“Emerging Designers Take D.C. Fashion Week By Storm” - Abril Manning DDMag Fashion Blogger 

 

The smell of Spring & Summer fashion is in the air for 2016 so that meant it was time to lay out the freshest runway at the Crystal City Doubletree Hotel.  The dressing area filled with models, designers, and makeup artists was surprisingly made for a very calm and easygoing atmosphere. Soon enough, that all changed because it’s show time and we... are... ready!

 

Chalina Couture Swimwear

 

Chalina tossed us a beach ball and magically opened the show with their couture swimwear! The line took a tropical approach which is always safe and beach friendly. Specializing in the bikini, monokini and wraps, the line presented intricate knit designs that created the simple and natural ideal of going on the best vacation ever. The monokini is the latest swim trend taking over summer!  Minimal embellishment was used; the focus was primarily on color and design in which the models displayed very well.

 

Rosies and Rockers

 

Rosies and Rockers gave us rock & roll chic. Staying in the color scheme of red, black and white, the collection was designed of nautical influence with a “punk” touch to it. This line made black skinny jeans and converses a must-have for just about everyone.  The men’s fashion was graced with tees and tanks with anchors, sailboats and, of course, some skulls while the ladies sported fashions like dresses with the Peter Pan collar and “Later Nerds” tops with all fashions accessorized with a signature tattooed arm sleeve. Very interesting play on the cheetah and houndstooth prints; it complimented the colors very well giving the line character. It was cool, casual and lots of fun to watch!

 

G aur M

 

G aur M took a tribal and more cultural direction into the show. The designs of the line played with a green, off-white and brown color palette. We caught eye of the trendy use of the flowy crop top and high-waist skirt that gave an untaught look accessorized with necklace statement pieces made which was also designed into the clothing. The designers gravitated to the cross combination of cultures (Indian, Middle Eastern & Libya) for inspiration that communicated being confident about your body and owning what you have on. Their ideas was exceptionally executed through this line.

 

VRS

 

The next collection brought us to another era we believe is a hit for the “vintage lover”. VRS’s collection of trench coats partnered with a turban, ascot and John Lennon sunglasses gave off high society vibes. There was a lot of play on different fabrics and prints which shockingly worked for this collection. Who doesn’t love a warm, fashionable coat to wear without any worry of breaking style laws? The collection embodied a contemporary classic chic for the modern woman. The designer wanted the line to mimic her personality which was described as “rich style” and “keeping 100 with fashion”.  Great for a debut!

 

Exquisite Fascinators

 

Exquisite is definitely the term to use for the fascinators at this show. Ranging in a variety of colors in feathers and jewels providing convenience to have something to wear with any outfit, Exquisite Fascinators brought their A-game. Each fascinator or hatinator had mini, individualized jeweled pieces made from satin and pearls that gave the hat a personality of its own. Also, if you have preference, there was a fascinator to that can be styled on any part of the head, whether on either sides or on top. Coupled with the lace gloves, the fascinators also brought elegance and versatility. A fascinator with a leather jacket? Well played, Exquisite Fascinators, well played.

 

Kechena Designs

 

Let’s step into the future with Kechena Designs! This collection has a strong focus on black and silver metallics with a sprinkle of gold and gave us a cutting edge look for next summer. The line was edgy, designed with a warrior-like look but flirty with texturized miniskirts and halter crop tops. The designer derived inspiration from Michael Costello. We think he would be proud.

 

Sharon L. Brown

 

The Sharon L. Brown collection gave us business casual and prom with a twist and a few other little surprises! With a soft play on prints, Sharon L. Brown kept with a purple, grey/silver and black scheme. The majority of the men’s fashion revolved around vests shown on bare skin leaving the rest of the outfit to imagination. The women’s fashion had the glitter and the sparkle! From peplum tops to strapless dresses that naturally falls, this line is definitely a head-turner. There was a little medieval charm worked into the line with a red corset, peasant top and a layered skirt. It was refreshingly different! Work it!

 

Fox Mod

 

One word: pastels, pastels, pastels! Fox Mod brings a funky and trendy presence to the show of emerging designers with pastel colors and a splash of neon. Fox Mod’s use of geometric shapes with crop tops and high waist pants makes it easy to pick out an outfit for a special event or a date! The designer focused the line on her alter ego and inner self. Fun, flirty, Fox Mod!

 

Best Urban Garments

 

Put the spotlight on this collection! From the mind of a 17 year old, Best Urban Garments takes the simplistic approach to fashion. It is a unique take on street fashion. Utilizing the colors of red, black and grey, Best Urban Garments decorates this line with a trend popular right now, color blocking! This trend is usually styled minimalistic way which is done very well through this collection. Inspiration of this line is courtesy of the designer’s grandmother.  Flawless debut!

 

MD Fashion Aspen

 

This collection has all of your needs for women’s outerwear! The combination of greens, purples and burgundy makes for a beautiful scenery. This line has a secret weapon as well...asymmetry! Can you handle the dynamics of some of these jackets? They were designed for the risk taker and the daring spirit. Quilted patterns and buttons gives the style charm that cannot be replicated. Inspiration for this line comes from “chaos of the city”.

Nicely done.

 

Michelle C. Gibson

 

Michelle C. Gibson “explodes” on the runway with her collection, “Explosive Serenity”. The blues, the pinks and the oranges makes all of our dreams come true. With explosive and a bit of hypnotizing patterns, Michelle C. Gibson creates such a positive energy through the dresses and short and crop top combos. It screams summer! Michelle’s inspiration comes from the emotions you feel when your dreams turn into reality. Wow, just wow!

 

ARMAR Collections

 

Need a little work wear inspiration? Look no more! ARMAR tones it down with their neutral colors for the classic woman. This line is pretty much straight forward which can say a lot about the woman who wears the clothes. There is very minimal use of prints and design and the focus is on how the fashions embody the woman. This collection expresses high quality and effortless style.

 

SL Fashion Designs

 

Closing out the show, SL Fashion Designs leaves us with great impression. This collection is no stranger to print and color. It’s wild and daring creating statement looks and memorable fashions. Majority of the women’s fashion consisted of lace and two-piece dress collaborations which is definitely the way to go. SL Fashion Designs ended the show beautifully and with a bang!

 

Now this makes for an awesome end to DCFW 2016. Not just for being fashionable but fashion being brought to life through creative imagination in your wildest dreams.  This crop of dazzling emerging designers has set the bar of our wardrobe expectations very high!