Get Schooled on Fall Styles
• September 17, 2015

This fall calls for rich Bordeaux and leather fringe. Maroon, reds and navy are making a bold burst onto the fall fashion color watch. Bordeaux, or wine, is a dark red tone that has both purple and burgundy shades. For years, Burgundies and reds tend to trend during the fall season, but Bordeaux is slightly darker — making it a great shade for accessories, fashion and beauty. Bordeaux is versatile and can revamp your brown, black, navy and khaki palletes. Pair with a chunky heel and hints of gold, and you will claim this fall trend as yours.

Photography by ANGIE MYERS

Model Kyler Garner from T H E Artist Agency

Styling Pamela Burns of PAMShops4You

Makeup Landre with Behind the Veil, LLC

Location GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY

Look 1: Model wears: Black Leather Jacket by Vince, $995 at Neiman Marcus Chevy Chase; Merlot Sweater by Alice & Olivia, $195 at Bloomingdales Chevy Chase; Feather Shirt by Alice & Olivia, $495 at Neiman Marcus Chevy Chase; Gold Necklace by Agua, $28 at Bloomingdales Chevy Chase; Red and Gold Bracelet by Agua, $25 at Bloomingdales Chevy Chase; Wine Handbag by Michael Kors, $298 at Michael Kors Tysons; Shoes (model’s)

Look 2: Cream Sweater by Joie, $228 at Neiman Marcus Chevy Chase; Olive Crop Jeans by 7 for Mankind, $198 at Neiman Marcus Chevy Chase; Fur Vest by Joie; $798 at Neiman Marcus Chevy Chase; Sneakers by Surperga, $169 at Bloomingdales Chevy Chase; White Earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane, $68 at Intermix D.C.; Gold Cuff; $120 at Nordstrom Tysons; Backpack by Marc Jacobs $198 at Norstrom Tysons.

Look 3: Navy and Red Plaid Top by SEA Exclusive, $295 at Intermix D.C.; Red Sweater by A.L.C. Hansen, $295 at Intermix D.C.; Jeans by Jbrand, $198 at Bloomingdales Chevy Chase; Tan Fringe Handbag by Rebecca Mincoff, $195 at Bloomingdales $195; Gold Cuff, $120 at Nordstrom Tysons; Earrings and Shoes (model’s)

Look 4 & 5: Multi-Color Sweater Vest by Alice & Olivia, $695 at Neiman Marcus Chevy Chase; Sleeveless Plum Turtleneck Sweater by Elizabeth & James, $195 at Bloomingdales Chevy Chase; Jeans by JBrand, $238 at Neiman Marcus Chevy Chase; Black Booties by Vince, $495 at Bloomingdales Chevy Chase; Earrings by Diane von Furstenberg, $128 at Bloomingdales Chevy Chase; Bracelet by Tory Burch, $165 at Nordstrom Tysons; Black Backpack by Tory Burch, $550 at Bloomingdales Chevy Chase.
[gallery ids="102284,127745,127740,127728,127735" nav="thumbs"]

Haute & Cool: Men’s Fashion Week
• August 17, 2015

Men’s fashion is making a comeback, and it shows at New York City Fashion Week: Men’s. After running a few years during a brief stint in the mid-nineties, men’s Fashion Week was back in New York City from July 13 to 16, autonomous and separate from the ubiquitous NYC Fashion Week (now tailored to women’s styles) with more than 30 designers showcasing pieces in venues across Manhattan. Here are some of the hottest looks, ranging from buff beach stud to androgynous chic, from this year’s shows. [gallery ids="102151,133025,133017,133009,133001,133044,132993,133038,132983,133030" nav="thumbs"]

Urban Chic to Close for Good by the End of the Month
• August 7, 2015

Clothier Urban Chic will close its Georgetown store for good at the end of this month. Owner Lindsay Buscher announced Thursday that the shop, known for carrying clothes by high-end designers like Diane Von Furstenburg and Trina Turk, is closing and attributed its failure to the rise of cheaper clothing outlets (namely, H&M and T.J. Maxx), and upstarts like Rent the Runway in Georgetown.

Buscher attempted to revive the flailing store in March with a relaunch focused on drawing in younger customers. The bid failed but Buscher told the Washingtonian, ““I love Georgetown, and I love and will miss all of our loyal customers that have stood by our side for the last decade.”

The store is holding a closing sale, starting today, with prices starting at 35 percent off. Urban Chic paid rent for the month of July but a store representative says she doubts that the merchandise will last until the end of the month. Urban Chic is located at 1626 Wisconsin Ave. NW.

Le Décor: Red, White, and BBQ
• July 16, 2015

What better place than the nation’s capital to host a patriotic picnic — or a red-white-and-booze-filled holiday feast — on the 4th of July? From table settings to outdoor décor, these summer-inspired products will delight your guests this celebratory weekend and on every outdoor occasion, right into fall.

1. You put mint in your cocktail — why not in your candle? This soy wax Mint Produce Candle makes an aromatic addition to any patio picnic table this summer. $24.95, [Paper Source](http://www.papersource.com/item/Mint-Produce-Candle/521307.html)

2. An icy pitcher of lemonade — or, if you prefer, Pimm’s — is all the more delectable in this opalescent glass Miruna Pitcher. $36, [Anthropologie](http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-tabletop-dinnerware/C34643262.jsp#/)

3. With plenty of farmer’s markets to choose from in the D.C. area, this adorable ceramic Farmer’s Market Basket lets you serve the fruits of your — or someone’s — labor in a most original way. $20 (large basket),0[ Anthropologie](http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-kitchen/20744306.jsp#/)

4. Fresh-squeezed juice and homemade sweet tea taste better when sipped from a Mason jar. These red Jam Jar Juice Glasses will have you coming back for seconds. $19.95 (set of four), [Paper Source](http://www.papersource.com/item/Jam-Jar-Juice-Glasses/520903.html)

5. Keep your drinks and food chilled in style with the wood-coated Castine Cooler. $449, [Ballard Designs](http://www.ballarddesigns.com/castine-cooler/342203?redirect=y)

6. Whether it’s hot dogs and hamburgers or haute-cuisine hors d’oeuvres, this beautifully crafted Resin Tray with leather handles is perfect for all your hosting needs. $325, [Calypso St. Barth](http://www.calypsostbarth.com/resin-tray-with-leather-handles)

7. Without tunes you don’t have a party. This Turquoise Beach Radio, an AM/FM smartphone speaker, lets you play DJ no matter where the party takes you. $49.95, [Paper Source](http://www.papersource.com/item/Turquoise-Beach-Radio/501320.html)

8. With these nostalgic Hot Dog Trays, you’ll think you’re standing in line for the rollercoaster at the county fair. $5.95 (set of 8), [Paper Source](http://www.papersource.com/item/Hot-Dog-Trays/520886.html)

9. Replace your worn-out picnic-table cover with Gingham Plates. Serve your guests on these outdoor-friendly plates, made of sturdy melamine. $26.95 (set of 4), [Paper Source](http://www.papersource.com/item/Gingham-Plates/520881.html)

10. Adding to the light of the evening fireflies, the glow cast by this beautiful trio of Mineral Tealight Holders will inspire your guests to enjoy their sparkle all summer night long. $50, [Calypso St. Barth](http://www.calypsostbarth.com/home/table-top/mineral-tealight-holder-set) [gallery ids="117525,117492,117519,117499,117505,117529,117512,117534,117538" nav="thumbs"]

Gifts for Dad
• June 22, 2015

With Father’s Day right around the corner, many of us are scrambling to find the gift that best suits that special guy. Georgetown’s shops offer something for every dad. From light, casual pieces perfect for summer to sleek, stylish accessories for polished businessmen, finding the right Father’s Day gift has never been easier. Here are our suggestions [gallery ids="102110,133823,133827,133819,133831,133834,133840,133837" nav="thumbs"]

‘Seven’ Fashion Show at Artisphere
• June 8, 2015

Fashion enthusiasts took a creative journey through the Seven Deadly Sins with “Seven,” a fashion show, on Wednesday, June 3. Guests experienced looks that represent greed, lust, gluttony, sloth, wrath, pride and envy, in a show that was styled and produced by fashion students at the Art Institute of Washington. The show was held at the Artisphere in Arlington.

The merchandise and talent for the show was pulled from local Washington area designers, small businesses and students at the Art Institute of Washington.

Take The Plunge
• June 4, 2015

Photography by Alexa Kinigopoulos

Creative Diretor Lynda Erkiletian of THE Artist Agency

Model Maggie Parsons of THE Artist Agency

Wardrobe Styling Pascale Lemaire of THE Artist Agency

Hair and Makeup Janice Kinigopoulos of THE Artist Agency

Production Assistants Emily Tauber And Stephen Kinigopoulos

Locations Turf Valley Country Club and Westwood Country Club

[gallery ids="102084,134291,134295,134283,134287,134298,134301,134304" nav="thumbs"]

Star Power
•

This season’s provocative, West Coast-inspired looks give new meaning to
“Hollywood on the Potomac.” At the top of the town, the Capella Hotel’s rooftop pool is an unforgettable setting to relax … or be discovered.

Venue – Capella Hotel
Photographer – Yvonne Taylor
Photographers Assistant – Michael Taylor
Stylist – Pam Burns
Hair – Darrell Thompson
Make-up – Flaminia Garioni
Model – Hilke Eyler – Wilhelmina
Male Model – Casey Dobyns – THE Artist Agency

Fashion 1
Coral 2 piece bathing suit by Karla Colletto
Necklace, blue stone with gold rim at Dalton Pratt Sunglasses by Celine at Saks
Hat by Melissa Vap

Fashion 2
Black bathing suit by Karla Colletto
Necklace, black/coral/pink at Dalton Pratt
Shoes, black patent leather Jimmy Choo Wedges at Saks

Fashion 3
Fuchsia bathing suit by Karla Colletto
Male model: Yellow linen shirt Zegna at Neiman Marcus;
White linen pants by Vilebrequin at Neiman Marcus

Fashion 4
Blue 2 piece bathing suit by Karla Colletto
Necklace, blue turquoise at Dalton Pratt
Sunglasses by Prada at Saks
Male model: Blue shirt by Vilebrequin
White linen pants by Vilebrequin at Neiman Marcus
Sunglasses at Gant
[gallery ids="101303,150121,150117,150113" nav="thumbs"]

Take the Plunge Into Karla Colletto’s World
• May 22, 2015

You’re on a beach. The sun sparkles on water the deep blue color of lapis lazuli. Palm fronds flap softly in an ocean breeze. These descriptions are the backdrop, but for Vienna, Va.-based swimwear designer Karla Colletto, it’s the women and the swimsuits they wear that bring an idyllic summer setting to life.

Colletto grew up in the town of Wrentham, Massachusetts, on the Rhode Island border. Her grandmother was a seamstress and her grandfather was a tailor. Both inspired her from a young age. She went on to study fashion design, and after graduation was introduced to couture designer Alfred Fiandaca.

“He gave me invaluable hands-on training, taught me the many intricate details that go into creating a couture piece and inspired me to start my own label,” she says. In the beginning, Karla wasn’t drawn directly to swimwear. Rather, she wanted to approach the fashion industry in a smart, progressive way while utilizing the fine dressmaker techniques passed onto her.

In 1981, Karla and Lisa Rovan, her sister and business partner, created a custom design company with pieces ranging from sportswear to bridal gowns. “While I was designing custom pieces for clients, I became intrigued by stretch fabrics and realized that swimwear was overlooked in the world of high fashion.”

Colletto learned to design swimwear through “trial and error,” using the skills of pattern making, grading and sewing to piece a garment together. Rovan had apprenticed with a swimwear contractor in the past, and, together, they honed in on the world of aquatic couture. By 1987, they sold a small collection to Saks Fifth Avenue. The following season, they made additional sales to Bergdorf Goodman.

From the start, Colletto sought to give her designs an innovative edge. Undoubtedly, one of the distinctions of a Karla Colletto swimsuit is the fabric. “Textiles are always evolving,” she says. “Right now there is a push toward 3D digital printing on fabrics to give an illusion of depth and texture.” Colletto has experience with this technique, and with the use of bonded microfiber, laser-cut details and NoSo technologies.

Colletto imports most of her fabrics from Italy. “We are able to buy in smaller quantities, important to our brand since we try to be as ‘green’ as possible by cutting to order and generating little waste,” she says. For 18 years, she has been working with Eurojersey Sensitive microfiber. Combining the best in eco-friendly manufacturing and fabric longevity (not to mention comfort), this fabric offers up to 10 times more chlorine resistance than traditional swim fabrics, plus UV protection and quick-drying fibers. Additionally, many of the fabrics Colletto uses are made with Xtra Life Lycra, a fiber that resists degradation and has notable recovery performance.

“I like to combine fabrics and components in an out-of-the-box way. I pull, stretch, drape and slice the goods to discover unique textures and patterns,” she says of her approach. She adds that technology has revolutionized the industry. “Fiber and textile technology has transformed swimwear fabrics. They are technical, functional and fashionable, making the design possibilities endless.”

Colletto’s design process is an intricate one and her attention to detail and artistic originality has earned her a name in a competitive industry. “I design with a mix of form, function and high fashion in mind,” she says. “For me, the fit of the swimsuit is just as important as the style.”

She starts with inspirations and concepts, then chooses fabrics and the components for each garment before sketching and draping. She does this until she’s entirely satisfied with the garment’s overall concept.

After that, she creates the pattern and the first sample of several is made. “Throughout the process, the swimsuit is constantly evolving. And usually what I initially set out to do transforms into something completely different and even better than what I envisioned at the start,” she says.

After she has approved the samples, they go to production. All Karla Colletto swimsuits are made in-house and rigorously inspected, ensuring the best quality control. Colletto uses dynamic fabrics and tests different patterns and constructions to ensure the best fit, with comfort and durability in mind. “We even continue our quality trend in the smallest pieces of our swimsuits using the best eyelets, underwires, zippers and other components,” she says.

Colletto finds inspiration in myriad places, from modernist paintings to old movies, in classic architecture and the intricate details of a dahlia. Ever the artist, textures and colors in the surrounding world can trigger moments of stimulation and creativity. “It could be a coral dress in a magazine or a piece of coral I find on the beach,” she says. As a Virginia resident working in close proximity to Washington, D.C., Colletto is also inspired by the region’s multicultural landscape and the strong women she designs for.

Who is the Karla Colletto girl? She is “a modern, confident woman who wants to make a fashion statement with her swimwear, whether it’s in her own backyard or while on some exotic getaway,” she says. “She appreciates good quality and is smart when it comes to the best fit for her body.”

Most people abhor the process of bathing suit shopping – that is, magnifying their own bodily insecurities before mirrored walls and fluorescent lights. Colletto aims in her designs to counteract this tendency.

“It is so important for us to make swimwear that women feel absolutely confident in,” she says. “It’s about finding the right swimsuit for your personality and your body. We like to think our swimwear offers the best of both worlds.” The team constructs each garment with progressive patterns and innovative techniques, while incorporating details such as silent underwires and ruching (gathering or pleating) to enhance the silhouette. Over the years, the designer has noticed swimwear’s burgeoning place in women’s wardrobes, a stylish intertwining of swimwear with ready-to-wear.

“My goal with each swimsuit is to create an innovative, fashion-forward piece without degrading the importance of a tailored fit,” she says, adding, “A swimsuit should be more than just a beautiful piece. It should be a reflection of the wearer herself.”

Colletto’s artistic talents are well known, yet she’s also business savvy, with a shrewd awareness of the marketplace that’s changing around her. “Marketing and advertising have changed incalculably over the years, especially with the advent of social media,” she says. “Our social platforms give us a firsthand connection with our admirers.” Though Colletto’s brand is not currently in the e-commerce game, the designer has plans to enter the online market over the next year or two.

“We want to take the time to do it right and ensure any online shopping endeavors match the quality of our brand,” she says. And when that time comes, Colletto believes that people will confidently buy her swimsuits online, even though that means not trying them on in a dressing room. “Because of the consistency of our fit, once the customer knows their size, it’s easy for them to buy online,” she says.

In addition to social media, Colletto uses stylish, retro-chic video campaigns to promote her collections, working with Pum and Jake Lefebure, co-founders of D.C. based Design Army, and the talented director and cinematographer Dean Alexander. “Their input and unique approach is a huge part of our brand success in collaboration with our social media platforms,” she says.

Colletto’s branding has an air of whimsy and nostalgia to it, a faint reminder of the past coupled with a strong sense of the future. Her swimsuits manipulate modern fabrics to achieve silhouettes that are unflinchingly fashion-forward, even when influenced by past designs.
“Although my designs have changed over the years, there are some distinctive Karla Colletto details that make our suits recognizable,” she says. The Colletto design team often looks to their own archives for designs that could be taken in a fresh, contemporary direction.

“I continue to experiment, challenge and innovate,” she says of her process. Colletto has been a pioneer in the swimwear industry, utilizing the best of today’s fabrics and manufacturing processes, while defying the limitations of design. This drive and steadfast commitment to originality has garnered recent attention from Elle, InStyle Spain, Glow Magazine and Trillionaire Magazine, to name a few.

Colletto works with retailers both large and small. She recently designed an exclusive swimsuit for Everything But Water in honor of the retailer’s 30th anniversary. The bold red one-piece, triggered by a 1960s photo of model Peggy Moffitt in Rudi Gernreich, features a plunging V-neck with cutouts, crisscrossing bands and strong structural details.

Like the swimsuit, Colletto’s brand is bold, strong and structural, and there’s much still ahead for the company. In addition to adding e-commerce to the business model, Colletto hopes to expand her brand into active wear and sportswear in the future. In the meantime, however, Karla Colletto’s swimwear offers women everywhere the opportunity to suit up in style this summer. Go ahead – take the plunge. [gallery ids="117765,117782,117778,117773" nav="thumbs"]

Tour Couture: 84th House Tour
• May 6, 2015

This issue’s cover celebrates a contemporary take on the Georgetown House Tour. The photo of models Alessa Fisher and Leanne Mayo (of THE Artist Agency) by Svenja Herrmann was taken at 3425 Prospect St. NW, sometimes called Quality Hill-Worthington House. Hair ad makeup were done by Lexi Martinez for THE Artist Agency while styling and set design were completed by Lee Will. The dress worn by Fisher is designed by Jason Wu, and the pants and top worn by Mayo is designed by Yigal Azrouël. [gallery ids="102059,134542,134544,134546,134540,134548,134551,134550" nav="thumbs"]