DC FASHION EVENT: Recap - The Art of Dressing Well by Instructions Apparel

Models Will Wilder, Venroy July, Darryl Lockett and Christien Oliver

Last week, I ventured over to Ping Pong Dim Sum in the rain to check out the new guys on the fashion scene, Instructions Apparel for the "The Art of Dressing Well" cocktail hour to launch their Fall 2010 fashion line. The rain may have kept a few folks away, but not many. The party was all about the men who received complimentary shoe shining service from Union Station Shoe Shine, a tie-knotting demonstration and sipped Cognac & Ginger Ale cocktails from JC Cognac.


Founders of Instructions Apparel: Sheku Riddle, Duane Smith and Marcus Ware
Instructions Apparel was founded in 2008 by three young businessmen in the Washington, DC area who experienced challenges expressing their own personal styles in the workplace. I had a brief conversation with both Marcus and Sheku to congratulate these college buddies on their efforts as well as to stress the importance of having a growing menswear fashion presence in D.C. Especially one that is so focused on teaching men how to dress well based on the particular occasion. No knock on the fellas, but some of y'all need their help. I do have to admit that there were plenty of well-dressed men in attendance. So there is hope.

To my delight, the event was also a fundraiser for the Institute for Responsible Citizenship, a local non-profit organization which helps place high-achieving young African-American men in rewarding local internship programs in the District. The particularly dapper guests were encouraged to make a $10 door donations. I was also very happy to chat briefly with one of the members of the Institute for Responsible Citizenship. I truly feel that African-Americans are moving in the right direction as long as we have dedicated organizations like this one to keep the faith.

To get more information on Instructions Apparel, please visit The Art of Dressing Well

DC Fashion Week: The Menswear Collections

DC Fashion Week was in full swing last Saturday at the DoubleTree Hotel in Crystal City. But it was all about the men. Six menswear collections including Emore J Couture, Ray Vincente, Kustom Looks Clothier, Durkl, Stella Bonds and my personal fav, Andrew Nowell, hit the runway. Each collection told a different story. With the very vibrant colors of Stella Bonds' swimwear, to the urban look of Durkl to the everyday man look of Ray Vincente. My only wish would have been that the Menswear Collection would have been a part of the Sunday show. Maybe it could have been earlier in the day. There is something special about the French Embassy, especially since France it the home of haute couture.

At first I decided that I would just sit back and enjoy the show. I thought that I could get photos from their official photographer, Damion Miller. But when Emore'J Couture hit the runway, I had to take pictures. Emore'J considers his work "wearable art." That perfectly describes his collection. There was an array of fabrics and textures that would not normally be used for the runway. He definitely pushed the envelope with his designs.

Emore'J Couture






So I decided to continue taking photos and next up was Kustom Looks Clothier. Kustom Looks Clothier is the heart and soul of Kwab Asamoah. He is dedicated to making the men of the DMV hit the streets in high style.

Kustom Looks Clothier







But I have a big crush on Andrew Nowell because he pulled together sex appeal, ruggedness, impeccable tailoring together with fashion forward looks. I first saw his work during the Walish Gooshe show last year. I almost fell on the floor. He makes clothes for the kind of man that I am attracted to. The guy who insists on being stylish but dances to the beat of a different drummer. Can I just say that the fur jacket was hot to death!

Andrew Nowell