Washington is admittedly no Bryant Park when it comes to showcasing fashion design, but that doesn’t mean we can’t appreciate a good catwalk strut now and then. DC Fashion Week recently wrapped up a seven-day series of events, fashion shows, and parties celebrating local and international emerging talents. Curious to see our city’s take on couture, The Washingtonian hit three events: the Networking Party, the H Street Festival Fashion Show, and the International Couture Collections presented at the French Embassy. Read on for a look at some of our runway favorites, all photographed by Chris Svetlik. 
Chances are you won’t be needing a floor-length gown in the Atlas District anytime soon, but we still love the quirky print and transparent skirt of this frothy dress.
Lili Forrest printed chiffon gown.
Drapey skirt, drapey shirt. Normally we’d be two thumbs down on this frumpy combination, but Hawaiian Punch hues and over-size neck detailing downplay any lingering traces of old lady.
Corjor International full skirt and blouson top.
Pink lips. Teal feathers. Totally fabulous. Somebody please introduce us.
Corjor International feathered empire halter gown.
An orange mermaid dress makes a fierce statement against the colorful H Street, Northeast, backdrop.
Corjor International satin mermaid gown.
Origami shapes soften up a take-notice color combination.
Heydari cowl-neck shift with satin yellow coat.
So funky and futuristic—someone’s clearly caught the Beyoncé bug.
Gianni Lilliu tulip skirt with corset blouse.
The drama of a paper-bag leather miniskirt is sure to catch attention.
Natalia Sanz zippered blouse and bubble skirt.
A demure shirtdress glammed up with satin trim and leopard accents—here’s a look Washington can get into.
Lea Fialho cream collared shirtdress.
Full head coverage may not be necessary for most Washington black-tie events, but it works wonders on the runway.
Corjor International color-block satin evening gown.
This outfit screams it-girl party couture, so we were shocked to learn it’s just an old flouncy miniskirt and ruffled top.
Model’s own clothes.
Underwear-clad dress attendants. Because no one should have to suffer a long train on her own.
Corjor International backless halter gown with rose chiffon train.
We’ve never been a fan of the lingerie look, but these satin dress shorts are a lovely idea. Try them with a full-coverage T-shirt, fitted blazer, and bib necklace for a more wearable option.
Lea Fialho satin camisole and lace-trimmed short.
This sassy thigh-high skirt suit was a crowd favorite.
Gianni Lilliu bubble miniskirt with matching jacket.
See-through pants! He’s got see-through pants on! We’re not suggesting Washington gentlemen try this out anytime soon, but you’ve got appreciate a designer willing to do something different.
Andrew Nowell Menswear.
We love the crisp blue-and-gray combo, and red velvet piping makes everything a thousand times more dapper.
Andrew Nowell Menswear.
Corjor International’s men’s swimsuits were nothing special, but that didn’t stop the (mostly female) audience from hollering.
Corjor International logo swimming brief.
Swimsuit runway finale at Thursday night’s networking party.
Sarah is the Editor-in-Chief of Washingtonian Bride & Groom, and writes about weddings, fashion, and shopping. Her work has also appeared in Refinery29, Bethesda Magazine, and Washington City Paper, among others. She is a Georgetown University graduate, lives in Columbia Heights, and you can find her on Instagram at @washbridegroom and @sarahzlot.
