Last week I attended the DC Fashion Incubator (DCFI) Designers in Residence Spring '17 Collection Fashion Show & Event hosted by the DC Fashion Foundation and the W Hotel. The DC Fashion Foundation is a organization whose mission is to "port the fashion community in the Washington, DC area through educational programs, workforce training initiatives, and networking/mentoring opportunities for aspiring fashion professionals and entrepreneurs." The DC Fashion Foundation has a number of fashion programs geared at designers and fashion lovers alike, and works with the Macy's at Metro Center on the DCFI, a one-year program for aspiring designers which provides shared work space, shared showroom space, business mentoring, retail opportunities, and more. I am a huge supporter of this organization because I like to support local designers and the DC fashion community, so when I saw the invite for this come out, I knew I had to go to support the new group of DCFI Designers in Residence.
The event was at the W Hotel, a place I always like to visit, and I went with my blogger baes Roxanne, Sarah, Catherine, and Jia (who was volunteering the event and prepping the models for the runway!). The event consisted of a VIP Happy Hour with complimentary mixed drinks from Courvoisier VSOP, pre-show display, and the fashion show itself. The fashion show presented collections by Belle Flowers Designs, WAG-The Wearable Art Gallery, Pearlina Designs & Dur Doux. My personal favorite was Pearlina Designs, focused on curve and plus fashion and the designs and colors of her collection were seriously beyond. I would wear every single one of the designs she presented on the runway.
Roxanne, Sarah, myself, Jia, Catherine
Its events like these that bring the fashion community together- whether bloggers, photographers, designers, or other creatives- and provides a great venue to network and mingle with other DC locals who share your same aspirations and interests. I also met a handful of people I've seen or follow on Instagram, and it was great to finally see each other in person and chat!
And the best thing about these events at the W? They are almost always free to attend! If you are interested in attending future events like these, check out the W Hotel's event calendar and the DC Fashion Foundation's upcoming events.
Outfit Details:
Lace Dress: Forever 21+ | Heart Booties: Diane von Furstenburg, similar here and here | Lucky Cat Purse: Kate Spade surprise sale, find it on eBay or similar here | Earrings: Macy's, similar here
XOXO
Blonde in the District