This past Tuesday evening, I realized something important to me. I realized that I am not the only one to whom people raise eyebrows and ask “but why would you base your business in DC.” I get asked that because I am in beauty. I realized many, many others get asked that because they are in fashion. And I realized that we are all in this together.
On Tuesday evening this week, The Politics of Fashion. premiered at Mazza Galerie. The baby, the brainchild of my amazing friend Elaine Mensah. Well – truthfully, she had “real” baby Sage in fewer months than it took her to conceive and birth this movie.
This movie was both a political statement and an industry overview. Elaine captured the thinking of designers, retailers, marketing and PR experts, stylists, fashion and beauty entrepreneurs, and more, who all get the question about “But, why in DC.” And we all answered, in our own way.
While some of the specifics of our answers may have differed, we all agreed on the following:
- DC is amazing and should not wish to be what it cannot be (i.e. New York).
- We should all stop giving DC a bad fashion rap (us insiders and you outsiders). And DC should stop being so defensive about its fashion status. We look great, and wear outfits that do not include dark suits or flat shoes.
- We are all in this together. The success of one indie brand or boutique is the success of all indie brands or boutiques.
- DC is special – for many reasons, including for the fact that we do not have a presence in Congress similar to that of the other states’. And yes, that does influence our industry (and many others).
- We can do anything we set our mind to. Elaine is the perfect example. “I want to make a movie about the fashion industry,” she said one day not that long ago. In various iterations, haven’t we all said something like that some time? And how many of us actually do what we say we want to do? Not many. Thank you Elaine for reminding us we can do anything we set our mind to. If we work hard.
And to DC, to my fashion and beauty industry friends, who said no to New York and many other cities, who chose DC, I say, I love you. And I love our city.
(Next screening is on 6/17 at E Street Cinema and tickets can be purchased here.)
Ada as always sending you good wishes and admiration for your inclusive attitude about beauty and fashion. Will Elaine’s movie be available at other times? Although my crew-damaged knees don’t allow 3″ heels daily, we all do our best here in the DMV to look good!
warm wishes and happy Father’s Day to your dad! kyb