IIDA’s Cosmo Couture Salutes the Smithsonian With a Runway Show

The Smithsonian Institution and its museums were the star of the sith annual Cosmo Couture event, produced by Washington Metro City Center (WMCC) of the International Interior Design Association Mid-Atlantic Chapter Sept. 24 at the Howard Theatre with a center-piece runway show.

This year, Cosmo Couture paid tribute to the Smithsonian Institution, the country’s largest museum complex, which shapes the future by preserving heritage, discovering new knowledge and sharing rich history with the world.

Twenty five design teams participated in the event, which kicked off with a 2014 kick-off party, held in June. The teams randomly selected a museum from the Smithsonian collection, getting four months to work on their creations. Some of the selected 13 museums providing inspiration included the American Indian Museum, Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, the Air & Space Museum, the National History Museum, and the African Art Museum.

Judges included Michael McCarthy, editor of D.C. Magazine, Emily Gonzaga, owner and creative director of D’Milikah-Brazilian Fashion House, Adam Woitkowski, vice president and general manager at Saks Fifth Avenue in Tysons Corner, Star Glam Pezeshkian, editorial studies, and Christopher Schafer, menswear designer for Christopher Schafer Clothier.

The 25th Cosmo Couture beneficiary was Rebuilding Together of Washington, D.C., which preserves and revitalizes low-income home and community facilities in the District of Columbia.