premiere issue 2008

f a s h i o n w a s h i n g t o n | s e p t e m b e r 2 0 0 8

A PUBLICATION OF

Taming of the ShoeA local footwear designer pumps up the style volume

Hail to the ChicShould the road to the White House be a fashion runway?

Sleek in the CityD.C.’s first lady, Michelle Fenty, on belts and Blahnik

The dark dazzle of film noir inspires lacy blouses, slouchy trousers and

other retro day wear for autumn

heroine worship

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Washington’s only boutique

5510 Wisconsin Avenue 301.652.2250

Poll NumbersHaute topic: What the candidates (and their wives) wear while campaigning says a lot about who they really are

The Heel Storystyle setter: With her sexy sandals and fur-trim boots, a local shoe designer might be the next Manolo

Flummoxed by New Fashions?obsessed by dress: Our style expert answers questions on men’s boots, wide-leg pants and mother-of-the-bride chic

Ruffle Ready piece talk: How the new

frilly blouses can make nice with a skinny tweed skirt or

some tailored trousers

Have (or Hit) a Ballscene stealers: The eco-minded Green Cup of Polo drew fast ponies and fierce suits and frocks to the Maryland countryside

Menswear, Buttoned Up

lusH life: Close-to-custom suits, plus mod,

geometric necklaces and a Valentino tome

Fatale Attraction For fall, top designers screened film noir-inspired clothes, from full-skirted frocks to Hitchcock-girl pencil skirts

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Welcome, FashionistasA few weeks Ago I found myself in a sea of glamorous people — long-legged

twentysomethings in sleek minidresses, society doyennes in killer Louboutin heels,

a sharp-dressed man in what must have been Hugo Boss. We could have been in

Paris, Miami or, heck, New York, but I witnessed this real-life runway right here in

Washington, at a party in Penn Quarter.

Has the nation’s capital become a style capital too? The sheer number of haute

boutiques (Jimmy Choo, Barneys Co-op, Bulgari), up-and-coming local design-

ers and luxury-loving shoppers suggest it has, and that Washington’s days

as a dowdy backwater are far, far behind. Fashioni-

stas used to catch a train to Manhattan to get their

Prada or Pucci fix, but in the past decade or so, D.C. has

emerged as a fashion destination in its own right.

That’s why Washington Post Media has decided

to launch FW (Fashion Washington). You’re holding

the first issue. It will be distributed on top of nearly

100,000 copies of The Washington Post and at boutiques, hotels, salons and res-

taurants throughout D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

The next edition will come out in November, and in 2009, FW will publish

monthly. In every issue, FW will chronicle the hottest styles, the newest retail-

ers and the hippest tastemakers. From local designers like Alexandria shoe

savant Monica Favela George, whom we profile in this issue, to the latest, greatest

goods in stores, we’ve got everything that’s chic in the capital

covered. We’re happy to have you along for the glamorous ride.

k Ath A r in e w ey mouth, publisher , the wA shington post

Ceo, wA shington post medi A

editor Jennifer Bargerdesign direCtor Scott McCarthy

Art direCtor Alyce JonesContributing writers

Annie Lou Bayley Berman, Betsy Lowther editoriAl AssistAnt Ashley Joy Parker

stAff photogrApher Marge Ely

Advertising ACCount mAnAgers Diane DuBois, Anne TackaberyAdministrAtive AssistAntLinda BaquetAdvertising grAphiC design Willie Joyner, Joseph WadsworthAdvertising produCtion Leigh Updike Braun, Jackie Ellis, Kiara Kerwin, Tara Shlimowitz

fw is AvAilAble At these And mAny other loCAtions: Hu’s Shoes, Wink, Ury and Associates, The Ritz-Carlton (Georgetown), The Ritz-Carlton (D.C.), The Ritz-Carlton (Tysons), Park

Hyatt, Beacon Hotel, Daisy Too, Urban Chic (Bethesda Row), Urban Chic (D.C.), Ginger, Denim Bar, Marquis Jet, Lacoste (D.C.), Lacoste (Chevy Chase), George Bacchus Salon & Spa, De La Ines Salon, Toka Salon & Day Spa, One80, Okyo, Roche Salon, Erwin Gomez, Carbon, Muléh, Sugar, The Shoe

Hive, Hysteria Boutique, Bellacara, Charles Schwartz, Harriet Kassman, Pampillonia Jewelers. To find an FW distribution location near you, visit www.fashionwashington.com.

Advertising: (202) 334-5228, 5224, 5226

publisher Jenny AbramsongenerAl mAnAger Julie Gunderson

editoriAl direCtor Dan Caccavaro

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October 24th and 25thOscar de la Renta

November 7th and 8thJudd Waddell

November 21st and 22ndUlla-Maija

December 5th and 6thAugusta Jones

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FA SH ION WA SH I NGTON | SEPTEMBER 2008 | 9

Grecian-draped gowns that’d give Aphrodite pause. Floral print dresses that seem plucked from some fabulous London ball. Animal prints, fur trim and sweeping skirts galore. The fantasy-in-ducing, usually-headed-to-a-swell-party clothing of Valentino (aka recently retired Italian style power Valentino Garavani) star in the cocktail-table tome “Valentino: Themes and Variations” ($75, RIZZOLI). Photos of designs like a 1965 black-and-white-checkered velvet suit and a 2007 sheath with an extravagant cape of silk “petals” (shown) demonstrate why the line was beloved of glamorous gals like Audrey Hepburn and Claudia Schiffer.

By turning out classic styles (shift dresses, bags) in luxe, often-unexpected materials (leopard-print pony hair, grosgrain), designer Michael Kors can rightfully claim to stand at the intersection of edgy and elegant. The all-American guy’s first area boutique, stock-ing everything from fall’s gotta-grab-it python satch-el (SHOWN, $2,995) to bell-sleeved trench coats ($249) by bridge line MICHAEL Michael Kors, just opened at Fair Oaks Mall (11750 FAIR OAKS DRIVE, FAIRFAX; 703-

385-3590). Zebra-striped ottomans and beach cabana-like try-on rooms lend the white, bright store a far-from-the-madding-shopping-center vibe.

D.C.-area accountant Ebong Eka’s 6-foot-5-inch frame helped him out when he played pro basketball in Europe and Asia. But when it came to sartorial style, not so much. “I wasn’t happy with the clothes I was find-ing,” he says. So he started ordering suits from a tailor in Thailand. Eka liked them so much that he has now launched his own line of similar “customizable ready-to-wear” called Mi Chiamo Eka — Italian for “My Name is Eka.” Expect Italian wool suits with slim, Euro cuts ($1,000-$1,500) and dress shirts sleekly sewn from Egyptian cotton ($200-$250). To view and order, see Michiamoeka.com.

Frock Star

Project Virginia

Well Suited

READING LIST

LOCAL HERO

NEW STORE

During photographer Richard Avedon’s 50-plus-year career, politicos, rock stars, runway models and scoundrels all submitted themselves to his gimlet-eyed, often-unforgiving gaze. Through Jan. 25, the Corcoran Gallery of Art (500 17TH

ST. NW; CORCORAN.ORG) showcases more than 200 of the late lensman’s simply composed shots in “Richard Avedon: Portraits of Power.” Many images, which range from Ronald Reagan (above) to Barack Obama, appeared in Harper’s Bazaar, Rolling Stone or The New Yorker. All catch their subject’s public perso-na (and power suits or dresses) as well as hint at inner turmoil. “He was drawn to people who were in conflict with the world,” says curator Paul Roth.

Focus GroupDATEBOOK

HOT ITEM

Machine-age ball bearings and factory cogs inspire the rings, necklaces and bracelets of designer Elisa Bongfeldt, currently featured at Jewelers’Werk Galerie (3319 CADY’S ALLEY

NW; 202-337-3319). But the Bay Area artist’s gold and oxidized silver pieces seem urbanely pretty, not gritty. Think a necklace of double circles, dotted rings and chunky links (PICTURED, $1,900) or bracelets fringed with matchsticks of silver tubing that tinkle with the slightest flick of the wrist ($750-$1,000). Rings, too, make a major statement, as in a pearl-studded, oxidized silver cocktail number ($275) that looks like something a fashion maven of the future might sport. “I’m drawn to basic shapes and symmetry,” says Bongfeldt. “But my pieces definitely have a little bit of an edge.”

industrial strength

VA L EN T INO FASHION © 2008, FROM “ VA L EN T INO: T HEMES A ND VA R I AT IONS” BY PA MEL A GOL BIN ( R IZZOL I); RONA L D R E AGA N, FOR MER GOV ER NOR OF C A L IFOR NI A , M A RCH 4, 1976 © 2008 T HE R ICH A R D AV EDON FOUNDAT ION


SHARP FOCUS: A SEEBERGER ABACA-FIBER HAT ($210, PROPER TOPPER,

3213 P ST. NW; 202-333-6200) AND A DIAMOND AND PLATINUM 1920S LOR-

GNETTE ($9,500, TINY JEWEL BOX, 1147 CONNECTICUT AVE. NW; 202-

393-2747) LEND A SHADY LADY VIBE TO NANETTE LEPORE’S RUFFLED

BLOUSE ($235, HYSTERIA, 125 S. FAIR-FAX ST.; 703-548-1615) AND MILLY’S

KNIT SKIRT ($270, HYSTERIA).

SUMMON THE GLAMOROUS STYLE OF FILM NOIR HEROINES WITH SHAPELY FROCKS, RETRO FLORAL PRINTS AND LUXE ACCESSORIES READY FOR THEIR CLOSE-UP

PHOTOS BY M A RGE ELY | ST Y L ING BY N EELY BA R N W EL L DY K SHOR N


Barbara Stanwyck vamping in a gown in “Double Indem-nity.” Veronica Lake gazing out from under a fedora in “This Gun for Hire.” Any one of Hitchcock’s iconic blondes in a tweedy-yet-sexy suit. Nobody, it seems, can resist a film noir femme fatale, especially contemporary fash-ion designers, who, for fall, looked to the past darkly for

day wear inspiration: well-cut pencil-skirts, wide-legged trousers and trim, screen-siren frocks.

Marquee-worthy highlights ranged from Michael Kors’ “Mad Men”-esque floral frocks to Narciso Rodriguez’s “Vertigo”-like weaves on suits and full-skirted dresses. “It’s a polished look,” says Nancy Pearlstein of Georgetown boutique Relish. “Designers have updated these retro ideas, making shoulders not quite so sharp and waists not quite so small — so we can breathe!”

This meant Prada spun a traditional black lace dress into a blouse and a skirt with a killer, buckle-on peplum, and Alexander McQueen perched his mock turtle peep-toes on a stiletto sharp enough to stomp any villian emerg-ing from the shadows. And though these pieces may hint at dramatic denoue-ments and showdowns with guys in fedoras, they’re just as suitable for board meetings as secret meetings.

“Everybody is stylish in these old film noirs,” says Murray Horwitz, direc-tor of the AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring, the restored 1938 Deco gem where our heroine posed for the camera. “But it’s not the A-line dresses of the 1950s. These gowns and plunging necklines say, ‘I’m a real woman,’ and that’s such a strong statement.” jennifer barger

playing a starring role on the silver’s main, 1938 screen: a narciso rodriguez black-and-white wool dress ($1,795, relish, 3312 cady’s alley nw; 202-333-5343), chanel pumps ($695, saks fifth avenue), moonstone earrings ($25,000, bulgari, 5418a wisconsin ave.; 301-986-8610) and a vintage yellow gold and moonstone brooch ($2,975, tiny jewel box).

reel in celluloid-chic accessories like alexander mcqueen heels ($730, hu’s shoes, 3005 m st. nw; 202-342-0202), a margiela scarf necklace ($275, relish), a vintage 18k rose and yellow gold brooch ($2,975, tiny jewel box) and diamond/platinum rings ($9,800-$14,700, tiffany & co.).

outside the afi silver theatre, our diva scores a ticket to fall’s vintage style via michael kors’ silk skirt and top ($950 and $995, neiman marcus, tysons

galleria, 2255 international drive; mclean; 703-761-1600), a gucci clutch ($695, gucci.com; 800-456-7663), tiffany & co. amethyst pendant and gold chain

($3,700 and $1,100, tiffany’s, fairfax square, 8045 leesburg pike; 703-893-7700), a vintage smoky quartz, diamond and white gold ring and an art deco ruby

and 14k gold bracelet ($1,800 and $5,200, tiny jewel box).

FA SH ION WA SH I NGTON | september 2008 | 14 FA SH ION WA SH I NGTON | september 2008 | 15

evoke a latter-day lauren bacall (no blowing smoke rings required) in derek lam’s wool pants and silk blouse ($590 and $1,150, neiman marcus), manolo blahnik’s spectator pumps ($765, neiman marcus), tourmaline earrings, and sapphire and emerald ring ($30,500 and $14,700, tiffany & co.).

what to wear under that gumshoe trench coat? cynthia vincent’s watercolor-patterned satin heels ($234, shoe hive, 115 s. royal street, alexandria; 703-548-7105).

About the AFI Silver TheatreWhen he was designing movie palaces in the early 20th century, AFI Silver Theatre archi-tect John Eberson worked under the slogan, “Prepare Practical Plans for Pretty Playhouses — Please Patrons — Pay Profits.” His 1938 Art Deco bijoux in Silver Spring looks swell again, thanks to a multi-million-dollar expansion and renovation that recreated its colorful ceil-ing murals, installed jazzy repro carpet, added state-of-the-art screening equipment and rehabbed the sleek building. “Eberson meant it to look like a ship,” says Murray Horwitz, director of the AFI Silver. “He even put portholes on the exterior.” These days, film lovers come onboard for first-run movies, revivals of classic films and festivals like the popular SILVERDOCS. For more information and a schedule, see Afi.com/silver.


in the sleek seats of the afi silver, dressing up seems like a logical choice. become a silver screen siren in rozae nichols’ silk dress ($595, muléh, 1831

14th st. nw; 202-667-3440), christian louboutin X-strap pumps ($795, saks fifth avenue), diamond drop earrings ($27,000, tiffany & co), a vintage onyX,

diamond and platinum bracelet ($29,500, tiny jewel boX) and a vintage onyX, diamond and platinum ring ($8,500, tiny jewel boX).

in prada’s lace blouse, peplum and taffeta skirt ($945, $660 and $490, saks fifth avenue, 5555 wiscon-sin ave., chevy chase; 301-657-9000), annemieke joins the cast of “four horsemen of the apocalypse” — or at least a mural of the 1921 flick at the afi silver. also shown: watch, pearl bracelet and earrings ($10,500, $12,875 and $15,000, tiffany & co.) and a dia-mond and pearl ring ($5,500, tiny jewel boX).

on the cover

shot on location, afi silver theatre, silver spring. special thanks to susan bluttman and murray horowitz.styling assistant: ashley joy parker photo assistants: fredi reiher, kristi mcaleesehair and makeup: richard bernal/t.h.e. artist agency model: wilhelmina models

Tysons Corner Center 703.761.1121.

Discover a world of designer fashion at our Tysons Corner Center store.

For more designer apparel, handbags and shoes, visit Designer Collections at nordstrom.com.

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SHOP INSPIRED COLLECTIONS FROM TOP AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN DESIGNERS.

Color OK_____Layout OK_____

RoundL/C 1 2 3 4 5 6

ICS# 081019 Nordstrom Newspaper026312 • 09/17/08 Washington Post • Fashion Washington

11.25” x 20.00” non-bleed • 150 ls • PDF-X1A

LANVIN

Photograph by Ruven Afanador, artwork by Ruben Toledo.

in Old Town Alexandria’s Boutique District

www.oldtownboutiquedistrict.com

115 South Royal St.

The Shoe Hive is the Northern Virginia’s leading upscale shoe boutique, with brands like Tory Burch, Butter, Missoni, Cynthia Vincent, Sam Edelman and Bettye Muller.

924 King St.

A beauty boutique offering brands such as Kiehl’s, Bumble & Bumble, Becca, Frederic Fekkai, Creed, Diptyque, Tocca, Sue Devitt, T. LeClerc, Bliss, Skinceuticals, MarioBadescu, L’Artisan, Molton Brown, Fresh, Anthony for Men and many more.

114 South Royal St.

The only boutique of its kind in the Washington DC area, TREAT offers popular brands of women’s clothing, shoes and accessories at sample sale prices – most items are at least 50% off retail.

211 The Strand Waterfront

Mystique Jewelers is truly an intimate boutique shopping experience. Mystique features the Top Designers: Jude Frances, Lauren K, Judith Ripka, Toby Pomeroy, Slane and Slane, Zasha and many others – Mystique brings the latest and Newest jewelry fashions to their Old Town Boutique. Thinking about getting engaged? Mystique’s gemologist, diamond expert and designer can meet with you to make your dream ring come true. Master Goldsmith on the premises.

113 South Columbus St.

Red Barn Mercantile offers a one-of-a-kind mix of vintage and modern, polished and rustic, urban and country. From antique tables and cabinets to eco-friendly upholstered furniture, children’s books to chic table settings, Red Barn has something for everyone.

of o ld town 129 South Royal St.

bella of old town is a women’s fashion boutique featuring casual, career and special occasion clothing, as well as elegant and unique accessories. The staff offers personalized service in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

116 South Pitt St.

115 South Columbus St.

A charming destination with hip and classy maternity styles, designer outfits for baby, and a great selection of trendy gifts. Fabulous maternity styles from Olian, Japanese Weekend and Ripe. Baby clothes and gifts from Petit Bateau, Splendid, Kumquat, Nest and more.

121 South Royal St.

We are the premier place for precious metal repair and restoration and can restore your priceless heirlooms. You can add to your collections with our offerings of rare and exquisite jewelry, antique silver, historic artwork and unique collectibles.

Come celebrate the hottest shopping destination in the DC area and the launch of its website, www.oldtownboutiquedistrict.com

One night only,Wednesday, September 24th

from 5 to 8 p.m.

Enjoy drinks, gift bags, food and fashion in the region’s

premier shopping destination.

Visit all 11 stores foryour chance to win an $1100 shopping spree, plus receive

a goodie bag loaded with free gifts!

Diva Designer Consignment and Other Delights is the answer to a designer

clothing lover’s never-ending quest—great fashion at a fabulous price!

The store carries brands such as Chanel, Prada, Diane von Furstenberg, Trina Turk,

Marc Jacobs and countless others all fashionistas will love...all at a fraction of the original cost.

125 S. Union St.

Established in 1971, the Christmas Attic, a virtual winter wonderland, carries thousands of holiday ornaments celebrating every holiday. We also specialize in sought after collectibles such as Christopher Radko ornaments, Department 56 villages, German nutcrackers, Fontani nativities, Wee Forest Folk collectible mice and much more.

125 South Fairfax St.

Hysteria boasts fashion forward designers such as Diane von Furstenberg, L.A.M.B., Autumn Cashmere, Trina Turk and Nanette Lepore to name a few. Known for its classically styled merchandise, Hysteria has the right looks and labels for any occasion.

Chevy Chase, MD

5550 The Hills Plaza

301-657-2144

Washington, DC

1025 Connecticut Avenue, NW

202-785-4653

booneandsons.com

McLean, VA

1320 Old Chain Bridge Road

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18k Yellow Gold & Diamond Jewelry from the Éraflure Collection,

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sty

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ette

r

You used to be an editor, and now you design shoes. How’d that happen?I always loved them, and I just wanted to do it. Instead of reading about fashion, I wanted to design beautiful objects for women to wear around their feet.

How does your design process work?I come up with the concepts and sketches here in the U.S., and then I go to Italy, where I source lasts and heels. And if I can’t come up with a heel I like, then I make my own. Then I work with pattern makers, last guys and others, going through prototypes once or twice until we get what I call the perfect, technically correct and smoking-hot designed shoe.

You make sexy, often very high-heeled shoes, yet they’re surprising comfort-able. How do you pull that off?I call them action shoes. They’ve got very walkable heels. If a pair is over 3 inches, it’s getting a platform on the front. And I never do heels over 3 ½ inches, because then you can’t walk or really strut your stuff. I also put Poron padding in the ball of the foot. It’s an anti-shock thing.

What inspires your edgier styles, like your fur-trim boots or punky, studded peep-toes?I get inspiration from many places, including my 5-year-old daughter, Gigi, who I named the line for. We were watching “Scooby Doo” together, and I came up with a mummy platform san-dal that’s in my spring 2009 line.

What sort of styles did you do for this fall?I’ve got a lot of fur coming in, including what I call the Barbarella of elevated bedroom slippers. It’s a peep-toe sandal with an ankle strap in orylag [a chinchilla-like rabbit]. You could wear it to a girls’ night out. But I also do neutrals, things that are wearable yet glamorous.

Any type of shoe you’re not interested in designing?The dreaded summer flip-flop. There are so many interesting sandal choices — why put itchy latex between your toes?

Your shoes are on the expensive side [$390-$800 a pair]. How should we pro-tect our foot investments?Use suede protect! And if you’re walking in the city, you might want to wear a different pair just to tool around. And replace your heel caps, please. You don’t want sparks coming off your shoes when you hit the pavement.

If you’re sporting one of your more daring styles — say hot-pink pony hair san-dals — any tips on what to wear them with?Well, I think the focus should always be on shoes. But if you’re working with color, keep the rest of your outfit neutral. Let the shoes be the crescendo. Jennifer Barger

Queen of the HeelUsing Italian workmanship and homegrown designs, Alexandria’s Monica Favela George makes some of the glammest shoes around

european uber-designers Manolo Blahnik and Christian Louboutin create such dazzling footwear, most clothes-

horses are on a first-name basis with them. But judging from the cza-rina-chic, fur-cuffed booties, cobalt-blue pony hair dancing shoes and

ruby-red patent pumps in local designer Monica Favela George’s fall collection, shoe fiends may soon be name-checking the up-and-coming

Virginian as well. Her Gigi Favela collection of dreamt-up-in-Alexan-dria, made-in-Italy sandals, peep-toes and sex-kitten boots is sold on

Endless.com and at Bethesda’s ultra-feminine The Little Shoe Box (pic-

tured, 7134 Bethesda Lane, 301-654-7463), which hosts a trunk show for her on Oct. 9 from noon-5 p.m. We asked Favela George how she keeps her foot candy both haute and, believe it or not, comfortable.

photo by m a rge ely

A r t D e c o

1213 Connecticut Ave, NW / Washington, D.C. / 202.628.6305

Mazza Gallerie / Washington, D.C. / 202.363.6305

Shop on-line: www.Pampillonia.com • www.FineArtDecoJewelry.com

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313 cameron st.alexandria, va 22314(703) 549-0040

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FA SH ION WA SH I NGTON | september 2008 | 22 h

aute

top

ic during a presidential election, we ponder big issues — war,

the economy, arugula. But in a media-mad, image-conscious era, it’s easy to be just as interested in who designed the blue dress Michelle Obama donned at the convention or why John McCain sports rep ties. All this who-wore-what-on-the-trail raises a com-pelling question: Does how Barack Obama and John McCain (or their wives) dress tell us anything about how they’d govern or why we should vote for them?

“With politics and fashion, these people have to walk a fine line between what influ-ences voters and what appears inappropriate,” says Stacy London, host of TLC’s “What Not to Wear.” “It seems like Washington gets mired in conservative dress because peo-ple don’t want to seem superficial.” And sure enough, both men running for chief exec hew to suits and solid ties. “Men in politics seem to have a constant look,” says Kathleen Craughwell-Varda, a Connecticut costume expert and author of “Looking for Jackie: American Fashion Icons.” If the idea is to say, “I don’t wear Nirvana T-shirts and sweats, so you can trust me with the country,” both McCain and Obama succeed.

But the pols’ sartorial differences hint at vastly different men and political views. “You often see McCain in a three-piece suit, which is a little Colonel Sanders,” says Alex-andria personal stylist Margaret Lilly. “It’s a little stiff and status quo.” This, plus the pullovers and loafers that constitute McCain casual seem like attempts to come across as an average Joe. His rival goes more GQ than CQ in slim suits and tapered ties, sug-gesting youth and, maybe, change. “Obama makes more of an effort than your average politico,” says London. “He’s not dandyish, but his suits are tailored well.”

The would-be first wives have been creating headlines both for hair (Cindy’s updos, Michelle’s flip) and clothing. There’s buzz either one of them might be a White House style icon in the mold of Jackie Kennedy. Still, “they have a difficult role,” says Craughwell-Varda. “They need to be fashionable, yet they can’t be slaves to fashion. Think of Nancy Rea-gan, who often wore exuberant, over-the-top clothes. People criticized her.”

Cindy McCain veers traditionally feminine and somewhat fearless, choosing both pastel and bright dresses, lots of suits and the occasional piece that brings to mind — for better or worse — biker-chick cool (a red leather jacket). “I do think she needs to stop shopping in the junior’s department,” says Craughwell-Varda.

Michelle Obama borrows from the Jackie playbook (simple dresses, big pearls) and sports designers both haute (Maria Pinto) and not (The Gap, White House/Black Mar-ket). Her cheaper chic choices reinforce her husband’s increasingly populist campaign, and like him, she comes across as fresh because she’s “taking chances, wearing prints or even sleeveless,” says London. Still, even the woman Vanity Fair called “the commander in sheath” isn’t likely to put on Marni’s fur vest or John Galliano’s harem pants for a State Dinner. “Michelle’s M.O. doesn’t include wearing anything wild or any ethnic prints,” says Craughwell-Varda. “It’s conservative, yet sophisticated, which is probably smart.”

After all, while the road to the White House has gotten a lot more stylish, it shouldn’t be confused with a red carpet. “The first lady isn’t a Hollywood star,” says Lisa Kath-leen Graddy, curator of the First Ladies Collection at the National Museum of Ameri-can History. “We shouldn’t judge her by the same standards.”

Maybe not, but if you snap up a Cindy-style leather jacket for fall or pop a brooch on your frock à la Michelle, you’re clearly buying into one candidate’s style, and perhaps their sales pitch, too. And that’s the ultimate campaign button. Jennifer Barger

Commander in ChicIf you’re running for president, does how well you (or your wife) are turned out affect whether voters turn out for you?

“It seems like Washington gets mired in conservative dress because people don’t want to seem superficial.”

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Victorian socialites, Renaissance poets and a certain red-haired English queen all knew ruffles added flourish to their clothing. This enduring appeal has helped frill-trimmed blouses bounce back into stores this season, but in leaner, cleaner forms than in years past. Think a pin-striped blouse with a col-lapsing neck ruff from Alexander McQueen’s McQ label, or a girl-ish style with a skinny, flounced placket by Dolce & Gabbana.

“In troubled times, it’s soothing to wear something with a softer touch,” says Indian-born, New York-based designer Naeem Kahn, who included several such blouses in his fall line. “Ruffles add romance and beautifully frame the face.” Still, there’s a dan-ger in putting too much volume on your upper half: Don huge ruffles, and you’ll risk looking clown-like, or worse, as if you’re auditioning for “Pirates of the Caribbean: Part 12.”

the best matches for these femme blouses? Hard-edged separates — a vest, a sharp blazer — in rich tweeds or crisp gabardines. “Flowing styles really work with the tailored mens-wear that’s in for fall,” says Georgetown personal stylist Alison Lukes. Plus, layering a fitted, boyish jacket over a voluminous shirt tames it and adds an element of sartorial surprise.

But please don’t put a full skirt underneath that fanciful top — all that excess fabric would create a sloppy, fortune-teller vibe. Instead, tuck a more tailored blouse into a “high-waisted pencil skirt to tone down the look,” says Lukes. Straight-leg pants or even bootleg jeans could also bring a modern edge to a flouncy top, while still letting you feel like a latter-day romance heroine. Which is sort of the point. ashley joy parker

How would you describe your style?I like classic, straight, simple lines and pieces that are well-made, with a good silhouette so you can wear them for years. What’s in your dream closet?outfits tailored specifically for me, because it’s the fit that’s so important. and shoes from my favorite designers—Christian louboutin, jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik and yves saint laurent. How has your style evolved over the past few years?I gravitate toward practical, classic pieces because they have to fit so many different roles for me. They must allow me to transition through these roles so I don’t end up looking like different people. What’s one thing that can really pull an outfit together?I’m a big fan of belts, because they add ver-satility to your existing clothes and can com-pletely transform the look of an outfit. What are some favorite under-the-radar places to shop in D.C.?Consignment stores, which can be like shop-ping in someone else’s closet. you find unique things. and flea markets are fun places to get unusual items. you don’t need to spend lots of money to be stylish.

Blouses, On A Frill Ride

How to wear fall’s ruffled, romantic shirts without looking

like a pirate-ship refugee—or going overboard on flounce

Naeem Khan silk organza blouse ($840, Saks

Jandel, 5510 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase.; 301-

652-2250. Wool tweed skirt ($240, Nanette

Lepore, 5449 Wisconsin Ave. NW; 301-657-1515)

Diane von Furstenberg silk blouse ($285, Neiman

Marcus, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW.; 202-966-9700)

Wool vest and pants ($190 and $230, Reiss, 1254

Wisconsin Ave. NW; 202-944-8566)

Michelle Fentyattorney, wife, mother, first lady of Washington: Mayor adrian Fenty’s spouse somehow manag-es to fill all these roles and look glam doing it. We quizzed the down-to-earth Fenty about how she gets so chic. annIe lou Bayley BerMan

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FA SH ION WA SH I NGTON | september 2008 | 26 s

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Local boutiques and designers strutted their stuff at the French Embassy June 28 at Fashion Fusion, a runway show and night of shopping benefitting the Washington Area Women’s Foundation. Faces and fashions included:

Talk of the Catwalk

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1 Marcia Buss, center, in Badgley Mischka, with daughters Alexandra, left, and

Francesca; 2 Miss Maryland Teen USA-turned-model Ann Maria Lawson in

Walish Gooshe; 3 Hadley Stinson in Chanel earrings; 4 an attendee sporting

Dior’s much-lusted-after gladiator sandals; 5 designer Carmen Ellam wearing

a funky necklace from her own line; 6 designer Greg Taylor of Walish Gooshe;

7 jeans at the shopping event; 8 a model in Andrew Nowell designs; 9 Dehja

Bower, Creative Director and CEO of Fuzio Productions.

photos by l aw r ence luk

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Green Goes Glam

1 Zack Hutto in Wayfarer Ray-Bans; 2 Solena player

Davia Pollin; 3 Guest speaker Alexandra Cousteau, co-

founder of EarthEcho International; 4 Andi Plocek and

Tom Weirich of ACORE; 5 Mark Milligan of the American

Council on Renewable Energy in an Hermès tie; 6 one

polo fan in a breezy sundress; 7 Capitol Polo Club

President and CEO and co-founder of the Solena Group

Dr. Robert Do, who also co-chaired the event.

An eco-friendly polo match brought hats and hors-es to Poolesville, Md., for the Green Cup of Polo July

19. Those attending — and playing — included:

Milly Trunk ShowRetro frocks, rich florals and lots of pink and gray ruled

Milly’s fall runway shows. See day-to-cocktail looks by

the ultra-femme New York designer Sept. 25, 3-7 p.m.

Urban Chic, 1626 Wisconsin Ave. NW; 202-338-5398

Fashion Fights PovertyParker Posey hosts a fair-trade and eco-minded

fashion show with styles by green bridal queen Adele

Wechsler and frock star Mae Ho, plus a VIP reception.

$175; reserve at Fashionfightspoverty.org. Sept. 26,

6-10 p.m., St. Regis Hotel, 923 16th St. NW

Jennifer Jane Trunk ShowKnown for elegant evening gowns, designer Jane

Lee makes an appearance at a trunk show of her fall

styles. Oct. 3-4, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Harriet Kassman, Mazza

Gallerie, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-363-1870

haute dates

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FW MAGAZINE • Back Cover • September ‘08 • Trim: 11.25” x 20” Bleed: 11.5 x 20.25 Print Job# 584815

584815D_Dior_A 7/21/08 10:38 AM Page 1

premiere issue 2008

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