Yesterday, SoulCycle West End hosted FGIDC members and our friends for an amazing Cardio Party! THANK YOU SOULCYCLE! We were treated to an intense sweat session that got us motivated and ready for the Summer. Our instructor Abby was the best and we couldn’t have thought of a better way to kick off the season. Check out #FGIDCSweat on Instagram to see photos!
On Tuesday, February 9 2016, The Fashion Group International® of Greater Washington, DC, Inc. (FGIDC) presented the Fashion Group International’s curated trend presentation followed by an exhibit featuring fashion trends interpreted through the lens of top DC photographers. While sipping cocktails in the stimulating historic space, over 50 well-heeled Washingtonians, found unique inspiration and a comprehensive presentation for the season’s trends as presented on the runways at New York Fashion Week, including athleisure, bodouir inspired clothing, layering, trim details and relaxed fits. Photographs from top DC fashion and lifestyle photographers including Anton Papich, Violetta Markelou, Master Williams, Tim Coburn, Kate Warren, Monica True, Creative Theory and Walter Grio were up for silent auction to benefit FGIDC’s upcoming outreach initiatives.
To close our chapter on 2015, on December 8, 2015, FGIDC welcomed members, friends and family to an intimate dinner curated in a raw space in Georgetown Park. Lit by bistro lights and candles, well-heeled Washingtonians enjoyed libations, 4 courses communal style and dancing. The night was magical and was a true reflection of how far we’ve come this year and a launch to where we are headed in 2016. Our sponsors – Georgetown Park, Pinstripes, Barrel DC, Nate Le Chef, Malmaison, Martin’s Tavern, Elegance & Simplicity, and A Little Bit of Whimsy Photography were so incredibly generous and were critical to the success of the night. We dined, we communed, and we danced! Here’s to you and yours this holiday season.
See below for a glimpse of the night (photos by A Little Bit of Whimsy Photography)
“Men need a reference point in fashion. Men don’t follow trends as fast as women”
“It’s all about humor to get guys through the door”
“Male athletes are influencing men’s fashion right now”
On Monday, November 16, 2015, FGIDC hosted the MEN IN MOTION talk at the Loft at 600F. The talk was paired off with whiskey and beer tasting, fried chicken, and donuts from Astro Doughnuts; and over $200 worth of swag that each attendee received from Grooming Lounge, Blank Label Clothing, Onward Reserve, Whiskey Ginger, Zadig & Voltaire, and Waveborn. A panel discussion with some of the top leading men in the industry followed, which was, moderated Michael McCarthy, Editor-in-Chief of DC Modern Luxury. The panel consisted of Renatto “Natto” Balladares, Men’s Trend Analyst Urban Outfitters; Gary Williams, Photographer MasterWilliams Photography; and Mike Gilman, Founder Grooming Lounge.
Question after question from the 80+ attendees indicated FGI struck a chord with the men’s fashion & lifestyle community. There was a real hunger for conversation and action when it came to the needs of the men’s lifestyle sector. Michael, “Natto”, Gary, and Mike spoke to the diversity of the men’s sector and the varied needs, inspirations, and aspirations of the community. and that “men need a reference point in fashion” because they generally don’t follow trends as fast as women. Gary pointed out that the first time, athletes are serving as that in inspirational fashion reference point for men right now. Natto has also observed that often validation comes from a significant other. All agreed that in general, women take more risks because they are kinder to each other versus guys will call each other out immediately if they do not get the others look.
When it comes to grooming practices for men, taboos have rapidly diminished since the inception of Grooming Lounge in 1999. However, there is still only so much guys can do within social norms. As Mike explained, “That is why beards took off with so much vigor, it’s one of the few ways guys can use style to express themselves.” He went on to explain that when marketing Grooming Lounge’s services and products, “it’s all about humor to get guys through the door.”
The panel participants agreed that if the DC look had to be categorized, it would be described as “dapper, classic, and put together.”
MEN IN MOTION marked a new chapter in our programming and our desire to be more inclusive of the men’s fashion community.
For a glimpse into the night, view our photos from A Little Bit of Whimsy Photography.
A successful season of #FGIDCWorkshops wrapped up with The Business Behind the Boutique. Brand Strategist & Speaker, Dawne Hanks, took on the often-overlooked concepts of retail merchandising strategies, buying habits and consumer awareness to the forefront of the evening. Her focus on really knowing your consumer and developing your business strategy to work for you and your consumer was a key takeaway of the night.
The audience was full of designers, boutique owners and retail industry professionals. After Dawne’s presentation, the audience got the rare opportunity to hear from a panel of local boutique owners, including Spencer Hurd of Whiskey Ginger, Lori Parkerson of Redeem, Christina Novak of New to You, and Sakina Iskender of Take 5 Boutique. They spoke to their personal experience, success stories and strategies, and how they’ve tested the market to build upon their business and knowing their specific consumer.
A special thank you to Dawne Hanks & the Retail Panelists for sharing their experiences and knowledge, and M Squared Real Estate for hosting our workshop. Join us as we dig into more workshops, industry focuses and topics in 2016.
