The world is filled with different types of environments; from the natural world as a whole to particular geographical areas. This year the creativity by interior designers will make these environments fashionable and transform them into wearable works of art when the 8th Annual Cosmo Couture Fashion & Design event takes place on Thursday, September 28^th in Washington, D.C.

The annual event produced by the Washington Metro City Center (WMCC) of the International Interior Design Association Mid-Atlantic Chapter (IIDA-MAC), will pay tribute to the various environments that we live in and also surround us. Local architecture and interior design firms and manufacturing partners will create apparel out of interior materials reflecting the given theme. This year, each garment will transport the audience into a new ENVIRONMENT, pulling their design inspiration from the environmental definition: the surroundings or conditions in which a person, plant or animal lives or operates. Garments are constructed 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. These individual inspirations allow the design teams to conceptualize and create a garment around their inspiration’s feel, look, and sound. Each year the theme changes with past themes focusing on D.C. area landmarks, such as the Smithsonian Museums, Embassies, American Presidents, the National Zoo, to an Under The Big Top circus theme.

Twenty-four design teams will participate in this year’s event. Designs will be judged by an elite panel of judges such as Michael McCarthy (Editor-in-Chief, DC Modern Luxury), Kim Elleen (Chief Washington Reporter for the Boston Herald & Fashion Designer – Kim Elleen Collection), Fashion & Interior Stylist Stara Pezeshkian (more to be announced soon) and awards will be given in various categories such as:

Best Performance

• Best Performance
• Best Use of Materials
• Best Interpretation of Theme
• Best Red Carpet Look
• Audience Favorite (People’s Choice)

The 2017 Cosmo Couture beneficiary is Rebuilding Together of Washington, DC (RTDC).  RTDC’s mission is to preserve and revitalize low-income homes and community facilities in our Nation’s Capital.  RTDC makes free home repairs for low-income DC homeowners who are Veterans, elderly, disabled or caring for young children in seriously deteriorating conditions and for nonprofit community centers that serve DC’s most vulnerable citizens of all ages. RTDC’s home repairs enable low-income homeowners to remain in their homes, where they can live in warmth and safety with independence and dignity. To date, the IIDA Mid-Atlantic Chapter has donated over $100,000 to previously selected charities from Cosmo Couture proceeds during the past six years.

Cosmo Couture attracts approximately 800 attendees each year and made possible this year by our Haute Couture top sponsor Mohawk Group. Media partners for the event are DC Modern Luxury, ABC7 and News Channel 8.

Event tickets range from $100-150 and sponsorship and table opportunities are also available online at http://www.cosmocouture.org/tickets.shtml.

EVENT DETAILS
What:  Cosmo Couture 2017 – Fashion & Interior Design Event (8^th Annual)
Presented by:  Washington Metro City Center of the International Interior Design Association – Mid Atlantic Chapter
Beneficiary: Rebuilding Together of Washington, DC

When: Thursday, September 28, 2017
Where:  The Howard Theater, 620 T Street, NW, Washington, D.C.
Time:  5:30-10:00PM
Cocktails 5:30-7:30PM

Runway Show 7:30-9:00PM

Desserts 9:00-10:00PM

Website: www.cosmocouture.org

On Wednesday, October 4, the Junior League of Washington (JLW) will host its annual fall fashion fundraiser, Fall into Fashion, at the Bloomingdale’s in Chevy Chase. Guests at the event will have the opportunity to view the latest fall fashion trends, sample passed hors d’oeuvres and champagne, and enjoy 10 percent off most purchases, with a percentage of each purchase going back to the Junior League.

All proceeds from this event support JLW’s programs, including our efforts to train and develop exceptionally qualified civic leaders, improve the community through volunteer service and partnership with local nonprofits, and provide grants that support literacy efforts in the DC area. To learn more about this event, please visit https://www.jlw.org/fall-into-fashion/.

When:  Wednesday, October 4, 2017
6 – 8:30 p.m.

Where:  Bloomingdale’s
Wisconsin Place, Chevy Chase
5300 Western Avenue
Chevy Chase, MD 20815

The Business Behind The Blog

Join FGIDC and top bloggers from our region, as we discuss the fundatmental business skills needed to create a successful and engaging blog.  The topics we discuss will incude:

– Branding

– Content Strategy

– Marketing Partnerships

– The Future of Blogging

Moderator: 
Heather Menis – @FifthandMainPR

Panelist:
Barnette Holston – @DCFashionFool
Lola Phaefler – @OhLolaBlog
Keke Olisemeka – @StyleYourSelfie
Julien Garman – @JulienGarman

Thursday, October 26th
7:00 pm – 8:30 om

Canvas Co/Work
1203 19th Street NW
Washington DC 20036
FGIDC Members – $15
Non-Members – $25

The famed Gilt Sample Sale presented by Gilt City is returning to D.C.!

When: Friday, October 27 from 7 – 11PM

            Saturday, October 28 from 9AM – 5PM

 What: Shoppers won’t want to miss exploring the treasure trove of designer finds at up to 80% off retail. The sale will feature men’s and women’s fashions and accessories from brands like Chloé, Valentino, Tibi, Sandro, Maje, The Kooples, Derek Lam, Helmut Lang, Jimmy Choo, Tom Ford, Paul Smith and John Varvatos, as well as kids, home and decor items.

Guests can visit Gilt.com to learn more and purchase tickets to the sale. In addition to racks and rows of designer duds, they can expect to enjoy –

• Sounds by DJ Sean Peoples and DJ KC Higgins

• Complimentary cocktails

• A lifestyle concierge services from Gilt City

• Complimentary Harmless Harvest coconut water to help you keep your strength up as you shop

• Cold-pressed juices and Glow shots from South Block Juice

• Organic chickpea puffs from HIPPEAS

• Hand-crafted mini doughnuts from Sugar Shack

• Complimentary braiding & dry hairstyling from Sip & Dry Bar

The famed Gilt Sample Sale presented by Gilt City is returning to D.C.!

When: Friday, October 27 from 7 – 11PM

            Saturday, October 28 from 9AM – 5PM

Location: Dock5 at Union Market (1309 5th St NE)

What: Shoppers won’t want to miss exploring the treasure trove of designer finds at up to 80% off retail. The sale will feature men’s and women’s fashions and accessories from brands like Chloé, Valentino, Tibi, Sandro, Maje, The Kooples, Derek Lam, Helmut Lang, Jimmy Choo, Tom Ford, Paul Smith and John Varvatos, as well as kids, home and decor items.

Guests can visit Gilt.com to learn more and purchase tickets to the sale. In addition to racks and rows of designer duds, they can expect to enjoy –

• Sounds by DJ Sean Peoples and DJ KC Higgins

• Complimentary cocktails

• A lifestyle concierge services from Gilt City

• Complimentary Harmless Harvest coconut water to help you keep your strength up as you shop

• Cold-pressed juices and Glow shots from South Block Juice

• Organic chickpea puffs from HIPPEAS

• Hand-crafted mini doughnuts from Sugar Shack

• Complimentary braiding & dry hairstyling from Sip & Dry Bar

It’s time…

To sign up for this year’s DC Tweed Ride! They’ve done it every year since 2009, and they’re not stopping now.

Meet up October 29 around noon at a secret location (that will be shared with those who sign up for the ride). You’ll cruise through District streets, take breaks for pictures and snacks, and then gather for a night of merriment and style at Roofers Union.
The party will be going strong from 5:30 to 9 p.m., and will feature the legendary Dandy Wellington and His Band, food, drinks, and the most stylish dandies and dames on this side of the Atlantic!

Three types of ticket are available:

• Free Ride Registration ticket (enables us to e-mail you with start location details on 10/27/2017),*
• Ticket to the Jazz Age Jam at Roofers Union without food or
• Ticket to our Jazz Age Jam at Roofers Union with food.**

* You must register for the ride to receive the ride information and start location, even if you purchase party tickets. Each adult rider must register separately.

**Tickets that include the buffet meal must be purchased by October 26 to provide the venue with enough notice to prepare for our hungry riders.

Dust off those vintage bikes and browse your favorite vintage and thrift shops — it’s time for fall’s best social ride!

Grab your ticket below and meet us Sunday, October 29 around noon at a secret location (that will be disclosed to those who sign up for the ride.)

We’ll cruise through 10-12 miles at an easy pace, take breaks for pictures and snacks, and shortly after the ride ends, we’ll gather at Roofers Union in Adams Morgan for a night of music, dancing, and style.

Celebrate the holiday season and the end of another successful year with us on Dec. 6. Join us for drinks, hors d’oeuvres, fabulous company and holiday cheer at Capitale DC. Desserts by Basket Treats by Alexis Streets. Music by DJ Fanci. Photography by A Little Bit of Whimsy Photography Wed, December 6, 2017 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM EST Capitale DC 1301 K Street NW Washington, DC 20005 FGIDC Members: FREE * Membership will be validated Non-Members: $35 #FGIDC FGIDCHoliday.eventbrite.com

Union Market will get a little taste of Brazil when internationally inspired lifestyle brand NOVA BOSSA pops up at the thriving retail and culinary district.

Offering art and photography, bain couture, books, women’s clothing, handbags, home decór, jewelry and scarves, the NOVA BOSSA pop-up will feature a wide selection of globally sourced items from international designers, including Adriana Degreas, Artiz, Catarina Mina, Cecilia Prado, Mercedes Salazar, Mola Sasa, Paula Mendoza Jewelry, Scarf Me, Wymann Rio and more.

From intricately handmade bags to 24-carat gold-plated statement jewelry to colorful baskets from the Amazon, NOVA BOSSA’s assortment of luxury-leaning goods orbit around founder and CEO Carolina Furukrona’s passions for travel, design and entertaining.

She launched NOVA BOSSA last year following 100 international adventures and a business certification from Harvard, in an effort to both pay homage to her São Paulo roots and enable top lifestyle brands — especially by women designers and artisans — from her native Brazil and other emerging markets to go global.

“NOVA BOSSA is delighted to celebrate our one-year anniversary by partnering with Union Market DC for this pop-up,” Furukrona says. “We believe that Union Market’s focus on culture and commerce, on showcasing the very best new businesses in the region, and on serving a dynamic and diverse clientele makes this a unique opportunity for our brand. We are excited to showcase rising international women designers − most of which have never before been available in the United States or the D.C. region – and to prove that the creativity, craftsmanship and design emanating from places like Brazil can be just as good, if not better, than what’s coming out of Europe. After spending so much time abroad I feel D.C. is lacking some bossa, so it’s an honor to present new products that can give a daring and fresh update to the wardrobes and homes of our great city.”

As home base for 40+ award-winning restaurant and retail concepts, northeast D.C.’s thriving Union Market District continues to grow its reputation as a brand incubator, giving small businesses the solid footing they need to get to the next level.

The NOVA BOSSA pop-up launches February 22, and will operate as follows: