faรงon FALL/WINTER 2011
BRAVE NEW
WORLD
façon the fashion revolution FALL/WINTER 2011
CONTENTS IN EACH ISSUE EDITOR’S NOTES
5
FEMME STYLE SPOTLIGHT WISH LIST SPLURGE VS. STEAL OBSESSION LESS IS MORE
6 7 8 9 10 12
L’HOMME STYLE SPOTLIGHT ON THE RADAR SPLURGE VS. STEAL THE COVETED LESS IS MORE
14 15 16 17 18 21
BEAUTY REPORT BEAUTY SHOP
23 26
CULTURE
32
THE LAST WORD
54
FEATURES BOUTIQUE BUZZ M29 LIFESTYLE
28
A CONVERSATION WITH... CHRISTINE BROOKS-CROPPER
30
THE DEFIANT ONES DARRELL CORTEZ F/W 11
34
DIRTY PRET TY THINGS KOLTON.J JEWELRY
44
façon
TM
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Janice Susan Wallace DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Daniel Stiles ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Denisio Truit t DIRECTOR OF DESIGN Gamal Amadou MARKET EDITOR Marie-Beatrice Gauthiez BEAUTY EDITOR Adrienne Whyte COPY EDITOR Tonya Sprat t-Williams EDITORIAL STAFF Emmanuel Egolum Shamaya Fenwick-Chisholm Cameron Guckert Grant Harris Jasmine McCrae Christopher Rucker Dominica Tillary CREATIVE PARTNER Chauncea Carothers, The Fount Group
FACON IS PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY A FASHION PARADE. THE CONTENTS OF THIS MAGAZINE ARE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT AND CANNOT BE REPURPOSED, REPRODUCED OR REDISTRIBUTED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION BY A FASHION PARADE. TO REQUEST PERMISSION, EMAIL INFO@FACONMAGAZINE.COM. COPYRIGHT © 2011 A FASHION PARADE, HYATTSVILLE, MD 20781
EDITOR’S NOTES
A New Beginning
Our first photo shoot
As I closed the last box containing the contents of my 12-year career on Capitol Hill, I knew that I had made the right decision. I needed to follow my heart. I had been deferring my dream for far too long. It is very easy to be seduced by the stability and pay of a good government job. But for me, the price was too high. This magazine has been in my head for as long as I can remember. But it wasn’t until I volunteered at the Greater Washington Chamber of Commerce (GWFCC) that I knew that my focus needed to be on emerging fashion. At the GWFCC, I saw firsthand how hard it was for designers to get their name and their designs out into the world. It was disheartening to watch some amazing people go unnoticed. As of today, the buck stops here. Façon is the new voice of emerging fashion design, the fashion revolution. Each issue will be filled with the best in emerging fashion. I will be scouring our great country to bring to you the talented designers who are toiling away in their studio basements, their momma’s kitchens, and their dorm rooms. I promise to stay true to emerging fashion. Today is the start of a brave new world in fashion. Join the revolution. If you know an amazing designer or would like to send me a note, shoot an email to editor@faconmagazine. com or hit me up on Twitter, @stylish_in_dc. You can also follow the magazine on Twitter, @faconmagazine. Enjoy.
Janice Susan Wallace Editor-in-Chief
femme
STYLE SPOTLIGHT TEN QUESTIONS FOR JILL HOMIAK, PRESENZA (SHOPPRESENZA.COM)
1
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF/YOUR BACKGROUND.
I’m an identical twin who loves to travel, try new food and have fun with friends. I’ve grew up outside of DC. I guess I can’t get enough of all that DC has to offer. I am quite business-minded and my wheels are constantly turning with new ideas.
WHO IS YOUR STYLE ICON AND WHY?
I have no formal design background. But my mother did a great job of teaching my twin sister, Erin and me how to dress for our body. I would have to say she is my style “icon”. She always wore unique accessories and never left her confidence at home. I think that’s what looking your best is about - feeling confident in your own skin and projecting that to the outside world.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT FASHION?
My favorite thing about fashion is that it’s an art that communicates self-expression. One’s style is a unique and individual way to communicate with the world, without saying a word.
6
TELL ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL STYLE.
Like me, it’s difficult to categorize my style. I would say I have a classy sophisticated look, with a touch of trendiness.
WHAT CAN’T YOU LIVE WITHOUT?
I cannot live without LIPGLOSS. If you were to empty my purse, you’d probably find seven different ones in there. It would be a bad day if I were without any!
TELL ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL STYLE.
Presenza is about dressing for your body type. I am a curvy female - but wouldn’t categorize myself as plus-size. It always been difficult to find stylish clothing that fits my 34FF chest without being overly sultry. I knew I wasn’t the only one with this issue, so I created a wrap top to frame the hourglass figure, for the perfect combination of sophistication and curves.
WHAT’S BEEN THE HARDEST LESSON?
I can be impatient. I’ve had to learn that everything does not happen instantaneously. It takes a lot of work, dedication and diligence to make things happen they way you’d like.
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3 4 5
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WHAT ITEMS CAN WOMEN EASILY PAIR WITH YOUR LINE?
Presenza’s wrap top is quite versatile! You can pair it with dark boot cut jeans, your favorite fall boots to wear on the weekends or throw it on with black cigarette pants and your favorite pair of heels for work or pair it with a skirt and belt it at the waist for a night out with your girls!
WHERE CAN YOUR BRAND BE PURCHASED?
You can purchase items online at www.shoppresenza.com. If you’d like to try it on and you live in the DC area, you can also stop in at Julia Farr boutique.
10
WHAT’S NEXT FOR PRESENZA?
The main goal of our launch is to find out what customers want most. We’re continuously taking everyone’s feedback into consideration as we begin to sketch designs for the next line!
7
WISH LIST
WRAPPING IT UP• Infinity Crochet, DeNada, $74, simplysoles.com
CHANDELIER LOVE• Gold with Crystal Beads, Mother of Men, $65, taridc.com
WHAT WE WANT NOW!
Chunky Monkey CHUNKY JEWELRY WITH A TWIST • Dolly Necklace, $35, laurenjoan.com
Accessories that make the right statement
ROCKING IT• Big Rock Cuff, $20, loulouboutiques.com PLATFORM BOOTIES ON DUTY • Megan (in Brown), $188, lillybeeshoes.com 8
Façon | Fall/Winter 2011
SPLURGE VS. STEAL
Ride ‘Em Cowgirl Pairing your winter out fits with the right riding boot makes all the difference
SPLURGE
GUCCI ‘RIDE’ BOOTS • $978, Bluefly.com
vs.
STEAL
LILLYBEE ‘FAITH’ BOOTS • $295, Lillybeeshoes.com SPECIAL NOTE: The Faith Boot converts from a riding boot into a pant boot.
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OBSESSION
LORELEI • Lucia Boa Embossed Clutch, $145, shoptreat.com
BRIAN ATWOOD • Cognac Snakeskin Pumps, $805, husonline.com
Snake Charmer Use exotic skins to channel the temptress that lies within
SNAKE CHARMER BELT • Faux Snake skin Belt, $18, francescascollections.com
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Façon | Fall/Winter 2011
FORNASH • Faux Snake skin Bangle, $25, fornash.com
ANDEAN COLLECTION • Polished Tagua Bracelet, $38, virtuarte.com
BB DAKOTA • Peplum Jacket, $55, shoptreat.com
Seeing Red
Pair neutrals and graphic prints with this bold color
TSUBO • Cusus Bootie, $169, carbondc.com
AMY MATTO • Front Twist Dress, $265, gingerstyle.com
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OBSESSION
BETTYE MULLER • Rita, $350, store.theshoehive.com
HOLLAND COX • Alchemy Pocketbook, $47, hollandcox.com
Graphic Delight Go a little crazy with graphic prints
EMILIO PUCCI • Beaded Sequin Shift, $795, taridc.com
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Façon | Fall/Winter 2011
LILLY PULITZER • Mell Sunglasses, $170, simplysoles.com
LESS IS MORE
What to Wear to Work FAB FINDS UNDER $100
BALLYHOO JEWELRY • Black Spider Necklace, $17, Ballyhoo Jewelry (etsy.com)
VINTAGE CHRISTIAN DIOR • Wool Jacket, $90, House of Eloise Vintage (etsy.com)
ANTHROPOLOGIE • Inlaid Sweater Skirt, $98, anthropologie.com
RESTRICTED • 'Flirt' Tall Boot, $97, southmoonunder.com
TRIFECTA BAG • $45, loulouboutiques.com 13
l'homme
STYLE SPOTLIGHT MAT THEW DONOVAN TALKS ABOUT HIS MENSWEAR LINE, DONOVAN ENGLAND (DONOVANENGLAND.COM) When you hear the name Donovan England your imagination may take you to places across the Atlantic where umbrellas, fish and chips, and a little corner of the world called Saville Row reign supreme. In others words—England. However, you’d be sorely mistaken. Donovan England (DE) is indeed an American brand run by a savvy entrepreneur from Los Angeles who now owns and operates one of Washington’s most respected custom tailoring houses. Donovan England—not for cads. For the dandy.
WHO IS MATTHEW DONOVAN? I grew up in the DC area and relocated to the west coast where I owned and operated several entrepreneurial ventures before even thinking about owning a tailoring operation. My early interest in clothing can be credited to my friends and family who often seek my advice and heed my warnings about square toed shoes and the like.
HOW DID DONOVAN ENGLAND GET ITS START? WHAT SHOULD WE KNOW ABOUT THE BRAND? Upon returning to DC in 2007, I wanted to take my life in a different direction and subsequently launched my clothing line “Donovan England” in the winter of 2009. The Donovan England namesake is attributed to the classic English cut and exclusive English fabrics offered by the tailor. A structured shoulder, hearty fabrics—which now include options from Italy and Australia, a slightly nipped waist and tapered trousers are the hallmark of English tailoring and are accentuated with a modern twist at DE. The DE brand is built upon offering affordable luxury to the man just launching his first start-up venture, or the one putting up his feet in the corner office. DE is the brand of innovators. I have carefully developed my measurements system—twenty three in all, with techniques built on customer service and enhancing the custom experience. These things I hold dear to my heart.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR UPCOMING PROJECTS? Being a brand built on innovation requires well, innovation. In addtion to suiting, I am also expanded to other menswear items including a ready-to-wear denim line and accessories. A footwear line is in the research and development stage and a new e-commerce site will be launched in the coming months. My biggest news is the launch of a private collection coined after James Bond and created for “the man of mystery” featuring double-reinforced stitching and construction. It is for the man who may find himself in a bit of Bond situation and needs the extra durability.
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ON THE RADAR
STERLING & BURKE LTD • Wash Kit by Daines and Hathaway, $175, classicluggage.com/
WHAT WE WANT NOW!
All Aboard The necessities for successful travel
LOST BOYS DC• Derwin Jacket, Theory, $795, lostboysdc.com
BARNEYS• Cashmere Polka Dot Socks, $52, barneys.com
M29 LIFESTYLE • Will Leather Goods Hopper, $295, 2800 Pennsylvania Ave., NW WDC
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Façon | Fall/Winter 2011
SPLURGE VS. STEAL
Wooly Mammoth The perfect wool sweater separates the men from the boys
SPLURGE
THOM BROWNE DONEGAL CARDIGAN • $580, Barneys.com (Barneys Co-Op)
vs.
STEAL
LIFE/AFTER/DENIM BELLEVILLE CARDIGAN • $110, Rue 14, 803 14 St., NW WDC
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THE COVETED
AMI • Cable Knit Beanie, $160, barneys.com
BROOKS BROTHERS • Lambskin Cashmere-lined Goves, $128, brooksbrothers.com
Burgandy Business Use this powerful color to exude confidence
J. CREW • Repp Piqué Polo, $29.50, jcrew.com
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Façon | Fall/Winter 2011
BRIONI • Silk Tie, $195, barneys. com
PEAL & CO. • 'Cordovan' Boot, $699, brooksbrothers.com
J. CREW • Red Wing® for J.Crew Beckman Moc-Toe Boots, $320, jcrew.com
Walking Tall Lace Up Boots: add swagger, will travel
AHNU • Hiking Boot, $219, carbondc.com
TSUBO • Winslows Boot, $249, carbondc.com
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THE COVETED
BROOKS BROTHERS • BB#4 Bow Tie, $55, brooksbrothers.com
BROOKS BROTHERS • Dot Bow Tie, $55, brooksbrothers.com
Take A Bow Mr. Peabody never looked so cool
BANANA REPUBLIC • Plaid Silk Bow Tie, $59.50, bananarepublic.com
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Façon | Fall/Winter 2011
ZARA • Striped Bow Tie, $19.90, zara.com
LESS IS MORE
Living For The Weekend FAB FINDS UNDER $100
HUGH & CRYE • Borg Shirt, $55, hughandcrye.com
CONVERSE • Perforated Chuck Taylor, $76, barneys.com
JACK SPADE • Golden Team Hat, $75, jackspade.com
ALL SAINTS• Corduane Shortkicks, $96, us.allsaints.com
JACK SPADE• Fox Hoodie, $85, jackspade.com
BANANA REPUBLIC • Marcelo Sunglasses, $98, bananarepublic.com 21
beauty
BEAUTY REPORT BOBBI BROWN MAKEUP PALETTES FOR FALL AND WINTER
1 2 3 Bobbi Brown believes that makeup is a way for a woman to look and feel like herself, only prettier and more confident. Through Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Bobbi enables every woman to enhance her unique beauty. What better way to glam up for the season and refresh your looks than with one of Bobbi Brown’s palettes? All offer straightforward, easy-to-use, timeless hues, and all are formulated to create a smooth, natural, and healthy appearance Three exciting new palettes are available in Bluemercury (multiple locations, including Georgetown and Bethesda) and Bobbi Brown counters at department stores. The only problem you may have is selecting only one. 1.
Bobbi’s Warm Party Eye Palette ($45) will prepare you to pop the bubbly! Champagne, gold, and copper shades will accentuate and complement any party attire for the holidays.
2.
The Cool Party Eye Palette ($45) will allow you to choose to keep it cool and icy or go for a dramatic smoldering eye. These are the perfect shade options to go from day to night, with just the right amount of shimmer and sparkle.
3.
Bobbi’s Ultimate Party Collection ($65) features everything a girl about town needs to look party ready. With eight matte, metallic, shimmer, and sparkle eye shadows plus four glitter lip glosses, this palette will add a special touch of holiday fun to any look.
Leave it to Bobbi Brown to think of everything! Visit DC’s hometown beauty destination, Bluemercury, to see all the beautiful looks for the season.
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BEAUTY REPORT
The Smell of Luxury Bot tega Veneta wants you to smell good
Founded in the 1960s, Bottega Veneta is one of the world's most prestigious luxury brands. Renowned for its craftsmanship and understated elegance, Bottega Veneta produces handbags, women's and men's ready-to-wear, and luggage and fine jewelry. Now, revel in the luxury of Bottega Veneta with a fragrance that mirrors the brand, its feeling, and atmosphere. Imagine fine leather, a countryside villa, the smell of furniture, food, and vegetation, and you’ll conjure the leathery, floral chypre that was introduced this fall to wide acclaim.
Bottega Veneta opens with a spicy note that whets the appetite, but departs within seconds, leaving a soft floral. The floral notes dominate and remain with the fragrance until it fades into the skin. A leathery softness develops in the heart notes and lasts for hours. The scent recalls harmonious and pleasant dreams. It’s sensuous, soft, comfortable, and romantic – and never too assertive, just as Bottega Veneta›s leather bags are conservatively elegant. Bottega Veneta ($65) is available at specialty stores globally. A body cream, body lotion, and shower gel are also available.
FOR THE BOYS
A FEW NEW SMELL GOODS TO MAKE HER DO A DOUBLE TAKE
ARMANI• Code Sport, $59, bloomingdales.com
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Façon | Fall/Winter 2011
YSL • L'Homme Libre, $59, macys.com
GUESS • Seductive Homme, $49, guess.com
PACO RABANNE • 1 Million, $75, macys.com
T he New Skin Regimen New products for a healthy skin regimen GLAMGLOW MUD MASK Tingle Effect + Exfoliating = Sexy! Designed with mud dredged off the coast of France for Hollywood’s entertainment and music industry celebrities, GLAMGLOW has landed in DC. GLAMGLOW Mud Mask ($69) is an amazing, rapid, and gentle facial exfoliant for men and women. It’s filled with ancient volcanic pumice rock, French sea clay, real pieces of tea leaf, and botanical oils and herbs to leave the skin with a radiant, three-day glow. Massage it into your skin and leave on for 15 minutes just twice a week to reveal a younger, fresher you. The paraben-free, cruelty-free, vegan and natural mask has been the buzz of the town since it arrived in DC in September. Get your cool, sexy tingle at Neiman Marcus in Mazza Gallerie to see what all the fuss is all about.
SISLEŸUM FOR MEN When Hubert d'Ornano founded Sisley-Paris in 1976, his use of botanical active ingredients and essential oils in beauty products was an innovative concept. Today, Sisley continues its tradition of pioneering new treatments with research from its own laboratories, using botanical ingredients that offer stateof-the-art benefits. Good news for the guys in our life - the French collection has expanded into men’s skin care. The Sisleÿum skin-revitalizing treatments are formulated specifically for men to visibly reduce the signs of aging, while instantly soothing and repairing skin irritation due to razor burn, weather, and environmental stressors. There are two textures, one that mattifies, hydrates, and nourishes the skin with a light, fluid gel for normal to combination skin; and a supple and comfortable cream for dry skin. With Sisleÿum for Men ($265), they can wear a targeted product to send them out the door in the morning looking (and smelling) fresh and pampered. Sisleÿum for Men is available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdale’s (online).
STOCKING STUFFERS: TREAT YOUR NAILS TO SOMETHING NAUGHTY AND NICE Neiman Marcus Fashion Director, Ken Downing, designed two sets of metallic mini-nail lacquers for the luxury brand Le Métier de Beauté. Merry Metallics (top) and All That Glitters (bottom), ($32) are available exclusively at Neiman Marcus, packaged as ornaments in gorgeous holiday globes. Merry Metallics shimmers with shades of copper, sheer golden red, rich plum, and moonlit platinum. All That Glitters will shine with metallic gold, deep sapphire, shimmering evergreen, and cherry red. 25
BEAUTY SHOP
Just So Lush Lush Cosmetics Take Bathing To A New Level
Taking a bath, while reading a book with an exfoliating facemask, is a privilege. By simply using the completely organic, mostly vegan fresh handmade cosmetics brand LUSH, that privilege is elevated to another level. LUSH Cosmetics is a fab brand of facial, hair, and bath products. With a range of ever-so-delicious smelling products, loaded with essential oils, you feel like you just got back from the spa (oh wait that’s right, LUSH actually has their own spas in Europe). And the best part is how they incorporate everyone’s likes into a product. For people who love showers, they have a shower gel, and for someone who loves a good, long bath, they have that same smell in a bath bomb. But what’s a bath bomb? Those perplexing fizzing “balls” that pack oils and lotions into your skin after dissolving into a bath. And with creative names like “Twilight” and “Fizzbanger,” one can appreciate their bath even more. But there’s more! How about a Bubble Bar? Take half of one, crumbling it under your stream of running water, and watch your bath become a mountain range. LUSH bubbles are the “Himalayas” or bubbles. By adding a moisturizing soap, bath melt, scrub, or combining all three, bath time translates to Heaven. If you are getting into the habit of taking LUSH baths, please let me, the ultimate LUSHaholic, explain what to use and how to use it. The basic components of an unforgettable LUSH bath are two things: a bath bomb and bubble bar. If you are up for an adventure, try adding soap (or shower gel depending on personal liking) and a bath melt (my personal favorite products). Creamy Candy Bubble Bar
WHAT WE LOVE Big Blue Bath Bomb, So White Bath Bomb, Honey Bee Bath Bomb, Creamy Candy Bubble Bar, Ma Bubble Bar, Sunny Side Bubble Bar, Ceridwen’s Cauldron Bath Melt, Floating Island Bath Melt, Strawberry Feels Forever Massage Bar (use it as a Bath Melt), Honey I Washed the Kids Soap, Rock Star Soap
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Façon | Fall/Winter 2011
STEPS FOR THE PERFECT BATH 1. Split a bubble bar in half . Break that half into the small pieces. Then plug your drain, dump the pieces on top, and turn on the tap. 2. Once the water is filled to the top, or nearly filled, drop a whole bath bomb into to water. Let it dissolve completely, and let the aroma evaporate into the bathroom. 3. Split a bath melt in half. Let in float with you in harmony, and let the oils sink into your skin, leaving softness and a delicious scent. 4. For added smell and fun, use a LUSH soap. With many to choose from, pick a scent that is easy to help you relax and warm up.
BOUTIQUE BUZZ M29 LIFESTYLE
A boutique in Georgetown where individuality and creativity merge and make beautiful music together
ABOUT THIS BOUTIQUE 29th and M Streets NW | Washington, DC 202. 295.2829
Perched next to the Four Seasons Washington hotel is M29 Lifestyle. It is a little piece of shopping heaven in Georgetown. With its enticing window displays, It is nearly impossible to pass this boutique without entering. Once you are inside, your senses are immediately stimulated. Filled with delicious smells and radiant light, even on an overcast day, this clever boutique is strategically modeled after an art gallery in design and function. To the shopper’s delight, you are sure to discover little gems in every nook and cranny. If you find yourself leaving empty-handed, you may need to check your pulse.
Mon - Sat: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm Sun:
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
KEY PERSONNEL Deborah Bush, Director of Retail Allyson Wilder, Store Manager Natascha Froelich, Sales Associate Ronald Edwards, Sales Associate
WHAT WE LOVE •
Beirn Bags
•
Marika Charles Knits
•
Bella Jenna Note Cards
•
Penelope Chilvers Boots
•
Mercedes Salazar Jewelry
“We try to tell a story when we put things out on the floor.”
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Façon | Fall/Winter 2011
M29 Lifestyle is meticulously curated by Director of Retail Deborah Bush. Wilder is also a big part of the buying operation. The seasoned fashion and luxury goods duo embark on buying trips 3-4 times a year to Mexico, New York City and around the U.S. Thanks to the expertise of these savvy women, shoppers reap the benefits. M29 holds the exclusive rights to approximately half of the items in the store. The pair work diligently to build one on one relationships with the designers. Just to name drop a little, you will find gorgeous Chan Luu sequin dresses, delicate handmade shawls by Jess Brown, lush cashmere knits by Marika Charles, sumptuous bags by Beirn, the fan favorite - beaded jewelry by Mercedes Salazar and the modernization of the plaid shirt by the renown Pendelton brand. If you examine the pedigrees of Bush and Wilder, then it will come as no Everything in M29 Lifestyle has its place. The layout is deliberate surprise why M29 Lifestyle but fluid. Staff members rearrange the pristine space on a weekly baoffers such a unique shopsis to keep it fresh and new. “We try to tell a story when we put things ping experience. Bush has out on the floor, “ says Allyson Wilder, M29 Lifestyle’s Store Manager. over 25 years of fashion There are racks and shelves of carefully selected apparel, shoes, acand luxury goods experience with iconic brands such as Hermès, cessories, books, trinkets, household items and a little something for Bottega Veneta and Yves Saint Laurent. Wilder studied textiles pets. As you browse, you get to know that story better. at N.C. State and worked for the legendary textile brand, John It is the ideal destination for the shopper who celebrates individuRobshaw. Together, they make a dynamic buying team who know ality. The store only stocks a few of each item, particularly in apparel to move quickly when they spot where you will find only one in each available size. “What we have something fabulous. is trendy, fun, and special,” added Wilder. “Something that you can’t Once found, that something find anywhere else.” But if you see something you love, buy it. What fabulous will make its way to the is there today, may not be there tomorrow. This is the allure of M29 Lifestyle. You will be seduced by the thought of owning something so store in time for the season at hand. As we enter the holiday exclusive. season, M29 Lifestyle has an array of great gift options just waiting for the perfect home. So if your holiday shopping list includes family and friends who relish gifts that are unique and different, start your shopping at M29 Lifestyle. You will be sure to leave with wonderful gifts to please even the pickiest person in your brood. SPECIAL NOTE
Deborah Bush is the creative force behind M29 Lifestyle. She has worked with Strategic Hotels for 5 1/2 years, both creating and collaborating on retail concepts for the company’s portfolio of leading properties including projects in Mexico, L.A., D.C., Miami and Chicago.
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A CONVERSATION WITH...
Christine Brooks-Cropper
THE PRESIDENT OF THE GWFCC TALKS ABOUT DC'S NEW FASHION INCUBATOR
Image courtesy of Christine Brooks-Cropper
It's been a long road for Christine Brooks-Cropper, President of the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce (GWFCC). She has been fighting the good fight for almost a decade to help build a strong and vibrant fashion community in D.C. All of her hard work has finally paid off. Brooks-Cropper, with the help of the D.C. Government, is launching the city's first project specifically focused against the local emerging fashion community, the D.C. Fashion Business Incubator Project. The idea was formulated some years ago. While doing research, she stumbled upon information about the Toronto Fashion Incubator, currently in its 23rd year. “This is what I wanted to do for the Washington DC area to nurture fashion designers and the Washington fashion community," said Brooks-Cropper. “I wanted designers to be recognized by the industry, the trade.” But happy endings usually have interesting beginnings. During her tenure as a Victim of Crimes Administrator in the DC government under Mayor Anthony Williams, she started a company with two business partners. The company, Style Movement Consultants, focused on designer management and fashion production. During a well know annual fashion event, she saw how fashion designers were being misused. “I didn't like the way they were treating the designers,” she said. “I didn't appreciate the disrepect. I felt like the design community was being used only for charity events. Designers
were more focused against creating new collections instead of developing work as a business.” During this event, she noticed that fashion models were given more klout and respect than the designers who were providing clothes. This did not sit well with her. She knew that she had to do something to change the way the designers were creating collections for charity events that were not going to market. Several years after the birth of her son, Christine decided not to return to her government job in the criminal justice field. Instead, she chose to merge her Public Administration education with her love of fashion. Initially, she pitched to the D.C. government to create an entity similar to the Arts Commission that would focus specifically on the fashion community. When the city chose to make the entity an advisory committee, she launched the GWFCC as a trade commission. The GWFCC works
“I wanted designers to be recognized by the industry, the trade.”
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Façon | Fall/Winter 2011
to advocate on behalf of the fashion community to the district and federal governments to ensure that issues like piracy and trademark infringement, retail development, business development opportunities for designers are at the forefront of political discussions.
In early 2010, GWFCC honored esteemed fashion pioneers for their tireless efforts to support and promote the fashion industry. Fashion notables such as Fern Mallis, Fern Mallis, Inc., Save the Garment District organization, and Lara Miller, fashion designer and executive director of the Chicago Fashion Incubator, and several others were recognized and were presented with beautiful glass awards as mementos of the occasion.
In 2010, Brooks-Cropper, along with former Rep. Diane Watson, invited Giorgio Gucci, Founder of Giorgio G. fashion line and the third generation heir of the famous Gucci dynasty, along with a panel of three esteemed members of various U.S agencies to address the congressional community and educate Members on issues with the black market and counterfeit goods. In addition to advocacy, she created the D.C. Fashion Foundation (DCFF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Under DCFF, she vies for grants that allow her to create development programs designed to teach the fashion community the business side of design. Fashionably Business is one such program. Members of the D.C. fashion
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE DC FASHION BUSINESS INCUBATOR Call For Applications Deadline: December 15, 2011
community can attend free workshops on developing their brands, small business financing, creating business plans, understanding social media, merchandising and production/manufacturing. At last, it all comes full circle. The D.C. Fashion Business Incubator, which was once just an idea in her head, has now come to fruition. On M Street NW, in the Art in Public Places space, fashion art using mixed media will fill windows displays. Six city destinations will be featured. The space will be curated by menswear designer Andrew Nowell. Inside the Washington Convention Center (thanks to the Convention Center Arts Commission), there will be an administrative space (750 N Street NW) and a studio space (760 N Street NW) for five resident designers to share. A designer selection panel is currently being formed. “The panel will be made up of representatives from business, design, arts, financial, and retail industries,” said Brooks-Cropper. Wanted are a range of designers including menswear, womenswear, accessories, and textiles. In the works are an outreach program to help other emerging designers, as well as, a pop-up retail space. In the next phase, 16,000 sq. feet of space in Anacostia will expand the studio space and house a job training program.
The DC Fashion Incubator Project is currently seeking designers who are interested in being located in our Phase One location at 760 N Street NW near the Convention Center. Opportunities are available for four designers. Rent will be $250 per month and include 24/7 access to the studio, access to industrial sewing equipment, 2 hours per month of oneto-one consulting, and free business courses. Applications can be downloaded at: www.dcfashionincubator.org To learn more about the GWFCC/ DCFF, visit gwfcc.org.
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culture
CULTURE FIVE THINGS THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
1
Manolo Blahnik and the Tale of the Elves and the Shoemaker: A Fashion Fairy Tale Memoir Camilla Mor ton, HarperCollins Publishers
2 First Ladies Exhibit National Museum of American History, Washington, DC, November 19, 2011 - Until
3 Yohji Yamamoto: This Is My Dream Available now on DVD from the Y-3 London flagship store, 54 Conduit Street, London ht tp://thisismydreamthefilm.com/
5
The Great Designers, Part One Fashion & Textile History Gallery, NYC, November 29, 2011 - May 8, 2012
4 Commander-in-Chic: Every Woman's Guide to Managing Her Style Like the First Lady Mikki Taylor, Atria Books
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The Defiant Ones DARRELL CORTEZ F/W 2011 SETS THE TONE FOR THE NEW URBAN MALE Photographs by Daniel Stiles Fashion Editor: Janice Susan Wallace
The Defiant Ones ABOUT THE DESIGNER
Darrell Clark is the designer behind the Darrell Cortez brand. His love of fashion started in middle school. But it was during his college days at Pratt Institute and Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) where he was able to hone his technical skills as a craftsman. His junior year at FIT, he landed a job as a design/production assistant with his favorite American designer Donna Karan. After two and a half years at DKNY women’s division, Darrell was girded with an invaluable wealth of experience and knowledge which inspired him to begin designing under his own label and name sake, Darrell Cortez, his first and middle names. Darrell has created attire for celebrities such as Bustah Rhymes, Missy Elliott, and P-Diddy, to name a few. In addition to working on his next collection, he runs Chrome Eye Creative Services, a firm which offers clothing/costume design, wardrobe styling/ consulting, grooming/beauty, art direction and photography. To learn more about Darrell Cortez Menswear, follow him on Twitter, @darrellcortez. New web site is in the works.
ABOUT THE SHOOT Location:
Clifton, Virginia
Photographer:
Daniel Stiles
Fashion Editor:
Janice Susan Wallace
Makeup Artists:
Dominica Tillary Shamaya Fenwick-Chisholm
Styling Assistants:
Jasmine McCrae Denisio Truitt Cameron Guckert
Model Rep:
Chauncea Carothers The Fount Group, Inc. Justin Luciano Hector Aguilera Kevin Limpic John Ramseth
Models:
Model Rep: Derek Furman Model: Derek Furman 42 Façon | Fall/Winter 2011
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KOLTON.J JEWELRY IS A MIX OF VINTAGE AND MODERNITY TO CREATE NEW HEIRLOOM PIECES
dirty
pretty
things
Photographs by Denisio Truit t Fashion Editor: Janice Susan Wallace
dirty pretty things ABOUTTHE THEDESIGNER DESIGNER ABOUT
Jenny Schretter is the designer behind the Kolton.J brand. A graduate of
Darrell is Schretter the designer behind the Darrell brand. jewelry Boston Clark College, is a self-taught designer whoCortez began making as a hobby in 2008 while working as an interdealer broker on Wall Street and living in SoHo. She is continually inspired by the actual raw materials themselves—stone, chain, rare vintage findings—and likes to create juxtaposition between the textures of the materials while blending them together within a coordinated color palette.
ABOUT THE SHOOT As a reflection of the aesthetic of her jewelry and personal meaning to the
designer, the name “KOLTON.J” is derived from the word “holton” meaning Location: Clifton, Virginia whimsical, and is Jenny’s sister, Katie, and her initials “KJ”.
Photographer:
Daniel Stiles
Fashion Editor:
Janice Susan Wallace
Makeup ABOUT Artists: THE SHOOT
Dominica Tillary Shamaya Fenwick-Chisholm
To view the entire collection, visit koltonj.com. Follow Jenny on Twitter, @ kolton_j.
Photographer:
Styling Assistants: Fashion Editor: Makeup Artists:
Model Rep:
Hair Stylist:
Models:
Model Rep: Models:
Model Rep: Model:
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Denisio Truitt
Jasmine McCrae Janice Susan Denisio TruittWallace Cameron Guckert Chimyra Powell
Chauncea Carothers Justin Marcell The Fount Group, Inc. Justin Luciano Chauncea Carothers Hector Aguilera The Fount Group, Inc. Kevin Limpic Griselda Shutermeja John Ramseth De Lisa Patterson Bianca Davila
Derek Furman Derek Furman
Façon | Fall/Winter 2011
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The Last Word
One of my favorite things in M29 Lifestyle was a set of hourglasses. It had been a long time since I had seen an hourglass and these were exquisite. It made me remember that time is not forever and that we need to make the most of every moment.
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