By CouncilMag.com
The DowntownDC Business Improvement District held its first District of Fashion Runway Show at The Showroom on Sept. 5 ahead of New York Fashion Week. The show, hosted by lifestyle personality Paul Wharton, featured the collections of 10 local and global designers.

Paul Wharton with Roquois Clarke, of DowntownDC BID, at The Showroom.

Photos by Marcus G. Bennett

“The District of Fashion runway show serves to highlight DowntownDC talent in the clothing retail industry and provides … a fashion experience commensurate with what is already available in cities such as Paris, New York and Milan,” said Neil Albert, president and CEO of the business improvement district, in a statement.

Model wears an outfit from Peruvian Connection at the District of Fashion Runway Show.

““D.C. strives to embody a world-class environment and this new venture for the BID propels that mission forward.””

— Neil Albert, president and CEO of DowntownDC BID

The event showcased the Spring/Summer 2019 collections of Carmen Eliam Jewelry, Cheero Citizen, Christopher Schafer Clothier, Corjor International, DiDomenico, Fashions by Le Tam, Grindstone Universal, Paloma Correal, Peruvian Connection and Sincerely KAJ. Models in clothes from boutique Upstairs on 7th were live mannequins during the cocktail hour.

DowntownDC BID says there’s more to come: A show in February 2019 will highlight Fall 2019 collections.

Check out some looks from the show: