Patriotism and American Pride will take to the runway when the 5th Annual Cosmo Couture Fashion & Design Event returns to Artisphere on Thursday, September 18th. The popular event where interior and exterior collide is produced by theWashington Metro City Center (WMCC) of the International Interior Design Association Mid-Atlantic Chapter (IIDA-MAC).
Cosmo Couture 2014 fosters a direct collaboration between local Architecture and Interior Design firms and their manufacturing partners in the Washington DC area, to create garments reflecting a given theme. Imagine garments made out of interior materials such as tile, carpet, wood, vinyl, glass and rubber – materials used in the built environment and finding ways to apply them to haute couture fashion, creating a bridge between fashion and architecture.
The garments are judged by a talented panel of DC and design industry notables (to be announced soon) during a runway show with awards given to design teams in different categories. Twenty-five design teams will participate in this year’s event.
Each year WMCC selects the theme from which the design teams create creations out of interior materials. This year Cosmo Couture pays tribute to the image that most embodies Washington, D.C. — the President of the United States. Nothing exemplifies Washington, D.C. more than its chief resident.
Washington, D.C., however, was not the first residence of the President. In April 1789, following his inauguration as the first President of the United States, George Washington occupied two executive mansions in New York City. In 1790, Congress enacted the Residence Act which officially established Washington, D.C. as the permanent seat of government for the United States and accordingly, as the new residence of the President. In that same year, the capital moved temporarily to Philadelphia where the President resided for 10 years while the new “Federal City” was under construction. On November 1, 1800, President John Adams became the first president to live in the White House. Since then, Washington, D.C. has been the residence of every U.S. President.
Each design team randomly selected one of the 44 U.S. Presidents at the Cosmo Couture 2014 kick-off party held in May. The design of each haute couture garment will be inspired by the period in which that President served. Design teams are currently exploring the political status during those years, social issues, fashion trends or even global events that marked each era.
For the fifth consecutive year, the beneficiary for the event is My Sister’s Place – DC’s oldest domestic violence shelter providing comprehensive programs and services that holistically address domestic violence and the unique challenges survivors face.
Cosmo Couture attracts approximately 800 attendees each year.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Cosmo Couture 2014 – Fashion & Interior Design Event (5th Annual)
Presented by: Washington Metro City Center of the International Interior Design Association – Mid Atlantic Chapter
Beneficiary: My Sister’s Place
When: Thursday, September 18, 2014
Where: Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA
Time: 5:00-10:00PM
VIP Reception 5:00-6:00PM, Cocktails 6:00-7:30PM, Runway Show 7:30-9:00PM, Desserts 9:00-10:00PM
Website: www.cosmocouture.org
Social: Twitter: @cosmocoutureDC Facebook: https://www.
Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or veg-curious, DC VegFest (www.dcvegfest.com) is the place to be on September 20th from 11-6pm. More than 15,000 people from the Washington, DC area are expected to attend this yearly celebration of the best of everything vegetarian in and around the nation’s capital.
“From free vegan food samples and cooking demos to a kids activity area and live music, DC VegFest has something for everyone,” says Erica Meier, Executive Director of Compassion Over Killing, the event organizer. “Now in its sixth year, this free outdoor event is the perfect way to spend a beautiful fall afternoon with your family and friends – including your furry four-legged friends who can enjoy free treats in our new Barking Lot.”
During this day-long celebration, more than 100 exhibitors, partners, and sponsors will showcase a wide range of products, services and resources to help Washington, DC-area consumers learn more about why eating a plant-based diet and choosing vegetarian foods is one of the best ways to help protect our health, the planet and animals. VegFest will take place at Yards Park, 355 Water St SE, Washington, DC 20003.
Speakers include:
- Robin Quivers — Co-host of the Howard Stern show and author of The Vegucation of Robin
- Doron Petersan – Owner of the award-winning Sticky Fingers Sweets & Eats
- Joe Yonan — Washington Post Food Editor and cookbook author
- Lesley Parker-Rollins — Vegan mom and host of Ask a Vegan Family
- Bryant Terry – Eco-chef and author of The Inspired Vegan and Afro-Vegan
- Dr. Neal Barnard – President of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
- Alexis Fox and Micah Risk of Lighter Nutrition Coaching and Community
- Dr. Betty Smith — 73-year old ultra-marathon runner
- John Schlimm — activist, artist, and international award-winning cookbook author
DC VegFest highlights the many benefits and flavors of vegetarian eating and shows how easy and delicious it is to choose healthier, more sustainable, and kinder foods. Attendees will enjoy free food samples from So Delicious, Tofurky, Larabar, Way Better Snacks, Relay Foods, along with nearly two dozen food vendors including Vegan Treats, Bread & Brew, Sticky Fingers Sweets & Eats, Pete’s New Haven Style Apizza, Dama Ethiopian and more.
During the day-long festival, attendees can peruse exhibitor booths from such animal-friendly organizations and companies as Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap, the Humane Society of the United States, Conscious Corner, A Well-Fed World, Animal Rescue Bar, Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness, and many more.
In addition to this event being free and open to everyone, the first 1,000 attendees will also get a free 2014 commemorative DC VegFest tote bag loaded with veg-friendly products, coupons and more!
The DC VegFest was originally founded by the Vegetarian Society of DC and has been organized by Compassion Over Killing since 2009.
Please use #DCVegFest14 to follow along with us on social media.
Outfitted X Chevrolet will host a shopping experience on Saturday, September 20 at the Loft at 600 F Street from 1:30 pm – 6:00 pm. The event will be complete with cocktails, styling, braid bar, and more. Outfitted is a traveling pop-up boutique founded and curated in Los Angeles, CA by Arielle Vavasseur (owner of Women’s Footwear Label, Penelope and Coco) and Kristin Jones. The shop brings together some of L.A.’s most stylish brands and travels across the nation seasonally, offering an unparalleled shopping experience. Chevrolet will partner with Outfitted to host a private shopping experience for DC’s fashion and lifestyle community. RSVP at info@outfittedshop.com
Park Hyatt Washington will host its Park Hyatt Masters of Food & Wine, a seasonal culinary & beverage experience on Saturday, September 20, saluting the best ingredients of the new fall season. Guests will enjoy the tastes and flavors from Blue Duck Tavern’s talented chefs, regional artisans and local beverage partners.
Join Blue Duck Tavern’s celebrated culinary team outside on the garden terrace to feast on roasted pig, braised meats, whole roasted fish, seasonal salads, farm vegetables, artisan bread, house made desserts, and hand-cranked ice creams, accompanied by wines from The Boxwood Winery in Middleburg, VA and craft beer from Port City Brewing Company in Alexandria, VA. Tickets are priced at $165 per person, inclusive.
WHERE: Blue Duck Tavern Terrace
1201 24th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037
WHEN: Saturday, September 20, 2014 at 6:00 pm
On September 22, culinary personalities from around the country will gather in Washington for a first-of-its kind charity roast of D.C. chef and pioneering restaurateur, Nora Pouillon. The night of food, comedy and philanthropy will be held at Dock 5 in Union Market, and honor Nora’s legacy, while poking some fun at her occasional foibles. All proceeds from the inaugural Chef’s Roast will benefit the Chef Action Network, an organization dedicated to building the next generation of chefs advocating for policies that support health, nutrition and sustainability.
Beginning at 6:30 p.m., the event will feature a series of roasters who will offer anecdotes and commentary on Pouillon’s storied culinary career, which saw the Austrian-born chef open Restaurant Nora in 1979 in Washington’s Dupont Circle neighborhood, and eventually turn it into America’s first certified organic restaurant.
The list of roasters is a who’s who of food world personalities, environmental and food issue advocates, including:
- Chef Rick Bayless – Frontera Grill, Toplobompo and Xoco
- Chef Carla Hall – Co-host of ABC’s The Chew
- Chef Michel Nischan – Wholesome Wave and Chef Action Network
- Chef Mary Sue Milliken – Border Grill Restaurants and James Beard Foundation trustee
- Chef Patrick O’Connell – The Inn at Little Washington
- Chef Ann Cooper – “The Renegade Lunch Lady”
- Ken Cook – President, Environmental Working Group
- Jim Crawford – Owner, New Morning Farm, Founding Member, Tuscarora Organic Growers
- Robert Egger – Founder and President, LA Kitchen, Former President, DC Central Kitchen
The inaugural Chef’s Roast is the brainchild of Arabella Advisors founder and managing director, Eric Kessler, and his wife, Sharapat Kessler, who also serve as event chairs on the host committee. “The Chef Action Network does a remarkable job helping chefs shine a spotlight on important culinary and environmental issues,” said Eric, “and we are thrilled to be able to support it while also paying tribute to Nora, a truly remarkable talent who has had a major, if often underappreciated, influence on American dining.”
During the proceedings, guests will enjoy a Nora-inspired feast prepared by culinary luminaries:
- Cathal Armstrong (Restaurant Eve, Eamonn’s, PX, The Majestic and Society Fair)
- Scott Drewno (The Source by Wolfgang Puck)
- Mike Isabella (Graffiato, Kapnos and G)
- Kate Jansen (Pastry Chef at Willow)
- Haidar Karoum (Proof, Estadio, Doi Moi)
- Mary Sue Milliken (Border Grill Restaurants)
- John Mooney (Bidwell, Bell, Book & Candle)
- Tracy O’Grady (Willow)
- Mikaela Reuben (Private Chef, Vancouver, BC)
- Andrea Reusing (The Lantern)
- Christian Thornton (Atria)
- Sherry Yard (Helms Bakery)
Individual tickets to the Chef’s Roast are $300, while tables for 10 can be reserved for $7,000-$30,000 inclusive of unique opportunities, including a meet and greet with chefs and celebrity roasters. All tickets are available through Eventrbite.
About the Chef Action Network
The Chef Action Network (CAN) is a non-profit organization that connects chefs to tools and resources that will help them create significant and lasting change in their communities, the country and the world. CAN is focused on harnessing the power of America’s preeminent chefs in support of a strong, sustainable, just and healthy food system. www.chefactionnetwork.com
Seinfeld writer Peter Mehlman’s will launch his debut novel at Kramer Books & Afterwords in D.C. on September 23, 6:30 pm in K Street Magazine. Known for most memorableSeinfeld-isms like “Yada Yada”, “sponge-worthy” and “double-dipping”, he is a graduate of the University of Maryland and wrote for theWashington Post before his engagement on Seinfeld throughout which he continued to write for top publications, including New York TimesMagazine, Huffington Post, Los Angeles Times, Esquire as well as contributing to NPR’s “Day to Day” and “All Things Considered”.
It Won’t Always Be This Great is a literary debut that perfectly captures Peter’s satirical genius in a uniquely conceived crime story, set in East Coast suburbia, that offers timely social commentary about religion, marriage, and the politics of life. Distinguished advance praise includes:
“Anyone who writes for television gets frustrated that they can’t write like Peter Mehlman. Now he’s going to make novelists mad too. Mehlman’s writing style is completely unique, and creates an intimate bond between the narrator and the reader. You finish the book feeling as though you’ve made a new friend.” ––Academy award winning writer Aaron Sorkin (A Few Good Men, The Social Network)
“Peter Mehlman wrote a brilliantly funny, effortlessly insightful and unexpectedly moving book.” ––Academy award winning writer/directorSteven Soderbergh (Ocean’s Eleven, Erin Brockovich, Traffic)
“Peter has an uncanny knack for pin-pointing the absurdities of our petty bourgeoisie. Funny and astute and disarmingly humane.” ―Madeleine Brand, American broadcast journalist and radio personality
For more on Peter Mehlman, please visit: www.pmehlman.com.
Tuesday, September 23 at 7:00 pm
In Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future, the co-founder of PayPal draws on his experience investing in hundreds of start-ups and shares what he has learned about how to build companies that create new things.
with Politics & Prose
The Mount Vernon Triangle Community Improvement District (MVT CID) announces “Color the K”, an inaugural art explosion event to be held at 5th and K Streets, NW on Saturday, September 27th. Designed for full community participation and interaction, the free activities will include creation of a temporary mural led by local artist Rose Jaffe, chalk art demonstrations and areas for kids and adults to participate, a hardware art show hosted by 5th Street Ace Hardware and more. Activities will be held alongside the Saturday morning Mount Vernon Triangle FRESHFARM Market from 10 am to 1 pm.
“Involving our community in artistic expression is one of the ways we can connect to each other and celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of the Mount Vernon Triangle community,” said MVT CID President, Claire Schaefer Oleksiak. “We look forward to the Color the K mural, led by Rose Jaffe, and the chalk art expression adding colorful imagery to the corner of 5th & K.”
Color the K joins Art4All DC, presented by Cultural Tourism DC, in celebrating art in the city.
WHAT: FIGMENT DC – Free Participatory Art Phenomenon
WHEN: Saturday September 27, 11am-5pm, Sunday September 28, 11am-5pm
WHERE: Anacostia Park, Section E at the Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion, WDC
A “Leave No Trace” event, FIGMENT DC features local artists whose art submerges participants in interactive co-creation. The event is totally free and open to the public, and provides a much-needed platform for emerging artists to engage with a diverse audience, and share their artistic visions. In a culture where passive spectatorship often prevails over active engagement, FIGMENT DC builds community among urban residents and suburbanites alike, as we all collaborate together in generating our collective FIGMENT experience. Family-friendly and completely non-commercial, FIGMENT transforms the beautiful outdoor space of Anacostia Park into a magical, colorful playground that everyone can enjoy.
“FIGMENT is an opportunity for our DC community to come together and enjoy art in all its forms,” says Patty Simonton, director of FIGMENT DC 2014. “Unlike most art galleries in Washington, FIGMENT erases the lines between those who create and those who view art so that everyone can become an artist. DC really does have a thriving, creative arts community and this event brings that artistic energy out to a broad audience.”
Concurrent with the announcement of FIGMENT DC 2014 dates, organizers have launched a crowdfunding campaign, “Your Creativity, Your Participation, Your FIGMENT” to raise $9,200 to provide logistics and services such as water, security, equipment and other associated costs. Strictly non-commercial and not for profit, FIGMENT DC accepts no corporate funding or advertising, and hence relies entirely upon individual donations and support. Consistent with the FIGMENT ethos of participation and personal creativity, “perks,” or gifts given in gratitude for donations, include interactive experiences such as singing lessons. Local DC area artists have also made their artworks available as gifts, to help the campaign meet its goal. The campaign, along with a new video about why FIGMENT is such a special part of the creative community in the Greater Washington area can be found at: http://startsomegood.com/
