ReadySetDC’s Fashion District

I’ve shared ReadySetDC’s Fashion District event on here several times before, but this time around, I couldn’t be more excited because it’s new and improved! In case you’re not familiar, Fashion District is a celebration of style, design and entrepreneurship that aims to put a spotlight on influential and innovative designers and local businesses in DC. This season’s event is on Thursday, April 12th, from 7:30 to 11pm, and trades in the runway for a showroom experience that allows attendees to watch, touch and feel, talk with the designers themselves and purchase the amazing garments and accessories on display. This year’s designers include Hugh & Crye, Kelly Tang, Artaya, Ginger Root Design, Aliceanna and Accoutre, among others. And in anticipation of the event, I asked ReadySetDC’s Editor-in-Chief Jordan Culberson a few questions about the improvements and what to expect – continue reading for a great Q&A!

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Photography by Ryan Maxwell via ReadySetDC

What is Fashion District and how did it start?

ReadysetDC’s Fashion District is a fashion event dedicated to spotlighting and promoting local design talent in the Washington, DC area. It all started in 2009, after being inspired by friends, artists, designers and business owners. I wanted to create an event that would pull everything together in one night and drive sales directly back to those involved, supporting future fashion endeavors in DC.

How is this year going to be different? What inspired you to change things up?

We’re scraping the old, tired runway. In its place, we’re creating a designer showroom. After four great runway shows, I wanted to do something different. And, one of the most resonating complaints I have ever received went something along the lines of, “what a great show! But… it’s too short.” The problem with a runway show involving so many unique designers, is it’s too fast. So, we’re excited to present a showroom, slowing down the event and allowing attendees and shoppers to talk with the designers directly, feel the clothes and watch them move, all in one location.

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What should we be most excited about?

The space. It’s incredible. It’s an old brick warehouse that abuts the canal in Georgetown. It’s original smokestack is still in tack. During the 70s the place was a disco (still has the stage lighting to prove it too!) and since then it’s been turned into a three story exposed office space.

What do you think these designers have to say about DC fashion?

How diverse fashion in DC is. Also, I think these designers speak to the entrepreneurial spirit of DC. We’ve got the talent and the smarts in this city to make a real impact, and these people are living proof of it.

What’s next for the DC fashion community?

More. In the past few years, there are more shows, more bloggers and more events. And, I love it! When we first started this, there were about 10 fashion bloggers, now there are hundreds! That’s incredible growth and proves that there’s style here and the desire for more. I’d love to see more designers out there dedicated to laying their foundations in DC with the intention of sticking around.

Don’t miss Fashion District on February 12th at 3255 Grace Street, NW (access from M Street Dean & DeLuca, just across the footbridge). Tickets can be purchased at fashion.readysetdc.com and, be sure to ride in style with Uber! Uber will be offering a $15 discount to first time riders with the code ReadysetDCFashion. Uber riders will also have an exclusive entrance into the event complete with red carpet and paparazzi!