Spring Break
DC jostles for position in fashion industry
Heidi Riviere/Contributing Writer
Issue date: 6/1/08 Section: Cover
Andrew Nowell of Andrew Nowell Menswear is also sold on a commission on fashion spurring growth of a fashion industry in D.C. "Seattle, Chicago, New York, Miami and L.A. all have fashion industries that are supported by some government money," Nowell said. "I believe there is a lot of promise and chances here. D.C. is conservative because of the government being here, but I like going against the grain."
As for Councilman Thomas, the law might be what neighborhoods like Brookland need. "I always support fashion in D.C.," said Councilman Thomas. "This adds another dimension to the city. You can also promote retail quarters like the Brookland neighborhood in my ward that needs the boost from retailers. These neighborhoods could now become fashion quarters."
Stephany Greene, director of the University of the District of Columbia's fashion merchandising program and chair of the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce, is optimistic about the commission eventually obtaining funding. For example, she has obtained a $15,000 grant from Tommy Hilfiger to support the program.
Diana Biard N'Diaye, curator for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, is equally giddy. "What the D.C. government must realize is that promotion of fashion leads to the development of industry and capital."
She adds: "When Louis XIV wanted to stimulate French industry, he started the fashion industry." The fashion industry continues to be essential to the economy of France, she noted.
Lara Akinsanya of L~Shandi Designs also has high hopes for a thriving local high fashion industry. "I expect more programs would be developed to assist emerging designers like me in the initial stages of building our businesses," she said. "I also expect a fashion corridor that would provide an avenue for local designers to market their items."
Heidi Riviere is a local fashion freelance writer and blogger at www.divabugs.blogspot.com.
As for Councilman Thomas, the law might be what neighborhoods like Brookland need. "I always support fashion in D.C.," said Councilman Thomas. "This adds another dimension to the city. You can also promote retail quarters like the Brookland neighborhood in my ward that needs the boost from retailers. These neighborhoods could now become fashion quarters."
Stephany Greene, director of the University of the District of Columbia's fashion merchandising program and chair of the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce, is optimistic about the commission eventually obtaining funding. For example, she has obtained a $15,000 grant from Tommy Hilfiger to support the program.
Diana Biard N'Diaye, curator for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, is equally giddy. "What the D.C. government must realize is that promotion of fashion leads to the development of industry and capital."
She adds: "When Louis XIV wanted to stimulate French industry, he started the fashion industry." The fashion industry continues to be essential to the economy of France, she noted.
Lara Akinsanya of L~Shandi Designs also has high hopes for a thriving local high fashion industry. "I expect more programs would be developed to assist emerging designers like me in the initial stages of building our businesses," she said. "I also expect a fashion corridor that would provide an avenue for local designers to market their items."
Heidi Riviere is a local fashion freelance writer and blogger at www.divabugs.blogspot.com.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 4
GWFCC
posted 6/05/08 @ 1:59 AM EST
Some facts are not accurate should have done fact check before releasing. Major error, Councilman Thomas Jr. is Councilmember for Ward 5 and the neighborhood is Brookland. (Continued…)
Nia
posted 6/10/08 @ 11:58 AM EST
This article is very confusing, I'm not sure what the "take home" is.
Just an FYI...
February 22nd is the enactment date. That means that it went from council to the mayor for his review & signature. (Continued…)
Brandon Jackson
posted 9/10/08 @ 10:08 AM EST
We are a performing arts modeling company, established to provide scholarship assistance to allow our members to attend and remain in college. Members are from high schools and colleges in the DC Metropolitan Area. (Continued…)
Post a Comment