Paradise By The Crystal City Lights

Holiday festivities seem long-gone, the New Year is here to stay (whether you’re ready for it or not), and the winter blues are trying their best to settle in. What’s a girl to do to shake things up? The answer is crystal clear: you need to cheer up with some serious fashion & fun! 

Stop counting the days until spring and start counting the days until Crystal Couture! Get ready to slip off the cozy slippers and sweats and throw on a fun frock & faux-fur – you have less than a week to prepare.

From Feb. 1-6, a storefront in Crystal City is transformed into a fashionista’s paradise with hot designers, photographers, DJs, sample sales, trunk shows & runway shows. What’s even hotter? Great prices on most of the featured merchandise, and the entire week-long event is FREE.

 Here are a few teasers to get you in the mood:

Aidah:  this collection brings eastern chic to west coast fashion. Each garment is handmade and adorned in hand brushed design, making every piece unique.

Artistic Sole:  best known for its custom hand painted kicks with a graffiti twist, Artistic Sole was created by Imani K. Brown, an emerging name in the urban arts industry. 

Belafigura:  gorgeous swimwear designed by a beautiful woman for other beautiful women.

Bernos:  “Two guys a girl and a t-shirt idea. That’s how it all started…” Stylish t-shirt designs based on Afrocentric themes.

Brand of the Free:  a fresh collection of organic graphic tees & totes.

Denim Bar:  with two locations in the DC area, The Denim Bar with its denim experts has become the place to find premium designer jeans.

Malek Naz Freidouni Photography:  uber-talented photographer Naz covered Crystal Couture last year and she’ll be back next week to wow us again.

Nido:  Spanish for “nest”, Nido was created to feature crafts of DC-based artists and designers. Even their Web site is cool.

Rachelle Celine:  love the delicate femininity of her jewelry designs.

Shake Your Booty:  fashionable fun for your feet! Be sure to check them out!

Stella & Dot:  visit MiMi Dabo of Stella & Dot and BoutiqueMix. This girl knows her stuff.

Thembe Fashions:  Philissa Williams, the creative mastermind behind these chic designs, has made a name for herself in the DC area by creating wearable art with vintage materials.

TranquiliT:  Kimberly Wilson has the right idea with her eco-luxe lifestyle threads, claiming “green is the new black”.  A portion of all sales goes to charities that support women’s empowerment and creativity. Now that’s one Hip Tranquil Chick.

Project Stitch:  can’t wait to see the students of the West Potomac Academy Design Department feature their designs at Crystal Couture!

See you next week!