DC FASHION EVENT: HALLOWEEN PARTY TODAY AT @TARIDC

GWFCC & TARI HOST HALLOWEEN DAY PARTY 

To raise money for the DC Fashion Foundation and to help small businesses stay in business! 

WHAT: 
The Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce and TARI will be hosting a Halloween Day Party at T-square in Georgetown. This event will aim to raise money and awareness for the DC Fashion Foundation and to help small businesses, like TARI, stay in business. Guest are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite Halloween costume or as their favorite fashion icon while they enjoy good food, specialty drinks, laughs, music by DJ Henry Aknnuoye, and goodie bags. During the party guest can sip and shop directly downstairs at high-end boutique consignment store TARI. With a donation of $20 guest will also receive a voucher for one beer or wine, and valet parking provided by U Street Parking Inc. 

WHO: 

Pierpont Mobley, GWFCC Chair & DCFF Vice Chair

Christine Brooks-Cropper, President GWFCC & Founder of DCFF

Yvonnie Demmerritte, GWFCC Vice Chair & DCFF Chair 

Trina Alexander Eaddy, GWFCC Secretary

Kristie Walton, GWFCC Treasurer

Sara Mokhtari, GWFCC Member Representative & Owner of TARI  

WHEN: 
Saturday, October 27, 2012 from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. 
Buy your tickets here: Halloween Day Party

WHERE: 
T-square located at 1525 Wisconsin Avenue NW in Georgetown 

WHY: The Washington, DC Fashion Foundation (DCFF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created by the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce (GWFCC) in June 2009 to support the Washington, DC fashion community. The mission is to make Washington a preeminent fashion capital by increasing the business skills and workforce preparedness of fashion entrepreneurs, improving the quality and availability of fashion design education opportunities for youth and adults in the Washington, DC area, and strengthening the connections and networks that form the foundation of the District's fashion community. The Fashion Foundation does this through educational programs, workforce training initiatives, and networking and mentoring opportunities for aspiring fashion professionals and entrepreneurs. The GWFCC Halloween Day Party will help raise funds to support our current programs including The Washington, DC Fashion Incubator, Fashion Programs for the Youth, and the Fashion Development Institute. Can't join us for the event, but would still like to show your support?? Donations can be made via our Network of Good account (here).

DC ADVOCACY DAY: JOIN @GWFCC FOR ADVOCACY DAY

The Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce (GWFCC)

urges ALL members to join us as we advocate for the implementation of

The Commission on Fashion Arts and Events Establishment Act DC ST § 3-651.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

 John A. Wilson Building

The District of Columbia has a thriving creative community that contributes to the growth of many small businesses in the District.  

According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses totaled 58,616 in D.C. in 2009. They represent 92.5 percent of all employers and employ 46.6 percent of the private-sector workforce. The fashion industry plays a significant role in that structure - employing thousands and contributing to a local and national economy by generating more than $10 billion in wages and more than $1.6 billion in tax revenues.

Emerging fashion designers and other artists in D.C. are part of the next generation of business owners and jobs creators - they are the anchors of our Main Street, but they need the tools and resources to move forward. The D.C. Fashion Incubator has been a great resource for growing designers providing them with the infrastructure and training to become successful business owners, but we also need support from our leaders in government.

Your support is needed to grow and expand the District's creative economy!

For more information and to RSVP email Jennifer Fisher at info@gwfcc.org

DC FASHION EVENT: CAPITAL COUTURE DC BLOCK PARTY

DC FASHION BUSINESS SEMINARS: FASHIONABLY BUSINESS & @GWFCC

 Being Business-Savvy Makes Good Fashion Sense!

We all know being business savvy makes good fashion sense!  Fashionably Business 2011 is in full swing!   From now through November 2011, Fashionably Business on H. Street gives fashion entrepreneurs access to Free Workshops, Free Technical Assistance, and Free Business Plan reviews.

This year we have added Technical Workshops!! Spread the word and tell your fashionably-business-savvy colleagues!  There is nothing like Fashionably Business in the DMV area!

More information & registration: http://dcfashionfoundation.eventbrite.com/ 

Fashion Business Workshops - FREE

Fashion Insights & Success Panel: 9/26

Merchandising Basics: 10/3

Multimedia Marketing for Fashion/Creative Businesses (10/17)

Marketing and Brand Management (10/19)

Small Business Financing w/ Bank of America (10/24)

Media and PR Strategy for Fashion Businesses (10/26)

Technical Fashion Workshops - REGISTRATION FEE

Production & Manufacturing 101: 9/21

Product Development 101: Starts 9/28

Fashion Design 101: Starts 11/1

Pattern Making 101: Starts 11/9

 Fashion Business Office Hours - 1-to-1 business coaching!

Note that we have special fashion industry coaches available for private consultations

9/21: Robin Fisher- 15 year fashion industry veteran, Founder and Chief Stylist- Polished Image and Style Consultants

9/26: Nina Thirikul- Lead Professor, Art Institute of Washington 

More information & registration:

 http://dcfashionfoundation.eventbrite.com/  businessdev@gwfcc.org or info@gwfcc.org http://gwfcc.org

 

DC FASHION EVENT: GWFCC Fashion Advocacy Day

GWFCC Invites All Fashion Professionals & Members of the Creative Community to Unite!

Tuesday, May 31 * Noon - 5pm
John A. Wilson Building


As small business owners and fashion professionals, you are summoned at our 3rd Annual DC Fashion Advocacy Day. Join us as we assemble at the DC City Council Building to advocate the issues and challenges we encounter as business owners in the District of Columbia.

This will be a unique opportunity for fashion professionals and members of the creative community across the Greater Washington Area, to meet face-to-face with their representatives to raise awareness on issues affecting their community.


Fashion Advocacy Day is open to the Public
Registration is Required by May 18th

DC FASHION EVENT: Get Your Street Glam On!

Street Glam 2010 Fashion Show


The much anticipated Street Glam Fashion Show produced by Downtown Silver Spring will take over Ellsworth Drive on Saturday, August 21, 2010 from 6-9pm. The fashion event will feature a VIP reception (6-7:30pm) and a fashion show (7:30-9pm) featuring Downtown Silver Spring merchants and leading and emerging local designers.



The outdoor European styled fashion show will commence with designs from internationally recognized retailers and local ready-to-wear designers. The first part of the show will feature Downtown Silver Spring merchants including New York & Company, Men's Wearhouse and Metamorphosis. The second part of the show will introduce ready-to wear designs by heavy-hitting local designers. Kustom Looks Clothier, part of the initial Street Glam movement, will again take part introducing designs that have been lauded and worn by pro athletes, politicians and Washington's elite. Booshie Designs, voted the best local designer in the Washington City Paper's "Best of" will also introduce a fun Fall line. Kas Collections, infamous for his edgy W.E.T line and his haute couture perspective, will also show a new exciting line that will be featured in his new store at the National Harbor. Thembe will woo attendees with her urban gamine styles which makes this designer a favorite amongst many trendy fashionistas. Ksara Boutique and Amore by Elizabeth Stajka, always on the edge of pop and fashion, will introduce a fun and flirty ready-to-wear line.



Fashionistas from Washington D.C. and beyond will want to be at this event. The VIP reception will feature complimentary image consultations by Capital Icon, meet the designer and model sessions, fashion industry networking, music, refreshments and imbibements.



Sponsors of the Street Glam Fashion Show so far include: Downtown Silver Spring, Kustom Looks Clothier, DC-50 Home of the CW, VitaCoco, Courtyard Marriott of Silver Spring, The Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce, PDB Group Venture, Louella Artworks, Ulta and the many merchants of Downtown Silver Spring.



The event will be rain or shine. In the event of rain, the fashion show location will be held at the Civic Building at Veterans Plaza at One Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD (across from the Majestic Movie Theatre).



Viewing areas of the fashion shows are free to the public. Tickets for seats surrounding the runway will be sold for $25. Tickets for seats and VIP admission will be $50. For more information on fashion show seats or VIP admission, please email Lillian.downtownssp@gmail.com. Please visit Downtown Silver Spring or Street Glam Rocks for detailed information about the Street Glam 2010 Fashion Show.



# # #



Downtown Silver Spring, located across from Discovery Communications' headquarters and two blocks from the Silver Spring Metro station, is a successful urban redevelopment project with 440,000 square feet of retail. The Downtown Silver Spring shopping district features an eclectic mix of entertainment, restaurants, retail, offices and a Courtyard Marriott Hotel. From the mosaic tile steps and interactive fountain, to the diversity of the eateries and retail, Downtown Silver Spring brings a new level to shopping, dining and entertainment.

DC Fashion Benefit: State of Style 2010 Recap

The Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce held its first annual State of Style Advocacy Day, Awards Ceremony and Fashion Benefit on May 20, 2010.

In the morning, Advocacy staff met with their U.S. senators and representatives to discuss the GWFCC mission as well as the importance of the newly formed Congressional Apparel Manufacturing and Fashion Business Caucus.

Later that afternoon, the GWFCC recognized and honored a number of pioneers and leaders in the fashion industry. Angie Goff, WUSA-TV 9 officially opened the awards ceremony. She spoke earnestly about the importance of the fashion industry in D.C. and why she is so involved with the efforts of the GWFCC. GWFCC President, Christine Brooks-Cropper, added a few words about what this day meant to her and to the continuing mission of the GWFCC.

With opening remarks and introductions complete, it was time to shine the spotlight on recipients of this year's State of Style Awards. The recipients were as follows:

Jewelry Designer and GWFCC Member of the Year, Evelyn Brooks received the GWFCC Fashion Chamber Choice Award; 2009 Project Fundway Winner Adegbemisola Ademisoye received the GWFCC Fashion Scholarship Award; Eco-conscious Fashion Designer Lara Miller received the Leadership in Emerging Business Award, Eric Martin of the Save the Garment District Inc, accepted the Fashion Advocacy of the Year Award, and the pioneer and legendary creator of NY Fashion Week, Fern Mallis, accepted the Elements of Fashion Legacy Award.

All of the award recipients were inspiring but Fern Mallis truly moved me. She spoke about how the French and Italian governments are heavily involved with their fashion industries and so the importance of fashion to their economy. She added that she would love to see that happen here and applauded Brooks-Cropper for her efforts, particularly in getting the Fashion Caucus established on Capitol Hill.

The day was topped off with a fabulous fashion gala at The District in Adams Morgan hosted by WKYS personality Jeannie Jones with music by DJ Neekola, DJ Adrian Loving and the House of Echo band. Four lucky recipients received raffle prizes from Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, Cartier and The District. All proceeds from the day's events were donated to the DC Fashion Foundation in support of its ongoing efforts in fashion education.

DC FASHION EVENT: The GWFCC's 2010 State of Style

Press Contact:
Jessica Hoy
202.661.6363
jhoy@bgrpr.com



The Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce Hosts the First Annual State of Style Awards, Advocacy Day & Benefit with Fashion Washington and DC50 home of the CW

GWFCC continues advocacy for the American fashion industry with awards and advocacy programming on Capitol Hill

The Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce Hosts the First Annual State of Style Awards, Advocacy Day & Benefit with Fashion Washington and DC50, home of the CW


GWFCC continues advocacy for the American fashion industry with awards and advocacy programming on Capitol Hill

May 6, 2010 (Washington, DC) – Following the announcement of the first ever Congressional Apparel Manufacturing and Fashion Business Caucus, the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce (GWFCC) along with Fashion Washington, DC50 home of the CW and Yelp DC present the first annual State of Style Awards and Advocacy Day, hosted by WUSA9’s Angie Goff and Politico’s Kiki Ryan, on Thursday & Friday, May 20 - 21, 2010.

Schedule of events:

May 20, 2010- US Capitol Fashion Advocacy Day

8am - 9am: Breakfast Orientation, U.S. Capitol Dome, Room H-137

930am - 12pm: Advocacy Meetings, U.S. Capitol, Senate and House of Representative meetings in their offices

12pm - 2pm: State of Style Awards luncheon, SH-902 Hart Senate Building, 2nd and C St. NE, Washington, DC 20510

ticket purchase: 2010 State of Style

7pm - 11pm: DC Fashion Foundation Benefit event at District, 2473 18th Street NW

ticket purchase: 2010 State of Style

May 21, 2010 - DC Fashion Advocacy Day, John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW WDC 20004

9am - 10am: Breakfast Orientation room 103 First Floor of the Wilson Building

10:00am - 11:30am: Advocacy Meeting with Councilmembers and Mayor's Executive Team

11:30am- 1:00pm: Press Conference room 412 with Councilmember Michael A. Brown and other invited Councilmembers and Guest

to register: Advocacy Day Registration

The day’s events will include a Fashion Benefit at The District in Adams Morgan, hosted by global radio/TV personality Jeannie “Kitty of the City” Jones of WKYS benefitting the DC Fashion Foundation on Thursday, May 20 from 7 to 11pm presented by House of Echo, Curtis & Amanda Polk and the Art Institute of Washington. VIP Guests will enjoy GWFCC member fashion shows by Tashia Senn, Evelyn Brooks, Tsyndyma, Cecilia Guerra of Ceci G, Kenny “Kas” Flanagan and others, Saki Sushi, signature cocktails by Versailles King’s Vodka and Emperor Vodka mixed by Famed Mixologist Gina Chersevani of PS7’s Restaurant and the musical stylings of DJ Adrian Loving. The DC Fashion Foundation supports fashion student scholarships “Project Fundway” and student fashion camp “DC Camp Runway” in the greater Washington area.

To purchase tickets to attend the awards luncheon and evening fundraiser please visit: 2010 State of Style

Honorees who will be accepting an award from GWFCC Thursday, May 20, 2010 from 12pm – 2pm in room SH-902 at the Hart Senate Building on Capitol Hill include the following:

• Elements of Fashion Legacy Award – Fern Mallis, President of Fern Mallis LLC, Fashion Business Pioneer



• Honorary leadership award – Rep. Diane E. Watson (CA) D-33, Co-Chair of Congressional Apparel Manufacturing and Fashion Business Caucus



• Fashion Advocacy of the Year award – Save the Garment Center, Inc.



• Leadership in Emerging Business Award – Lara Miller, Executive Director, Chicago Fashion Incubator & Emerging Designer



• GWFCC Fashion Scholarship award – Adegbemisola Ademisoye, 2009 Project Fundway Winner



• GWFCC Fashion Chamber Choice award – Evelyn Brooks Designs, GWFCC Member of the Year

GWFCC’s President, Christine Brooks-Cropper, says, “GWFCC is proud to continue our mission of applauding those emerging and established American designers as well as the US trade organizations and industry leaders that support this industry and its role in our nation’s economy.”

The annual State of Style awards reception and advocacy day brings together the efforts of major national trade organizations, non-profits, industry veterans and designers involved in the development and preservation of the American fashion industry.

About the Greater Washington Fashion chamber of Commerce (www.GWFCC.org)

The GWFCC is the sole voice of fashion business in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. The organization is a 501(c)(6) trade association that serves the greater Washington metropolitan area. Its purpose is to promote the business interests of the national fashion industry in addition to promoting Washington as a Global Fashion Capital. GWFCC offers an unprecedented forum for the members of the local fashion industry to connect for business to build bridges in our community and help grow revenue for the industry and the city.

DC FASHION EVENT: The 2010 State of Style on the Hill

As members of the fashion and apparel manufacturing industries, you are invited to join us as we assemble on Capitol Hill for the first ever Fashion Advocacy Day in recognition of the newly formed Congressional Apparel Manufacturing and Fashion Business Caucus and in support of the DC Fashion Foundation.

Get involved. Make a difference. For tickets and additional information, visit 2010 State of Style on the Hill

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Fashion Advocacy Day

Hosted by The Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce

This two-day event kicks-off with Fashion Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill. This is a unique opportunity for Fashion professionals across the nation to meet face-to-face with their representative to raise awareness on issues affecting their community as well as the fashion and apparel manufacturing industries at-large.


State of Style Awards Luncheon on the Hill

Hosted by Angie Goff of WUSA9 & Oh My Goff! & Kiki Ryan of Politico

Presented by GWFCC and Fashion Washington, this celebration honoring the accomplishments of leaders and contributors of the fashion and apparel manufacturing industries will be attended by law-makers, fashion professionals and leaders in the fashion industry.


2010 State of Style Benefit at The District

Hosted by Jeannie Jones with Special Performance by D.C.'s own House of Echo

The State of Style Fashion Benefit is a first of its kind event celebrating the burgeoning fashion industry in Washington, DC. By bringing together members of our fashion community and local designers with nationally recognized leaders in the fashion industry, the State of Style Fashion Benefit aims to increase exposure of our emerging fashion professionals.


Friday, May 21, 2010

DC Fashion Advocacy Day

For all GWFCC Members and DC Fashion Professionals, join us at the Wilson Building as we visit our respective district council members for a morning of advocacy and showcasing.

DC BENEFIT EVENT: Kissing Frogs - The Prom Dress Project

Making Prom dreams come true for DC/MD/VA High School Girls

Help a local high school girl go to her prom in style by sponsoring a gorgeous designer gown! Your dress will be made available at DC Public School’s Boutique Day on Thursday, April 15th. Additionally, your donation will support the GWFCC DC Fashion Foundation’s Project Stitch Studio at the West Potomac Academy Fashion Design in Alexandria, VA.

To sponsor a dress, go to the Kissing Frogs - The Prom Dress Project blog and follow the sponsorship instructions.

For more information on the Project Stitch Studio, visit their web site at:
http://www.projectstitchstudio.com and the DC Fashion Foundation at:
http://www.gwfcc.org/index.php/foundation.

We thank you for your generosity.

DC Fashion Event: Gown & Cocktail Dress Sale @ West Potomac Academy

Get more information at: West Potomac Academy

Capitol Fashionista Outing: Project Fundway Scholarship Fashion Show

Last night I attended the GWFCC's Project Fundway Scholarship Fashion Show. The Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce [GWFCC] is a trade association that serves the DC metropolitan area. Its purpose is to promote the business interests of those in the Fashion/Style Industry in addition to promoting Washington as a Global Fashion Capital. I wholehearted believe in the mission of the GWFCC. Their mission is my mission too. To ensure that the whole world knows that DC has a viable fashion industry, as well as, a city full of very stylish and fashionable people. We are no longer the gray suit crowd.

First and foremost, it was so surreal to be back in the halls of McKinley Tech. McKinley Tech is my Alma Mater. I graduated from there some moons ago and I got very misty walking through the doors. There were so many great memories of Tech that rushed back to me. Good times. Good times.

{McKinley Technical High School}


{The Women Behind The Mission: GWFCC's Maggy Francois and Christine Brooks-Cropper}


{The Host for the Evening: Miss DC USA 2009, Nicole Annabelle White and
Kwab Asamoah of Kustom Looks Clothier}


{The Fab Judges (not in order): Linda Lee, VCU; Angie Goff, WUSA TV; Maurisa Potts, GWFCC; Jennifer Barger, Fashion Washington; Makeda Saggau-Sackey, The Glamazon Diaries; Kwab Amasoah, Kustom Looks; Jewelry Designer Evelyn Brooks; Fashion Designer Tashia Senn; and Beverly Johnson, Duke Ellington School of the Arts.}



I was so inspired by the three finalists. Michael Edwards, Adegbemisola "Ade" Ademisoye, and Samuel Mintah are three very talented young designers. I loved how each had their very distinct personality and style. Not to mention that the three of them exuded an amazing level of confidence. That really moved me because you have to believe in yourself in the fashion industry. Even when no one else thinks that you are talented, you ABSOLUTELY have to always believe that you will succeed. As a special treat, Designers Evelyn Brooks, Tashia Senn, and Kwab Amasoah gave us a sneak peek at their wonderful designs.

The first finalist was Michael Edwards. Edwards wants to be the next Marc Jacobs. I loved his bold personal style. I was even more pleased to see him translate his own boldness into a fab line of lovely cocktail dresses. My favorite outfit by Michael was the first one below with this fab gold skirt with a balloon hem that he paired (with great success) with a black military style jacket. So on trend! Loved it.









The next finalist to show a collection was Adegbemisola "Ade" Ademisoye. She definitely knew the exact message that she was trying to convey with her collection. She scoured the aisles of the hardware store for the special touches that she added to her line. She loves mixing something hard and edgy with the softness and femininity of a woman. My favorite outfit was the faux leather dress with the ivory ruffles. It was the perfect mix of hard and soft. Beyond fab!









The last finalist of the night was Samuel Mintah. Mintah had a wonderful story about how he was called ugly in school {i can so relate to the ugly duckling syndrome}. But instead of letting that pull him down, he turned the tables on those who tried to kill his spirit - he named his clothing line, "Ugly." That is turning lemons into lemonade. My favorite outfit was the one with the black skirt. I wasn't close enough to see what it was made of but from my seat it was adorable and had a great texture to it.









And the winner was.....



After deliberation from the fab judges, Adegbemisola "Ade" Ademisoye won the $5000 scholarship. Ade will be able to put the award towards fashion school. You go girl. The Capitol Fashionista congratulates you and am looking forward to covering your fashion lines in the near future!