Limon Piel Handbags Carry a Message of Goodwill

In Colombia’s remote highlands, there is a child who is receiving medical attention for the first time. Their family and friends also get the care they need thanks to Colombia Missions, a volunteer medical program akin to Doctors Without Borders. A team of American physicians and non-medical volunteers spend six days in communities throughout the year treating everything that is requested.

Three years ago Baltimore native Lisa Garrett joined a team and met Liliana Montero, a local artisan. Garrett returned home sporting one of Montero’s handcrafted bags and hatched a plan that would support the medical missions and alleviate the local artisans out of poverty.

Limon Piel International was born.

Garrett began to import Montero’s bag and sells primarily online and specialty boutiques. Each collection is named after an Indian tribe whose history is recreated through delicate fabrications. The Shinye Collection, for example, pays homage to tradition enriched by bold colors (deep reds and brown and bright lime green – perhaps, revealing their sense of humor) and embellishments (ancestral guanga weavings). Retailing between $200 - $400, proceeds from the bags go to the medical missions.

While shopping in Old Town Alexandria, Garrett stopped by Hysteria and shared the story of Limon Piel Handbags. Manager Alicia McCaslin could not say no to the idea of hosting a trunk show.

Hysteria, as many know, offers contemporary high fashion to Washington’s tastemakers. So, how would a bohemian-natured aesthetic fare alongside wares by Trina Turk, Diane vonFurstenberg, and Nanette Lepore?

“The handbags appeal to the woman who wants something different,” McCaslin said. “But the bags themselves are simply beautifully made and have a great story.

“Fashion should make people feel good about themselves but also aware,” she continued. “And we like that Limon Piel gives back to the community.”



Handbags from the trunk show are still available at Hysteria or visit the Limon Piel Web site. To learn more about the missions, go to Colombia Mission.

Young Designers Wise Beyond Their Years

Terra boutique recently hosted the creative talent behind independent label Eva Khurshid, Fatima Monkush and Nyla Hashmi. The lifelong friends brought their first collection to DC in hope of finding an audience – they left with an instant fan base.

Upon my arrival, a few minutes past the start of the event, I sensed community forming. Perhaps it was the eagerness of the two young designers to introduce themselves or seeing how the Washingtonian woman could have easily been the designers’ muse translated into conservative construction but bold in color and fabrication. Guests touched, inquired and tried on every garment in the roughly 15-piece collection to the delight of the designers and boutique owner, Oriana Khatso (who has a trained eye for quality and innovative styles).


“The Eva Khurshid woman is confident and always on the go,” Monkush, 26, and Hashmi, 24, said practically in unison. “She wants pieces that are easy to wear and simply are a great fit.” Oh, and don’t forget sexy.

“We really considered our line as sexy rediscovered,” they continued. “Being sexy really comes from confidence.”


The New York-based designers’ fate was sealed as childhood friends growing up in Connecticut in Muslim households. They both pursued their interest in fashion by majoring in design - Monkush specializing in printmaking and jewelry and Hashmi in knitwear. Despite choosing different schools to hone their skills, they remained committed to a design partnership.

A year ago they honored that commitment by starting Eva Khurshid, named after their grandmothers. The line appeals to young women, and Muslim women in particular, who want fashionable clothing without compromising their faith or modesty. They unveiled tailored pants, billowy blouses in bold hues and signature prints and pleating, and shirt-dresses that could be worn over leggings or skinny jeans to accommodate those who prefer not to show bare legs. The collection describes the design duo's nature - thoughtful and respectful. And fabric choice is not spared.

Monkush and Hashmi present a fresh alternative to business attire this city so wholeheartedly embraces while maintaining the integrity of what has so affectionately been dubbed the sisterhood of traveling pantsuits (a la Hillary!). Similarly, the line evokes the qualities we seek in community: familiarity and acceptance. Kudos to Terra for recognizing genuine talent and making Monkush and Hashmi feel at home.

Walish Gooshe = Class and Sophistication

For his new label, WG for Walish Gooshe, Greg Taylor turns to his trusted source of inspiration for the yet-to-release collection of men and women casual wear. Since the launch of his company in 2004, Greg’s designs mimic his surroundings. “I grew up in a very stylish family,” says the DC native. “But I seek inspiration from architectural buildings and nature.”

The collection will unveil Greg’s introduction to menswear, an audience he hopes is receptive to the line of jeans, hoodies and tees – simple shapes with a hint of buzz.



And buzz is what has followed Greg since opening his showroom in his adopted Philadelphia in 2007. What started as custom tailoring with Greg as the designer, sewer, and manager has expanded to a staff of eight coordinating client consultations, events, and of course, three collections to date. All thanks in large part to Greg’s exposure in the Philadelphia and Washington media and red-carpet gowns for celebrities such as Laila Ali, Sheinelle Jones, Angela Russell, and former America’s Next Top Model winner Naima Mora.

Humbly, Greg appears unfazed by the accolades given by the models and spectators alike at his recent showing at the CW Beauty and Style Expo in Washington. I for one gushed at the origami-shaped crop jackets and a pair of black cigarette pants made of silk layered in intricately woven tulle. Ok, poor description but trust me, these pants were amazing!


Underneath his mild nature is an ambitious designer. He is currently scouting the DC area for a second showroom and a third in Boston. His team is feverishly working on a fashion show to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a partnership established two years ago with the first fashion charity event. The show will be held in December in DC. After a holiday break, Greg returns to DC in February for the 2nd annual Northern Virginia Fashion Week (NOVA Fashion Week).


Walish Gooshe is exclusively sold in small boutiques (five in Philadelphia) just as Greg intends. “We are a very special brand meaning we don’t want to work in large quantities,” says the young designer. Greg travels to NY for his fabrics and production.

“I think happy people take more risks,” Greg says. And by any indication of his new collection and company expansion, Greg is pretty happy.

Beth Bowley Trunk Show at Lettie Gooch

Tonight’s unseasonably warm night (a much welcomed reprieve from days of rain) sent me indoors, uncharacteristically of me, to view the Beth Bowley fall collection at Lettie Gooch. The one-night only trunk show unveiled classic pieces on trend with faux fur, jewel embellishments, and Mad Men-esque influence. The hammered silk bird top and zebra print halter dress appealed to my sweet-natured side; however, it was the range of coats and cropped jackets that set my heart aflutter. Alissyn Gettenberg, a Beth Bowley Account Executive present for the only trunk show, confirmed this sensation. “An essential for this fall is a great coat,” she said emphatically. And from the pictures below, I think you will agree.
Cropped Leopard
Teal houndstooth, $414
Teal mohair vest, $352
Teal pullover, $308
Black coat, $450

Shop the collection through October 25. Love an item but not in your size? The sales associates will place an order. Beth Bowley is carried only at boutiques and in the DC area, Lettie Gooch and Sugar,

DC Fashion Shows Spotlight Ethical Designers

Carolina Herrera left me breathless. And the designers showcased at the 5th Annual Fashion Fights Poverty Fashion Show reaffirmed a role for independent designers in the industry. A handful of local and international designers, among them Nudie Jeans from Sweden and local newbie MPerial, previewed collections inspired by the environment's social and economic landscape. And some showed us a completely different world. Each conveyed a story rich in detail, perspective and the unimaginable - ideals Washington nurtures. I had the fortune of working with the representative, Diego, for Nudie Jeans. The models channeled James Dean in the ethically-produced premium jeans, organic tees and lumberjack shirts, and sporty jackets and coats. He emerged as a cool cat too cool to notice the cheers by both male and female guests. Let's just say I didn't complain dressing the models!!!! The night also introduced the guests to model/environmental activist Summer Rayne Oakes as she shared co-hosting duties with Fox anchorman, Will Thomas. Her commitment to environmental advocacy as earned the recognition of the international community and multiple awards. Her presence reminded us all why were there to support the organization - eco-chic plays a vital role in alleviating poverty and saving the planet one garment at a time.

A few weeks ago, I found myself working backstage again at another show - multiple shows that is during the CW Beauty and Style Expo. The GWFCC and cable network, CW-sponsored event attracted fashionistas and inquirers alike to shop local beauty and fashion vendors as well as be treated to on-the-spot hair and make up demonstrations and fashion shows. The line up of shows included local designers Tashia Senn, Chez Kevito, Walish Gooshe, CG Originals (congrats to jewelry designers Cecilia and Patricia for venturing into clothing!), jewelry designer Evelyn Brooks, Tsyndyma, and wedding couture designer Helen Kimmer and retailers Betsy Johnson (the designer herself made an appearance at her store earlier in the week - and yes, the hair is real!), South Moon Under (I love this Annapolis-outpost for it's west coast feel - ahh, how I miss California at times...), and Ed Hardy. America's Next Top Model fans gushed at the sight of previous contestants walk the catwalk, and perhaps, the most eye-catching was Bravo TV filming Washingtonian socialites in the upcoming Housewives of DC "socialize". And yes, that is me dressing the models for the CG Originals collection behind two stars of the gab about something.....

What's next for MSL? Well, find us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/mysignaturelook tweet about store sales, fashion dos and don'ts, and shows behind the scenes. See us mingle at an upcoming fashion event in support of Suited for Change at Old City Taven in Georgetown on Oct. 21 and check out the Eva Khurshid Trunk Show at Terra in Dupont Circle on Oct. 23. Also, save the date: Tuesday, December 1 as MSL celebrates 3 Years at Carbon. Consider this a Client Appreciation and Support Local event! RSVP at katherine@mysignaturelook.com.

MSL Enters the Big Tent

Earlier this week I lost my fashion virginity to Bryant Park. The dream of entering a tent reserved for the fashion privileged – bestowed either by their editorial cred, buyer status, trade association, or fame – was realized with anticipated breath. As a member of Fashion Group International, I was able to obtain a coveted “Standing” ticket for the Carolina Herrera Spring/Summer 2010 show. If time and space allowed, a weeks worth of shows may have led to an internal combustion. In hindsight, I don’t think my constitution could have handled such fashion overdose – I was content with the one show and who better to see than one of the most respected designers in the industry.

While waiting to enter, I was aroused by the sighting of fashion’s elite. To my left, I viewed Anna Wintour breeze pass security with such force that her hair flew in the wind only to quickly land gently in its place. A few minutes later, celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe tried to pull a Wintour but was recalled to the check-in table. She may have forgotten her ticket but she kept true to her fashion sense donning a light moss jumpsuit that draped beautifully over her lithe frame. Fellow celebrity stylist Robert Verdi marched in with his signature sunglasses planted firmly on his forehead. Socialites and other industry insiders careened by until finally the “seatless” could make their entrance.

We filed into “the tent” reserved for larger productions, blinded by the photographers trigger-happy flashes, walked up a series of steps with heads perked up to catch a glimpse of the front row. I stationed myself in the middle giving me full view of the runway (sans stage). Before the show even started, my heart began racing at the sight of my fashion icons seated in the front row – a who’s who of the publishing world: Vogue (Anna Wintour, Grace Goddington, and Thomas Florio), Vanity Fair (Graydon Carter), Elle (Joe Zee and Anne Slowey), and Marie Claire (Nina Garcia) mixed in with Carolina Herrera’s husband and daughter, celebrity stylists, and department store buyers.

The lights dimmed, music cued (a mix of bossa nova tempos), and the first of 38 models initiates the story of a woman holidaying in Monaco or Rio, perhaps. She resists a tank and shorts for a sophisticated summer suit (jacquard linen shorts, bustier, and woven vest or cropped jacket). For an evening at the casino or theater, she wears a chiffon or quartz striped organza dress. A natural color palate of amber, rose, and caramel mimic a setting sun. I was truly enamored by the rich fabrics, intricate detailing and belts (woven or leather rope) combined to create a clean silhouette. The gowns flawlessly depicted Carolina’s inspiration from Japanese baskets and a warm summer day.


Carolina presented a strong yet graceful collection for the woman who knows she has arrived.

Photos by InStyle Magazine

Peace, Love, and Harmony, Baby

Last month, Woodstock turned 40. After seeing Taking Woodstock, director Ang Lee’s interpretation of how 500,000 peace-loving Americans descended on a field in upstate New York, I am compelled to revisit my “hippie” phase (sans obligatory doobies). I outed my inner-hippie with a pair of brown Birkenstocks I bought with my first paycheck from Cinnamon Sam’s at 16. The shoes, which lasted well into college albeit smelly and frayed, accompanied a wardrobe of long flowing skirts, peasant tops, handmade hemp bracelets, and macabre belts.

The desire to be “free”, as what Woodstock signified to many, continues to linger in my closet. You will not find a skirt or pant suit, rather a deconstructed suit to ensure versatility and ownership. I’ve upgraded from Birkenstocks to several gladiator sandals positioned alongside Converse All-Stars and Coach loafers on my shoe rack. While I still favor a vintage maxi dress in flower-power prints, I pair it with a black blazer or leather jacket just to be rebellious. One of my five signature looks is Modern Bohemian, a sophisticated tribute to a movement that encouraged creativity, free-thinking, and social responsibility.

Now a second generation of designers is continuing the legacy. John Patrick uses organic materials and production methods to create beautiful ready-to-wear. Matthew Williamson has brought his ethereal collection to affordable chain-store H&M. Alice Temperley oozes avant-garde but her nature treads lightly in reverence to our planet. Their perspective builds on where Woodstock left off – it’s what freedom looks like in 2009.

We don’t need another Woodstock. But we do need a forum for self-expression and in words, we embellish with the clothes, accessories, and shoes that illustrate a world-view – a personal point of view – conscious of our impact on the environment, the economy, and on others.


John Patrick


Missoni


Anna Sui


Martin Margiela