By Layla Eason,
Special to the AFRO
D.C. Fashion Week (DCFW) returned for the 20th year during Autumn/Winter fashion season where many emerging designers presented their newest lines. The events were held from Feb. 23-25 in various locations throughout D.C. during the three days of programming.
Over the years, DCFW has created a platform that focuses on international designs that display diversity throughout the fashion industry that many have never seen before. Displaying artists and brands include Dijré’Ma, Enku Design, FIATI, Papino Creations and many more.
“This is honestly such a positive moment for D.C. and it always brings a togetherness within the community. There are so many new people to see” said Maleah Johnson, a Saint Yves employee who plans on attending all DCFW events.
The first event was the Fashion Industry Networking Party, held on February 23rd at 1220 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, D.C.
The event was a place for people who are trying to break into the fashion world to show their face and make connections with other people within the industry. During this event, people networked amongst bloggers, journalists, designers, photographers, modeling agents, buyers and content creators.
The Emerging Designers Showcase was the second event of DCFW, as it displayed new designers, their collections and even some emerging performing artists who are just breaking into the music industry.
“This is one of the most anticipated events in D.C. You see so many people making connections and learning from each other. I think it really just helps people to grow their brands no matter what they do. We should all be very excited for what’s to come,” said Johnson.
The showcase was held on the 24th at the National Housing Center, 120115th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. During this event, new designers from all around the United States showcased their newest designs and collections together.
The final showcase was the 40th International Couture Collections Show, also held at the National Housing Center.
During the first portion of the showcase, the Washington Menswear Capsule Collection, presented by Andrew Nowell Menswear, offered views of a modern urban sportswear line that is a from a native of the D.C., Maryland and Virginia areas.
All three days of fashion and fun successfully proved that D.C. can and will continue to be as iconic as other fashion capitals around the world.