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):
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)
Last year, for the first time, I participated in Luke’s Wings Fashion Takes Flight – a fundraising fashion show that included real members of the military, modeling the latest collections from Saks Fifth Avenue (Tysons Galleria), Aram, Ella Rue and more. (Video below and recap can be found here.)
This year, we have even more reason to celebrate, as Luke’s Wings has hit some major milestones, not just making this an annual must-attend event, but also a celebration. In the last year, Luke’s Wings has had some major accomplishments, including (but not limited to):
Raising $32,000 at the 3rd annual Fashion Takes Flight
Receiving a $300,000 grant
Partnering with the Rumsfeld Organization
Receiving a donation from Arnold Schwarzenegger
Receiving countless donations and accolades from generous donors and sponsors for their tireless work
Having brought hundreds of families and soldiers together
This is no longer just a local charity – it has gone national. It has gained the interest of politicians, other military organizations, military leaders, government leaders and many many troops across the world. While you may hear of some of the glitzier things, what you don’t see is the hard work the supporters of Luke’s Wings put in behind the scenes, including many trips to military hospitals, fundraising meetings, meet and greets, attending countless networking events, as well as making sure some of these soldiers are reconnected to their loved ones.
You see, it’s no longer about the “who’s who” in the DC social scene supporting a local charity - it’s the “who’s who” in the national military, government and political scenes that are gaining traction – and fast. Luke’s Wings is a fantastic “connector” that allows these two worlds to collide for a common goal: to make sure that those that are protecting our freedom are taken care of, giving us all an opportunity to thank them for allowing us to continue to live in a country where freedom is what we stand for.
As such, a veteran volunteer to the organization, Kristen Murdock (USNA), will be walking the runway her final time, before she heads back to Afghanistan for a year. If for any reason to attend Fashion Takes Flight this year, give her a proper send off – thank her for her hard work, both in protecting us, as well as giving back to soldiers that are less fortunate. Details below:
This Year’s Fashion Takes Flight (Official Press Release)
Luke’s Wings is pleased to announce its 4th annual runway fundraiser, Fashion Takes Flight, on February 4th, 2012 at Nationals Park! Join us for cocktails, and an exhibition of some of the District’s finest threads modeled by our servicemen and women as part of our fourth anniversary celebration and 2012 kick-off campaign.
With sweeping panoramic views of the stadium on one side and two story windows overlooking the river and monuments on the other, in the Stars and Stripes VIP Lounge, Luke’s Wings supporters will enjoy Peroni beer, specialty cocktails by Van Gogh Imports crafted specifically for Fashion Takes Flight and gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Come mix and mingle among DC’s most fashionable, in one of the most unique venues in our nation’s capital- Nationals Park! A private tour of the dugout and batting cages will also be available to all attendees.
Over the years, the popularity of Fashion Takes Flight has grown, as attendees watch models and military service men and women ‘take flight’ in a swank, high energy runway exhibition highlighting cutting edge fashion by some of the District’s freshest new talent. Philanthropists and fashionistas alike come together to support an organization that aims to assist the families of those who serve.
Special guests include Deejay Neekola and our fabulous MC Natasha Barrett! Amazing styling by PR@Partners, Megan Riddle Make-Up, Blend, and the runway collections of some of the best local runway talent DC has to offer, including Nam Nguyen and Walish Gooshe!
After an amazing evening of supporting our wounded warriors overlooking the baseball field from the Stars and Stripes VIP Lounge, you are invited to join us at Lincoln for an Americana After Party.
Event Hosted by: Charlotte Jarrett, Kristen Murdock, Nichole Devolites, Mackenzie Miles, Lindsay Kin and Fletcher Gill.
Event Details:
February 4, 2012
VIP Reception (includes reserved seating) 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Open Reception – 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Fashion Takes Flight – 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm
After Party at Lincoln – 11:00 pm – 2:00 am
TICKETS:
VIP: $135
Includes:
· VIP cocktail reception with event hosts, models, honored guests, government leadership, sponsors
· Exclusive access to the VIP Lounge. Lounge includes private, heated balconies overlooking the baseball stadium
· Reserved Seat for runway show
· Gourmet fare
· Passed Champagne
· VIP gift bag
· Free Parking
· Invitation to our exclusive after-party at Lincoln
General Admission: $85
Includes:
· Open bars
· Gourmet fare
· Access to fashion show
· Free Parking
· Invitation to our exclusive after-party at Lincoln
MEDIA NOTE: All media attendees who are interested in covering the event must register by Thursday, February 2, 2012. Please register by emailing our Public Relations Director, Mackenzie Miles at publicrelations@lukeswings.org with your name, title, and publication.
