Fashion - Home & Design Magazine

Local Couture

Sharon Jaffe Dan — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 15:48:09 +0000

Doncel Brown launched Generation Typo, a DC-based online apparel brand, to spark a dialog between generations. “Everything I’ve accomplished has been by learning from those older and younger than me,” says the self-taught designer, who channeled fashions from the 1950s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s in his 2023 spring/summer collection, shown in February at New York Fashion Week.

From the company’s T-shirts to runway attire, every piece is embellished with a thin red line that suggests a typo. “Someone can look at what you’re doing and think you’re living life the wrong way,” explains Brown. “But that’s just their opinion. The red line shows that you can own that typo and be proud of who you are.”

Runway collections—including a wool-blend blazer and wrap skirt, pictured—will soon be available to pre-order at generationtypo.com.

Spring Splendor

Sharon Jaffe Dan — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 18:53:13 +0000

Dior’s Summer 2023 ready-to-wear collection takes inspiration from Catherine de’ Medici—a powerful figure who pioneered corsets and lace. The line includes a silk-and-cotton bra and shorts in a Petites Fleurs motif; and a technical taffeta peacoat. dior.com

Cosmo Couture

Sharon Jaffe Dan — Sat, 17 Dec 2022 16:17:34 +0000

Every two years, Cosmo Couture challenges architects and designers to dream up apparel made out of materials used in built environments. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the International Interior Design Association, the 2022 fundraiser took place at DC’s Hamilton Hotel. The King’s Coronation—an ensemble of sheet metal, tile, cork, rubber and wall covering by Perkins Eastman and Spartan Surfaces—won a prize for creative use of materials. iidamac.org

Fashion Forward

Sharon Jaffe Dan — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 13:19:17 +0000

A black-and-cream Jasmine Dots print emboldens the Crepe Bomber Jacket ($730) and matching Straight Leg Pants ($535), part of CH Carolina Herrera’s Fall 2022 collection.The Charro Insignia Hobo ($1,915), handcrafted in Sequoia leather, completes the ensemble. Shown in red, the bag comes in six other colors and patterns. Find at the brand’s CityCenterDC boutique at 995 H Street, NW. chcarolinaherrera.com

Wearable Art

Julie Sanders — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 22:41:52 +0000

Visitors to the Smithsonian Craft2Wear show will be able to peruse—and purchase—one-of-a-kind creations from a curated collection of contemporary wearable craft and design. Seventy booths will occupy the National Building Museum, proffering works by a host of American makers; wares run the gamut from jewelry and leather to clothing, accessories and decorative fiber.

The 2022 show—the first since 2019—takes place October 21 and 22, with a preview benefit the evening of October 20 when guests can shop, meet the artists and enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres. This year’s event honors Judy Lynn Prince, the philanthropist and past president of the Smithsonian Women’s Committee who founded Craft2Wear in 2005 and passed away in 2021.

Proceeds of the event support education, research and conservation grants to the Smithsonian’s research centers, museums and the National Zoo.
smithsoniancraft2wear.org

High Style: Fashion

Sharon Jaffe Dan — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 14:38:03 +0000

Chic apparel and accessories appear to float in the sleek interiors of Akris’ first Washington boutique.. Milan-based architect David Chipperfield aimed to “reflect the integrity” of the Swiss brand in his design, outfitting the shop with white-painted maple paneling and see-through, stainless-steel mesh partitions suspended from the ceiling. Highlights of the Fall 2022 collection: the Drei Teile Intarsia Print knit dress ($2,990) and a messenger bag ($2,690)—both inspired by the work of German artist Reinhard Voigt—and a camelhair parka with quilted insert ($5,990). 965 I Street, NW; 202-601-4212. us.akris.com

Going Glam

Sharon Jaffe Dan — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 19:30:26 +0000

Evening gowns by Milan-based Peter Langner defy the ordinary. Pictured above: an A-line creation in champagne-toned crinoline with an open back and high-low skirt, all embroidered with floral-printed organza and tulle tissues. The made-to-order gown is available through Francesca’s Atelier in Lutherville, Maryland. $7,400. peterlangner.com; francescasatelier.com

Runway Looks

Sharon Jaffe Dan — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 16:19:19 +0000

Washington welcomed its first Giorgio Armani boutique in November. Designed by Armani himself along with in-house architects, the sleek, 3,000-square-foot shop is divided into a succession of rooms outfitted with marble-effect floors and silk wall covering. Armani-designed light fixtures hang from double-height ceilings. The shop presents both men’s and women’s collections, including ready-to-wear, accessories, beauty and a selection of Armani/Casa merchandise. 825 10th Street, NW; armani.com

Runway Style

Sharon Jaffe Dan — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 19:48:24 +0000

The house of Dior forges connections between architecture, nature and textiles in its Autumn-Winter 2021-2022 Haute Couture collection. Strong geometric silhouettes and a plethora of textures set each look apart—including a micro-trench jacket with a hood in patchwork tweed, worn with micro-Bermuda shorts in brown bouclé tweed. Price on request. dior.com

Paisley Power

Sharon Jaffe Dan — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 18:08:56 +0000

British designer Paul Smith has paired with the textile house Maharam to create Paisley Brocade. Inspired by London’s Hyde Park, the pattern juxtaposes raised motifs that reference Old World needlepoint with bold digital art. The fabric is shown here on a denim jacket ($775) and denim trousers ($475), both part of Smith’s Autumn/Winter ’21 collection. paulsmith.com; maharam.com

Summery Savoir Fare

Sharon Jaffe Dan — Sat, 26 Jun 2021 05:13:45 +0000

Summery Savoir Fare - Chic Fabric Afoot

Margaux, a luxury shoe brand, and Schumacher partnered on a spring collection, released in May. Schumacher’s first foray into footwear, the collaboration features five classic silhouettes dressed up in playful florals and prints. Above, left to right: the Pointe in Cassis, the Mule in Campagne, the Flat Sandal in Exotic Butterfly, the Ballet Mule in Le Castellet and the Demi in Cabanon Stripe. From $198; margauxny.com

Graphic + Novel
The Etriviere shoulder MM dynamo bag by Hermès marries a technical mesh material and an adjustable cowhide strap. Made in France, the unisex piece is perfect for summer jaunts to the mountains or the sea. $2,650; hermes.com

Summery Savoir Fare - The Eyes Have It

These feminine cat-eye shades by Alaïa make a bold statement, with oversized lenses and an elaborate petal pattern engraved inside the temples. $455; available at Intermix in Georgetown or maison-alaia.com.

Bespoke Glam

Sharon Jaffe Dan — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 18:19:55 +0000

Bespoke Glam - This silk moire corset and mermaid skirt was designed by Ella Pritsker and makes a bold and elegant statement.

The Baltimore couturier, who has dressed clients in custom ball gowns and power suits for more than 20 years, will soon launch Ella Sport, a resort collection that, she explains, embodies “the kind of golf clothes Coco Chanel would have worn if she played golf.”

Bespoke Glam - ellapritsker.com

Spring Flair

Sharon Jaffe Dan — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 00:19:54 +0000

Spring Flair - The Hermès Women’s Spring Summer ’21 collection ushers in timeless sophistication.

A fresh, pale-blue ensemble includes the Tropical Wool Flared Shirt ($1,250), Blue Cotton Twill  Carrot Pants and Calya Mules ($990). Pants and bag prices  on request.

Spring Flair - At Hermès in  CityCenterDC. hermes.com

Cold Play

Sharon Jaffe Dan — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 21:47:51 +0000

Cold Play - For the 12th year in a row, Canada Goose has partnered with the streetwear brand Concepts on a “heritage piece.”

The latest collaboration recasts Canada Goose’s classic MacMillan Parka in a water-resistant, windproof and reflective fabric that is gray in daylight but turns fully reflective after dark.

Cold Play - The unisex down jacket ($1,050) features a down-filled hood and two fleece-lined pockets with zipper closures. canadagoose.com; cncpts.com

Virtual Runway

Sharon Jaffe Dan — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 06:16:13 +0000

Virtual Runway - When the pandemic dashed Anifa Mvuemba’s plans to show her Pink Label Congo collection at New York’s Fashion Week last May, she went virtual.

The Kensington, Maryland, designer created a video in which a 3-D avatar models her flowing, size-inclusive apparel. Mvuemba’s sleight of hand captivated influencers from Vogue to Beyoncé; since then, her Hanifa label has launched the Resort collection, with shapewear coming soon.

Virtual Runway - hanifa.co

From the Heart

Sharon Jaffe Dan — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 14:12:43 +0000

Ideal for crisp autumn evenings, CH Carolina Herrera’s black-and-white poplin dress is emblazoned with a joyful floral spray; it’s available at the CityCenterDC boutique ($550). To help those in need around the world, the Carolina Herrera Heart for Hope initiative will donate 10 percent of all handbag and accessories sales across its brands to the Red Cross through December 31, 2020. carolinaherrera.com

Summer Swing

Sharon Jaffe Dan — Sat, 20 Jun 2020 19:42:11 +0000

When Ifat Pridan ordered a zip-front frock made of natural Japanese fabric ($580) for her summer collection, little did the owner of Georgetown’s LiLi the First boutique know how on point it would be: A strip of yellow tape on the back reads, “I need space.” As Pridan marvels, “No one anticipated we would need this message so much.” Though the pandemic gave her time to open a shop online, Pridan looks forward to welcoming customers face-to-face. “The whole point of a boutique,” she says, “is to have personal interaction.” 1419 Wisconsin Avenue, NW; lilithefirst.com

Flower Power

Sharon Jaffe Dan — Sat, 11 Apr 2020 14:14:32 +0000

IN THE GARDEN
Dior’s Spring-Summer 2020 ready-to-wear line pays homage to Catherine Dior, Christian Dior’s sister who tended the family gardens. Floral motifs, embroidery and raffia accents celebrate nature. Price on request. dior.com

CHIC PURSE
Oscar de la Renta’s Tro Mini Napa Leather Crossbody Bag is a petite, five-by-six-inch purse in cowhide leather sporting an oversized flower applique. $1,790; neimanmarcus.com

OFF THE CUFF
Designed by Temple St. Clair, the Oasis cuff bracelet in 18-carat yellow gold is studded with 5.52 carats of tanzanite, ruby, tourmaline and spessartite garnet. $12,500; tinyjewelbox.com

Très Chic

Sharon Jaffe Dan — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 16:03:39 +0000

Since Paris-based Barbara Boccara and Sharon Krief launched ba&sh 16 years ago, the clothier has opened more than 200 locations worldwide, including a new outpost that brings its feisty yet feminine fashions to Tysons Galleria. Pictured: Piz top ($171), Chloe belt ($205), Juliette skirt ($130) and Catalina boots ($381). ba-sh.com

Chic Finds

Sharon Jaffe Dan — Wed, 21 Aug 2019 17:03:13 +0000

On October 4 and 5, cutting-edge couture takes over DC’s National Building Museum during the annual Smithsonian Craft2Wear show. Sixty-seven artisans from around the U. S. will showcase their handmade, limited-edition clothing, jewelry and accessories for men, women and children at this curated event. Among treasures on display will be Andrea Geer’s hand-loomed knitwear (left) and Francesca Vitali’s intricate paper jewelry (above). An opening-night benefit kicks off the action on October 3. Craft2Wear proceeds support Smithsonian outreach, research and education programs. smithsoniancraft2wear.org