I’m pleased to announce that I am continuing my partnership with Washington Life in bringing you the best weekly fashion news from around the world. Here, you can find all back posts for 2012.
My other half and I are usually vomit-worthy. It’s that kind of relationship where when the mood strikes us (more often than not), we will surprise the other with little gifts, notes or kind gestures. This past weekend, we traded gifts that signified just a little bit more than a “just because” – something that could serve as an everyday reminder that what we have is far different than anything we have had previously and that we are both vested in this relationship, as well as each other.
Jason Mraz‘s new song “I Won’t Give Up” is played on repeat in our home. He also happens to be my boyfriend’s favorite artist. After doing some careful research and shopping around, I was able to snag this for him:
What he gave to me… well, I was speechless (which is rare). He knows my favorite designers are Michael Kors, Tory Burch, David Yurman… (the list is long so I’ll stop there). He said that he spent a lot of time, trying to find the perfect gift and something that hadn’t even been put on display yet, ended up being the perfect gift.
Yes, it’s David Yurman and I know how lucky I am. In fact, I haven’t taken it off, since I got it.
Some might say it’s not the gift that matters. You’re right – it’s not. It’s the thought. To us, these had a deeper meaning – each signifying something that is special to us only – something no one else would understand.
Regardless if you have the means to afford gifts, you should definitely always remember why you got into your relationship in the first place. It’s important for the other to remember (even in little ways) how special they are to you. Even little things like doing the dishes, making dinner, leaving a little handwritten note, make a huge difference in a relationship and go a long way towards more happiness and less frustration. Because at the heart of every human being… we all just want to be appreciated.
I cannot be more thrilled than to happily start building a spring collection, dedicated to the 1950s. It’s absolutely one of my most favorite decades (next to the 30s and 40s). When Prada had released their spring shoe and handbag collection, I knew that almost all designers would follow suit and sure enough, one caught my eye.
Say hello to the newest addition, by Elie Tahari:
Every Valentine’s Day I grapple with whether or not going out or staying in makes sense. This year, we’re staying in and I’m excited.
Here’s a peek at my recipes for tonight:
Lover’s Beef Burgundy Filet
Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Herbed Potatoes
For those that do not know what Fashion for Paws is, it’s an annual runway show (held every April), where those invited to participate in fundraising, have a chance to walk the runway with a pup in tow. Each year, the event gets bigger… and so do the donations, making it more and more challenging for the models to raise the funds needed to walk the (ahem) catwalk.
As with every year, plenty of female models clamor to nab a spot, with not as many men participating. This year, there is a new male candidate, whose rescue husky happens to be a veteran. His name is Charlie Martel and his dog’s name is Shantih.
I decided to interview Charlie, not only because he is a dear friend but because he is a great example of what this event is all about – helping animals find homes so they can live happy and healthy lives.
1. This is your first year modeling in Fashion for Paws but not Shantih’s first year. Who is more nervous?
Me, by a long shot 
Shantih rocked the runway last year, struck a pose for the paparazzi, and was mobbed by fans after the show. I am lucky to be the accessory at the other end of his leash.
2. Shantih, any advice for first-time dog models?
Yes–it’s a lot more fun when your partner is a beautiful woman. Last year my date was Nina Snow, and this year I’ll be taking my owner, Charlie Martel. I like Charlie just fine, and I’m glad I rescued HIM, but Nina stunned in a Nicole Miller dress last year. This year I’ll have to bring the glamour.
3. Charlie, Shantih was a rescue. How long have you had him and why did you end up choosing him to adopt?
Shantih and I have a wonderful story. I honestly believe he rescued me.
I have had Shantih for 9 years, since February 8, 2003. He was three months old when I adopted him. It is hard to believe this, but he was a Christmas gift who no one wanted. The couple that bought him gave him to a family for Christmas, and the family gave him back because they did not want a dog. The couple that bought him didn’t want him either, so they brought him to a shelter.
I’d signed up a few weeks earlier at the shelter, and I wanted a dog to hike and run with. But I was not sure I was ready. When I met Shantih at the shelter to see if I wanted to adopt him, he toddled into the room and was just adorable–he was a three month husky puppy, so he looked like a little fuzz ball with blue eyes. I tossed him a toy and he retrieved it and jumped in my lap.
So I really think he chose me. I named him Shantih, because it’s the Sanskrit word for “peace” and he is so sweet and kind. It’s a real active peace, because he’s a husky and even at 9 years old he’s got a lot of sugar in his bowl.
It’s been pure love from that moment on. He’s a therapy dog and has visited wounded soldiers, he’s been chosen as the dog mascot for a tavern, and is the best trail running companion you could imagine. Everywhere I go with him people stop us and want to play with him and he just eats it up.
When I grow up I want to be like him.
4. For those that know nothing about Fashion for Paws, can you give a brief explanation as to what it is?
The Fashion for Paws® (F4P) Runway Show is many good things at once. It is a high-energy fashion show, featuring leading designers and photographers. Designed by Syzygy Event Productions, the event presents cutting edge high fashion, drawing an extraordinary crowd of VIP’s, fashion and animal lovers alike. The Fashion for Paws Runway Show has been named the best fashion event of the year in Washington, DC for 3 years in a row and includes and has three different catergories of models walking the runway. The heart and soul of the event are the fundraising models who agree to raise a minimum of $5000 in the weeks leading up to the event and participate in a friendly fundraising competition.
The event is held in one of the city’s most historic and beautiful places, the National Building Museum. The fundraising models, and sometimes their dogs, walk the runway. We’re fortunate to have good food and drink and wonderful corporate sponsorships. And the Show benefits homeless animals. The energy from all this, and our great audiences, provides for a very special night.
5. Why support the Washington Humane Society?
WHS takes care of nearly 30,000 homeless, lost, neglected and abused animals each year in the Washington, DC region. In addition to saving animals by providing shelter and finding homes for adoption, WHS runs programs, such as Humane Education, Human-Animal Rehabilitation, Humane Law Enforcement, low-cost spay/neuter, sheltering and adoption.
WHS also helps soldiers interested in pursuing work or volunteering in animal care. This program, called “Dog Tags”, and it offers innovative, three-tiered training, as well as a certified education in animal training. Seventy-five troops have participated, and the program also helps the homeless animals at WHS because the soldiers provide companionship, love and socialization that increases their chances for adoption.
6. What are some of Shantih’s favorite activities? What are some activities you do together?
Shantih and I love to run, hike and play soccer together. He plays soccer with his paws, if you kick him the ball he’ll bat it back with his paws. He’s a good goalie and it’s tough to get the ball by him. We love trail running and hiking along the Potomac and in the mountains. He’s a swimmer – he learned from a couple of labs who taught him how to play in the water.
Like all huskies, Shantih is in heaven in the snow. He loves the beach too and will run endlessly in the sand. He’s lost a face off or two with crabs.
As active as he is, Shantih knows how to chill. At the beach he’ll lounge all day on the porch and watch the world pass by. He is also a cuddler who will jump into chairs or sofas, but only when his boss gives him permission.
Shantih is a real people lover – it’s why he was a good therapy dog. When we visited Walter Reed, the first patient he visited regained consciousness when Shantih nuzzled him, and one of the families decided to adopt a husky because their son, who lost an arm, fell in love with Shantih. It was just an amazing experience seeing how dogs can help people heal. I think the dogs understand something profound about wounded people that goes beyond what we know. If you want to believe that dogs have soul, spend a morning at a military hospital with therapy dogs.
He’s also great with kids of all ages. He was chosen as a mascot for a tavern in Old Town and got to march in several parades, which allowed him to do two things he loves–walk and play with lots of people.
We’ve been pretty inseparable since I got him. He traveled with me to London when I did graduate studies there, and was thrilled that dogs are allowed in pubs, where he was treated like a local celebrity–free fish and chips!
He loves to play and loves to love.
7. What is your fundraising goal for this year’s event?
My goal is to raise $5,000, and I hope to meet and surpass it!
8. Provide some general background about yourself.
I am a human rights lawyer and I’ve worked with the Senate, legal non-profits and law firms. I’ve helped lead congressional investigations on Hurricane Katrina and the Fort Hood shootings. My volunteer work includes human rights and humanitarian projects on the ground in Haiti and New Orleans. I am a lifelong Washingtonian and believe the Nationals will make the playoffs this year. When I run I remind a lot of people of Teddy Roosevelt in the Nationals presidents races.
9. How can people donate towards your personal goal?
They can donate by clicking here. Click on the “support Charles” button and it will take you to the donation page. It’s where you can also buy tickets.
This past Saturday, Luke’s Wings held their 4th annual Fashion Takes Flight. This year, the best of some of the most talented local designers were featured in a place that has never seen an outside fashion show: Nationals Stadium. Walking to the beat of Deejay Neekola‘s masterful mixes, the models graced the runway in the SS12 collections of Nam Nguyen and Walish Gooshe (Greg Taylor), F/W11 men’s collections by Streets of Georgetown and Donovan England, and the always amazing finds of Ella Rue.
Photos can be found here (check back for additional photos in the coming days):
Early press (check back for additional press in the coming days):
A Thousand Things to Do – owned by a member of the military and Fashion Takes Flight uber-organizer Kristen Murdock!
Shout outs go to: KRISTEN MURDOCK (for whom this show would more or less not happen), my mom and stepdad, Ashley Pennington, Marissa Borst, Donna Donella, Erica McCants, Constance Christakos, Wendy Gordon, Sophie Pyle, Charlie Martel, Kate Michael, Elizabeth Kreft, Paige Mueller, Luke Radlinski, Mark Radlinski, Jason Morris, Jesse McCarley, Brittny McKinney, Lauri Tamney, Tim Lundin, Vithaya Phongsavan, Cheryl Romero, Mackenzie Miles, Katherine Kennedy, Ken Suarez, Brendan Kownacki, Kimberly Glenn, Tanya Good,
In just a few days, a brand new local designer will hit the scene, showing the best of his SS12 collection at Luke’s Wings Fashion Takes Flight, at National’s Stadium on February 4th. His name: Nam Nguyen.
I sat down with the 19 year-old designer a few weeks ago, to review his collection for the show and find out more about how he got his start, what inspires him and what’s next.
Tell me about your label – Nam.
Nam is for anyone who needs a go-to statement outfit for a fun day at work or if they want to shine at a late night party – it’s all about versatility. I love making high-glam outfits to be able to walk around on a casual day – city day wear. My signature design is to put a spin on a classic piece.
How did you get your start?
I always loved fashion – ever since I was a child. I remember always wanting to go the mall, instead of playing on the playground.
I grew up in Fairfax County and they had an amazing fashion design program. I started taking classes my junior year and fell in love with it. During the summers, I took courses at FIT, specifically for menswear. (Side note: He found out that he preferred designing women’s wear to menswear because of the higher level of creativity.) By senior year, I had learned in two years, everything I would learn in college. Although I applied for colleges, I decided to stay in Northern Virginia and keep on sewing – to keep working towards my dream of being a designer.
What did you learn at FIT? Do you still practice what you learned?
I learned how to construct garments, drafting, draping, flat pattern making, as well as different techniques to create a garment. I still revisit my notes from high school.
Do you feel DC’s fashion scene is evolving?
DC has evolved so much. There seems to be so many more fashion shows here now – I’ve worked a lot of them backstage and it shows me there continues to be so much more fashion here than people know.
Dressed anyone particular in DC?
I’ve dressed a few local celebrities for well-known media outlets, one of which was featured on Bravo.
What is your inspiration?
I work with ballroom dresses at Encore Ballroom Couture. It is the biggest ballroom consignment shop in the United States. I’ve been working there since right out of high school and it’s where I get all my inspiration. It’s there I learned how to put the right embellishments on a gown – how to add stones, glue the right way, add appliques, etc. I also have to work with delicate materials, such as feather work – we get a lot of ostrich and turkey feather gowns.
Most of the gowns we get in can retail for up to $12,000 (consigned at $1200 – $7000) so it’s important to know how to work with such delicate fabrics and intricate designs. It’s this level of detail that I put into my own designs.
So tell me about your SS12 collection: Pallet
Pallet was inspired by a mix of 70′s fashion and colors with a touch of 90′s over-sized flare. I use light chiffons, heavy lace, and flowy, light-weight fabrics to complete the garments. This collection includes the go-to pieces in your closet that are both comfortable and appropriate to wear to work, but sexy enough to wear right into the evening for a night on the town.
What are your goals for this year?
Since my pieces are one-of-a-kind, they fall in line with couture. Therefore, I will continue making custom collections for my clients. (Prices range $80 for a skirt, $150-$250 for a dress and $400-$700 for a gown).
Why support Luke’s Wings?
I grew up in a church community and always loved doing charity events. Getting the opportunity to work with Luke’s Wings is thrilling, as I do believe in bringing home injured soldiers. My father was in the military in 60’s and 70s and although retired, I know he did a lot to serve our country.
Where you will be showing your collection next?
Crystal Couture, February 11th at 8:45pm.
Finale Showcase for the West Potomac Fashion Academy Design Class – May (TBD)
I get a lot of questions about where to go do/see things, or eat/drink in DC. After much thought, I’m giving you my list, compiled through decades of living here (and a well-known liking for trying new places), of things to do/see in this post, followed by another post on eating/drinking establishments. A lot of these are also really great date ideas too!
Disclaimer: I’m not a well-known tour guide, which means a lot of things that some may find “fun” or “usual” or even “touristy” may not be in here. I will also try to update this as much as I can with new and interesting things.
Things to Do:
Idea: Have a museum scavenger hunt on a rainy day. Pick artifacts throughout one or two museums with clues to find them. See example here.
Many people ask me, not just about places to go in DC, but also where to eat, drink and have a good time. Here is my list of some of my favorite places all around the Virginia and DC areas. Note that I’ve marked where there are gluten-free menus by using “GF” as the code, as well as where a restaurant is a great brunch spot.
(Note: If it seems something is missing that is popular, it means I probably haven’t been there… yet. However, this will continue to be updated over time.)
Best Spots in Virginia
80′s Throwbacks
Best Spots in DC
There is no doubt about it, I’m a lucky girl. My other half knowingly feeds my Michael Kors addiction, faster than I can look up what’s new in the store. What’s more impressive, he’s already thinking forward to spring. See two new additions to my growing collection:
Yes, he's already thinking forward to spring
My "murdered out" watch. Love pairing this with lots of funky silver bracelets.
