DC Fashion Week is celebrating 45 seasons, kicking off a weekend of fashion, connection and artistic expression with the Emerging Designers Showcase.
The National Housing Center transformed its first floor into a runway for local and international designers to showcase their spring and summer collections on September 26.
The Emerging Designers Showcase was not just an opportunity for designers to show their collections on the runway but also an opportunity for vendors to sell their products and promote their brands.
ABOF, a husband-and-wife-owned brand, featured authentic Kenyan bronze, bringing a taste of Africa to the District. “We got so much beautiful stuff from where we came from, so we want to share this with everybody,” said founder Michele Mambo.
Shamiya Wright, a fourteen-year-old entrepreneur, was excited to be selling her jewelry at her first fashion week. What started as a hobby with a store-bought jewelry kit has turned into a brand.
The DMV Tie Lady, Wanda Williams, showcased her one-of-a-kind statement pieces, transforming men’s neckties into women’s statement pieces. “People stand out when they wear it, it’s really an accessory that people don’t expect when you walk in the room,” Williams said.
As a D.C. native, Williams is passionate about the District’s fashion scene, saying, “We have always set the trend.”
Chelsea Adinuba was one of the youngest designers of the night, making her fashion week debut at 22. “Since I was a child, I always said I’m going to be a fashion designer,” Adinuba said.
Her inspiration behind the line of sequin-studded formal gowns comes from her love and faith in Jesus. Adinuba began designing as a teenager, making durags and bonnets for her friends.
Her line for fashion week was premade out of her store in Capitol Heights, MD. Adinuba is looking forward to participating in more fashion shows. “Hopefully I can be back for DC Fashion Week, we’re preparing for prom season, we’re preparing for weddings.” “I just want Chell’s Designs to go global, DMV and beyond.”
The show featured seven other designers from the DMV and beyond. MarQuis BlaQue featured streetwear aimed at inspiring “everyday artists.” Loving Ourselves Like Always, a line from Lola Tamar, featured everyday attire inspired by Ralph Lauren. “Martha’s Vineyard meets the country clubs of the Caribbean,” said Tamar. The collection was heavily influenced by her parents, who come from Barbados and Jamaica.
INava5 Swimwear was featured as the sole swimwear line of the evening. Icela Nava, the designer and a native of the DMV, said her work is “inspired by the women who make the swimsuits come alive.”
Kim and Angel’s Custom Closet featured locally sourced, upcycled and refurbished pieces, focusing on the designer’s commitment to their grandchildren and Mother Earth.
The teen designer behind Alta by Cate Beyer, who appeared in New York Fashion Week prior to coming to DC Fashion Week, showcased occasion dresses specifically designed for taller girls.
Narok Design brought Ethiopian traditional clothing to the runway in D.C., showcasing traditional women’s and men’s wear with a contemporary flair.
Monochrome Chic concluded the evening with sleek luxury women’s looks aimed at “empowering women through sophisticated, timeless fashion.”
The show will continue on Sunday at The National Housing Center for the 45th annual International Couture Collections Showcase featuring Mr. Ean Williams’ Spring/Summer collection for Corjore International.