Truth be told, fashion weeks in Washington have a long way to go before they measure up to the hysteria-inducing events we see in New York, Milan, Paris, and London. Because Washington isn’t a garment center, we’ve also got quite a ways to travel before we hit LA or even Miami status. But that doesn’t mean locals who love the fashion biz shouldn’t have a reason to get together and celebrate the good we do have going on.
So we’re excited that Northern Virginia Fashion Week kicks off this Thursday, October 11. First on the schedule: a two-part show that will donate 100 percent of the proceeds to Blessed Haven, a local foster care nonprofit. Part one of the show is a Thierry Couture presentation (expect colorful cocktail/eveningwear); part two is a Project Runway-like presentation of fashions made from plastic bags (the concept was inspired by the fact that many foster children move from place to place with little more than plastic bags). Doors are at 7, the show starts at 7:30, and tickets start at $25.
Friday, October 12, brings us another two-part show. Locally based men’s custom suiting company Donovan England will share the stage with fashions from conservative-chic boutique chain Periwinkle. Doors are at 7, the show is at 7:30, and tickets start at $15.
If you’re looking to mingle with other local fashion professionals, hit the networking event on Saturday the 13th. It’s free to the public (registration is required and can be done through Eventbrite), and there will be a beauty bar, pop-up shops, and sweets from Candy Bar DC. 4 to 6 PM.
NOVA Fashion Week winds down that same night with a Studio D’Maxsi fashion show hosted by Tommy McFly and Kelly Collis of 94.7 Fresh FM. Doors are at 7:30, the show is at 8, and tickets start at $15.
All events are being held at the Artisphere near the Rosslyn Metro stop. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit novafashionweek.com.
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.
