tp: //this ismydreamthef i lm.com/ 4

Commander- in-Chic: Every Woman's Guide to Managing HerSty le L ike the F irs t LadyMikk i Tay lor, Atr ia Books5 The Great Designers , Par t One

Fashion & Text i le History Ga l lery, NYC, November 29, 201 1 - May 8, 2012

33

The Defi ant OnesDARRELL CORTEZ F/W 2011 SETS THE TONE FOR THE NEW URBAN MALEPhotographs by Daniel St i lesFashion Edi tor : Janice Susan Wal lace

The Defi ant Ones

The Defi ant OnesABOUT THE DESIGNERDarrell Clark is the designer behind the Darrell Cortez brand. His love of fashion started in middle school. But it was during his college days at Pratt Institute and Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) where he was able to hone his technical skills as a craftsman.

His junior year at FIT, he landed a job as a design/production assistant with his favorite American designer Donna Karan. After two and a half years at DKNY women’s division, Darrell was girded with an invaluable wealth of experience and knowledge which inspired him to begin designing under his own label and name sake, Darrell Cortez, his fi rst and middle names.

Darrell has created attire for celebrities such as Bustah Rhymes, Missy Elliott, and P-Diddy, to name a few. In addition to working on his next collection, heruns Chrome Eye Creative Services, a fi rm which off ers clothing/costume design, wardrobe styling/ consulting, grooming/beauty, art direction and photography.

To learn more about Darrell Cortez Menswear, follow him on Twitter,@darrellcortez. New web site is in the works.

ABOUT THE SHOOTLocation: Clifton, Virginia

Photographer: Daniel Stiles

Fashion Editor: Janice Susan Wallace

Makeup Artists: Dominica Tillary Shamaya Fenwick-Chisholm

Styling Assistants: Jasmine McCrae Denisio Truitt Cameron Guckert

Model Rep: Chauncea Carothers Th e Fount Group, Inc.Models: Justin Luciano Hector Aguilera Kevin Limpic John Ramseth

Model Rep: Derek FurmanModel: Derek Furman


dirtypretty

things

KOLTON.J JEWELRY IS A MIX OF VINTAGE AND MODERNITYTO CREATE NEW

HEIRLOOM PIECES

Photographs by Denis io Tru i t tFashion Edi tor : Janice Susan Wal lace

dirtypretty

things

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Darrell Clark is the designer behind the Darrell Cortez brand.

ABOUT THE SHOOT

Location: Clifton, Virginia

Photographer: Daniel Stiles


Makeup Artists: Dominica Tillary Shamaya Fenwick-Chisholm

Styling Assistants: Jasmine McCrae Denisio Truitt Cameron Guckert

Model Rep: Chauncea Carothers The Fount Group, Inc.Models: Justin Luciano Hector Aguilera Kevin Limpic John Ramseth

Model Rep: Derek FurmanModel: Derek Furman

dirty pretty thingsABOUT THE DESIGNERJenny Schretter is the designer behind the Kolton.J brand. A graduate of Boston College, Schretter is a self-taught designer who began making jewelry as a hobby in 2008 while working as an interdealer broker on Wall Street and living in SoHo.

She is continually inspired by the actual raw materials themselves—stone, chain, rare vintage fi ndings—and likes to create juxtaposition between the textures of the materials while blending them together within a coordinated color palette.

As a refl ection of the aesthetic of her jewelry and personal meaning to the designer, the name “KOLTON.J” is derived from the word “holton” meaning whimsical, and is Jenny’s sister, Katie, and her initials “KJ”.

To view the entire collection, visit koltonj.com. Follow Jenny on Twitter, @kolton_j.

ABOUT THE SHOOT

Photographer: Denisio Truitt


Makeup Artists: Chimyra Powell

Hair Stylist: Justin Marcell

Model Rep: Chauncea Carothers Th e Fount Group, Inc.Models: Griselda Shutermeja De Lisa Patterson Bianca Davila


The LastWord

One of my favorite things in M29 Lifestyle was a set of hourglasses. It had been a long time since I had seen an hourglass and these were exquisite. It made me remember that time is not forever and that we need to make the most of every moment.

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