Where Fashion Meets Nature and all Wild Things In Between

I’m a fan of animal print – zebra, snakeskin, and leopard. I have two snakeskin heels that have seen some days. All I need is a hint of it – bag, shoes, and belts – to stir my wild side and feel a bit sexy. And I love that I don’t have to sacrifice the source of these embellishments. I go faux. Which is not a faux-pas these days thanks to the increasing acceptance (and encouragement) of ethical/sustainable fashion.

This Friday, Dec. 19, Washingtonians and visitors will learn more about the role fashion can play in preserving the environment and protection of animals through a special event at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.

The Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce (GWFCC) is hosting this one night event aptly called Fashion Night at ZooLights. In collaboration with Avani Ribbon, an organization dedicated to working with socially responsible fashion designers and retailers, the GWFCC aims to draw attention to the issues impacting our earth and promote corporate social responsibility.

Ethical fashion designers will be featured throughout the evening as part of the Zoo's educational component, "Love the Skin you are in - how animals dress for the winter." Organic and recycled clothing by fashion designer Ryann and new boutique Fashion Philanthropy will be displayed. GWFCC will also present designs made from recycled clothing by fashion design students from the West Potomac High School Academy.

I have the perfect vintage dress and faux-leather oxford heels to show off my own sustainable savvies. I can feel the wild child stirring now……

For tickets, go to www.fonz.org.

Meet the Designers: Elizabeth Wilson, Byron Lars and Daniel Vosovic

When I started this company, I knew the perks: witnessing a client’s transformation from blah to glam, attending fashion events, and meeting fellow fashion insiders. And I wouldn’t have to leave D.C.!

Most recently, I had the chance to cross paths with a few designers worth mentioning.

In late October, I met Elizabeth Wilson, creator of Asiatica. Her annual trip to D.C. is more than business; it’s a reunion for the secret society of Asiaticats. What is an Asiaticat you may wonder? As Elizabeth describes them, women who “derive satisfaction from filling their lives with things that have visual interest and feel that one’s quality of life is increased by sipping coffee from the perfect cup or wearing a exquisitely detailed textile.”

This woman is definitely resourceful. If she didn’t discover the collection from stopping by at Elizabeth’s showroom in Kansas City, then she stumbled upon a trunk show held in one of the 17 designated metropolitan cities. Then she becomes hooked - hooked to the rare fabric. [Asiatica is the only company outside of Japan to use fabric, which is made from high-tech weaving and design processes, from the company Nuno.] She doesn’t need to see the label to know you are wearing a kindred patchworked jacket or silk shirt, Asiatica’s signature pieces. Elizabeth employs a small team of women in-house who can spend months on one garment.

In the hour spent at Elizabeth’s trunk show, you can feel the Asiaticat rising from within. Elizabeth and her business partner entrance you with their graceful movement from one garment to the next. She’s the Chinese art historian by trade and you’re the awe-inspired student gushing over the intricate design work molded out of ancient materials. Even if you are not called to the society, then you are sure to leave impressed.

A few days later, I found myself in front of Everard’s Clothing boutique in Georgetown excited to meet celebrity designer, Byron Lars. Upon entering the boutique, I made a beeline for upstairs where Byron stood among a crowd of women adorning him and his collection of dresses, skirts, and signature blouses. Let’s just say it was hard not to be distracted by his charm. But back to his clothes. Since his launch in 1991, Lars has received praise for his artistic interpretation of the classics (i.e., men’s cotton dress shirt meets Dior) and penchant for the extreme. He made androgyny cool. He accentuated curves. He made Barbie a fashion icon (he designed a limited edition for the It girl, herself).

Byron’s current label of eight years, Beauty Mark, is homage to his earlier work. But it is the built-in features of a bodice, high collar, and pouffy sleeves that evoke a sense of royalty. Mixed in this collection are sweet floral shift dresses and pencil skirts with a hint of peek-a-boo pleats. The detailing is simply thoughtful and exquisite.

It was Byron’s first visit to the nation’s capital and he wondered what took him so long. And hopefully not his last. Did I mention that he was charming?

(First Lady-elect, if you are reading this, I highly recommend donning an original by Byron for the Inaugural ceremony – you will surely be on the “best dressed” list!)

Earlier this week, Daniel Vosovic graced the stage at the Corcoran Gallery of Art to promote his first publication, Fashion Inside Out: Guide to How Style Happens from Inspiration to Runway and Beyond. About 100 fashion mavens sat relaxed, laughing even, but attentive to the small-framed designer who entertained his audience with anecdotes that pieced together his journey into fashion. We were in the presence of an ingénue, a humbled ingénue.

Before there was Bravo’s Project Runway Season 2, there was recognition garnered as a student at FIT and abroad in Milan, Paris and London. The show catapulted him into the hearts of amateur designers and trendsetters. He has deferred launching his own line to collaborate with established designers and design staff uniforms for employees of a new hotel chain, NYLO. Oh, and design outfits for the NBC drama, Lipstick Jungle and its fictitious magazine – Bonfire Magazine.

The lights dimmed in the auditorium and we sank into our seats a little deeper as he took us through a slide show featuring the inside pages of his book. Not the picture book he jokingly referred to, but a photographer’s lens into the design process. Each page unfolded a truth about him and his worldview. Yes, it is a how-to guide relevant to the aspiring designer, but fashion aficionados like myself, can appreciate the ability to give life to an idea.

DC Designer Lenny Yorke Leaves Beautiful Legacy

While vacationing in Nevada, I received news that Lenny Yorke, a prominent fashion designer in the local fashion and African American community, had passed unexpectedly.

I had the fortune of working with Lenny on several local fashion shows, the most recent being a charity fashion show to raise awareness on human trafficking. His energy was not to be mistaken for the chaotic energy that ensued behind the scenes. He brought the kind of energy that attracts passion, commitment, and enthusiasm for the creative arts.

In our brief acquaintance, I observed a gentle soul on the quest to bridge contrasting perspectives so eloquently portrayed through his designs – exaggerated hem lengths, opposing colors, and complex shapes. To me, his muse was a worldly woman who dared to be different in a time when being different was not always welcomed with open arms.

In an industry that has the tendency to draw lines, Lenny crossed him with his warm personality and creative ingenuity. He leaves behind an invaluable lesson: dream and dream big.

Thank you, Lenny.

A tribute to Lenny Yorke will be held on Sunday, Dec 14 from 2-6 pm at The Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center in Baltimore, MD. The address is 847 North Howard Street, Baltimore MD 21201. If you are able to attend, please RSVP with Larry Allen at 215-817-4499 or larry@lastyle4u.com.

Make a Statement With Jewelry

Last time I checked it was 2008, but we are in the midst of a fashion flashback - circa 1980. No, shoulder pads have not resurfaced (although I gasped when I pulled a pair of stirrups from a rack at Macy's!) or neon-colored bandanas - thank goodness. Rather, bling-bling fortified. Statement jewelry is the IT factor this fall.

Ok, I know what you are thinking. This is probably not the time to flaunt your luxury décor given the current economy. People are losing their homes, college students can’t get student loans, and unemployment is rising. We should be conserving not spending.

I am by no means an economist (um, I barely passed Economics 101 and 102 my freshman year in college), but the economy has a life cycle of its own and we can choose to either respect it or steer it off course. I suggest we do the former.

Remember, life is about taking risks. And self-expression is the perfect place to start. So, inject some fun and humor into your daily attire and give people something to talk about.

Go easy. Choose one piece (take Coco Chanel's cue) - either a necklace, earrings, or bracelet - and create depth by layering necklaces, or wearing chandeler earrings, or chunky bracelets/wide cuffs. And make a louder statement by purchasing your item from a local jewelry designer. Here are a few of MSL’s favorites:

Ana Joa
CG Originals
Dancing Flamingos
Elaine Robnett Moore
Evelyn Brooks Designs
Kene Kae Jewelry

Nora Fischer Designs
Rachelle Celine

Statement jewelry is simply making your presence known. Reveal your personality – or maybe just a glimpse. You decide.

(And remember to wear your statement jewelry on Election Day – Tuesday, Nov. 4th!)

Fall In Love with Color

The next few weeks are going to be hard to say goodbye. Goodbye to summer, that is. The go-to strapless cotton dress and gladiator sandals that served well for barbecues and walks along the beach must now retreat to that cold, sad plastic storage bin. But don't fret, the memories will soon be an after-thought overshadowed by a new season of deep, rich hues evoking luxury and glamour.

Complement a cool starry night by opting for a gold wrap dress or violet houndstooth square neck shift dress (with this season's musts have textured black tights, see Marc Jacobs) and for him, pair a cobalt blue thin sweater with charcoal gray pants. All genders should take stock in purple, dark brown, golds, and gray.

So, farewell my summer clothes and hello fall coolness. Shades [still] required.

Take on the Heat with Hot Pants (and I don't mean short shorts)

Washingtonians have reason to suffer. Not only are they conformists to the navy suit and tie, but they are nonexempt from such attire even in the hottest of all months, August.

Well, take your cues from the lighter side of fabrics and opt for natural fabrics like soy, hemp, and bamboo. And yes, you can find stylish clothes made from these "green" fabrics.

For the busy woman, try the wide leg sailor pant which can be worn in the work place and happy hour after work. For day, pair it with a loose fitting blouse - retro style adds character, and close-toed heels (avoid slingback as the back of the pant will most likely get caught in between the heel and the shoe). For evening, pair with a boat-neck fitted tee and dangly earrings and bangles.

For a casual afternoon, straight khakis is the perfect alternative for both men and women. For her, pair with Benetton vertical striped button-down in hot pink or purple and wedges. And for him, a polo shirt tucked in with bright colored belt and canvas shoes.

For the young hipster, the cropped skinny pant is the answer. The pant can take you in any direction your mood dictates: (1) rebellious when paired with converse hightops, metallic belt, tee with graphic, (2) preppy when paired with fitted waist-length pinstriped jacket and polo shirt with collar up and Toms canvas shoes, or (2) sweet when paired with low pointy heels, soft bamboo or jersey hip-length tank.

And don't stray too far from the pool!

China's Top Designers Scoring Gold

Next month the international community will descend upon mainland China to cheer their compatriots to victory. Representing our fearless shoes, jackets, and gear are the ambassadors of sportswear labels, Adidas and Puma. However, beyond the track and field, pools, and gymnasiums, there are emerging designers in China that are striking gold in the competition for trendsetter.

Rated favorably among their peers in China’s fashion industry, the following designers have become serious contenders for creating luxury in the form of haute couture, ready-to-wear, and sportswear. Equally, each outshine in their interpretation of East meets West. My Signature Look has been tallying their stats:

At the ripe age of 22, Cho Cheng has captured the attention of China and now New York’s elite with his glamorous red carpet gowns. After honing his craft at Parson’s School of Design, he became the creative director for Maggie Norris Couture. His most prominent benefactor, and muse (as featured on his anticipated Web site), is Carmen Dell' Orifice – who will surely launch his career into household stardom. Points: Technique and creativity

When not acting on the small screen, Liu Yang, 34, designs. His collection of dresses have generated excitement among China’s young fashionistas who are breaking from tradition and incorporating other elements of their culture into their wardrobe. In Yang’s 2007 collection, for example, he chose black over red to emphasize a new cultural identity, citing “black is mysterious, sexy, and charismatic."

Points: Innovation and elegance

Noted as the first designer to participate in New York Fashion Week, menswear designer Danny Yang, has bridged nations with his familiar-friendly label, Cabbeen. Unlike his contemporaries, the line caters more to Western influences with cargo pants, jersey knit tops and caps akin to Abercrombie & Finch, but the difference being higher quality material and shapes.

Points: Inclusiveness and tailored

Ji Wenbo may not only be known for his fantastical designs but now known as the designer who could. Ji conquered the European fashion industry by being the first Asian brand represented at Milan Fashion Week last year. His determination won the admiration of the president of the Italy National Garment Association who welcomed Ji to the runway. The show proved Ji’s talent for complex silhouettes and flare for creating drama.

Points: Technique and eccentric

Where Benetton and Nascar meet is where you’ll find Chaoyue Liu Lin-Jin Hui Sportswear. The collection of fitted leather jackets, multi-colored striped jerseys and down vests ignite heat when wore separately or together. The men who wear them evoke a bit of edge tempered with layers of approachable coolness.

Points: Originality and fun

Earning the Asahi Kasei Chinese Prize for fashion design last year has catapulted Liu Wei to the next level. Her ode to impressionism finds its focus in a colorful ready-to-wear collection. To her, beautiful dresses can, and should, be worn at the office.

Points: Cohesion and relevant