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Project Beltway Interviews: Daniel Roger of We One You Two

Posted on December 18, 2007
Filed Under Interviews, Men | 5 Comments

Though I’m not sold at all on the name, We One You Two does offer some covetable clothing, especially upstairs (it has a townhouse-y feel). We One You Two’s space was formerly occupied by I.D. — which everyone, including We One You Two Creative Director Daniel Roger, then an I.D. part owner — admits was not terribly fashion-forward. Roger was looking for something more fashionable, and he and his cadre of young female partners including Thalia Attinger, Krista Johnson and Judy Mayka seem to have accomplished that. Among the labels, there’s Franco Mirabelli suiting, LA-based lines MK2K and Poleci, and Israeli line Lia Kes (which I have to say I saw first in Washington at On Lokation). Slightly more casual clothing and accessories are housed downstairs, including some cute faux Kenneth Jay Lane bangles for $10 each. Roger is particularly excited that the store will soon carry L.A.M.B. and Hollywould. Here’s what he had to say, in his thick French accent, about the store and his personal style.

We One You Two is having a party tonight….

What are you wearing?
Hugo Boss jeans, Le Chateau Canada jacket (“I bought it at least 25 years ago”), Lucchese boots, Ralph Lauren pocket square and glasses from French line Eye’DC

Where do you like to shop?
Anywhere and everywhere, but I admit that I shop mostly in Paris. I’m there about twice a year. There, there are boutiques everywhere you go. You don’t have to go into somewhere like Saks or Neiman Marcus to find good things. I go to Le Printemps (Paris) for shoes. I love my shoes.”

What’s your style philosophy?
I think it’s all in the attitude. And I do have an attitude. Mostly I think personal style means being yourself, whoever that is. Too many people try to be someone else, and it’s hard enough to just be yourself.

What are your thoughts on style in Washington?
There could be more personality there, but DC is changing for the better. Women dress up more and look better than the men. I’ll go to dinner and see couples out, at a nice place, and the women look great…hair, makeup, a nice dress…and the men look like slobs! DC is changing though, and we’re excited to be a part of that.

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Sidewalk Style!

Posted on November 20, 2007
Filed Under Everything Else, Interviews, Only in Washington | 11 Comments

Hi PBers! I wanted to share some exciting news with you. Washingtonian.com has asked me to be a regular fashion contributor for their site. I’ll be doing a column called Sidewalk Style that embraces Project Beltway’s mission to celebrate individual fashion found on the streets of DC. In addition, I’ll cover some local events for the site.

Sidewalk Style will include an interview with my ambushed ‘sidewalker’ as well as a breakdown of their outfit – something I think a lot of you will enjoy.

I want to thank you all for you support of PB and thought you would happy to know that our debates and appreciation for personal expression through fashion is making a big impact and is reaching a broader audience. Project Beltway has certainly enlightened me and made me appreciate how many smart & interesting people you walk past on the street every day. I hope it has done the same for you!

Don’t worry, PB is here to stay and will remain a place for all of us to laugh, argue and learn. I’ll just be working more .

As always, send me your ideas and thoughts and keep the comments coming – without you, PB is just another blog. Check out this week’s Sidewalk Style featuring Marvin’s general manager, Sheldon Scott.

Happy Thanksgiving! I’ll be back next week if not before.

XO

Rachel

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Project Beltway Interviews: Treat

Posted on October 3, 2007
Filed Under Interviews, Shopping Events & News, Women | 2 Comments

Local designer Phung Vong is the adorableness behind local indie label Treat. Check out the goodies online here and during STYLEistics at Rock & Roll Hotel on October 20, where Treat plans to sell wares along with labels DURKL, De Nada Designs, and Realm, which PB interviewed way back when. Treat designer Phung Vong just put out an overuse-of-the-word-cute-inspiring fall lookbook featuring dreamy dresses and tops, so check ohhh, pretty much the entirety of it after the jump.

*Disclaimer: Forgive me for one kind-of-trite question. I almost didn’t include it, but the resulting answer was just too good.

What is your vision for Treat?
I’ve already canned the resale of vintage apparel. From time to time, I’ll pull out the good stuff like outrageous costume jewelry and fun vintage apparel pieces for trunk/trade shows, but for the most part, I’m focusing primarily on my seasonal designs.

Tell me about the fall line.
Undeniably adorable, fun, charming, beyond playful, and best of all different from any other.

What/who inspires you as a designer?
My surroundings: people to people encounters, art, culture, architecture, color, composition, all sorts of things really.

If Treat was a food, what would it be and why?
Tomato, of course. It’s not quite a vegetable, yet considered a fruit and aesthetically pleasing…different from the rest, not to mention tasty. Progressively ripens.

More More More after the jump.

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Project Beltway Interviews: Marshall Thompson of The District Line

Posted on September 21, 2007
Filed Under Interviews, Men | Leave a Comment

BRITISH INVASION
Marshall Thompson is the owner of English menswear shop The District Line, which carries classic Brit standards from labels Ted Baker, Fred Perry and Boxfresh as well as more exclusive offerings from Fenchurch, Etienne Ozeki, and Oliver Spencer. The District Line recently moved from its digs in Adams Morgan to an incredible space on Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown that Marshall outfitted with with antique armoires and custom wallpaper, street-art murals (don’t miss the Queen upstairs) and some so-Anne-Frank fitting rooms; the result is impossibly cool and stylish without being trendy – the sort of spot the men of Washington will appreciate. Stop by on Saturday when the store officially opens its doors, and don’t miss the Merc “Hemingway” blazer (the lead singer of the Kaiser Chiefs rocks one), the cashmere-blend Boxfresh cardigan with red stripes, and The District Line soccer scarves (umm, awesome – and only $25).

Marshall threw a huge relaunch party last night with some lovely people in attendance- look out for pictures from that around 1:00 today.

How did you get into English fashion?
I fell in love with English fashion when I was 16 through the music I was listening to at the time. I started listening to ska and punk music, and a big part of that subculture is dressing sharp. I loved Fred Perry and Ben Sherman shirts and I thought that all of the bands that I saw wear them were the height of cool, so naturally I wanted some for myself. Unfortunately I couldn’t afford them at the time, but I finally got my first Ben Sherman shirt in college (a royal blue short sleeve button down with notched sleeves and Ben Sherman embroidered on the pocket), and it quickly became my favorite shirt of all time. I don’t know where it is now, but I kinda miss it.

Tell me about the store and your vision for it.
The District Line is a lifestyle store that carries sophisticated brands from the UK for distinguishing gentlemen who want a little more style in their wardrobe. We carry everything from t-shirts to sweaters, denim to dress shirts, suits to outerwear, and bags to ties, so there’s always something a little different and interesting to add to your personal collection. The store’s decor is Old English meets edgy London, so my designer Brian Miller and I have picked out antique pieces (many from the 1800s) to display the clothing alongside custom wallpaper and murals by celebrated graffiti artist Kelly Towles. We believe this theme makes for a complete shopping experience because there are so many interesting things to see in the store, in addition to the British music being spun by DJs every weekend.

What’s this I hear about the East Room?
The East Room of The District Line is set aside for our higher end lines, like Ted Baker and Oliver Spencer. We carry suits, dress shirts, and ties for men who want to stand out a little bit from everyone else in the office. In the near future, we will be able to offer suit fittings and alterations in the store as well.

What will you carry, and what are you particularly excited about?
Fred Perry, Ben Sherman, Ted Baker, Oliver Spencer, Boxfresh, Fenchurch, Etienne Ozeki, Merc London, and Simon Carter. All of the collections for the Fall season look amazing, so it’s hard to pick one in particular. I’d say I’m most excited about the Oliver Spencer outerwear, which Washingtonians have never seen in this city before. They are absolutely gorgeous houndstooth, herringbone, and tweed coats in a variety of styles that are traditional and fashion-forward at the same time. Just absolute class.

Describe your personal style.
This can really vary from day to day, but at heart I’m a t-shirt and jeans guy. I do love my Fred Perry polo shirts, my Ben Sherman button-down shirts, my Ted Baker jeans, and my Onitsuka Tiger trainers, but I also love getting dressed up in suits for special occasions. I usually tend to wear conservative styles of clothing, but only from labels that put an interesting touch on them. I’m a fan of the mentality that quality is better than quantity, so I prefer to own fewer, nicer pieces than a lot of cheaper pieces that only last a season. I think more Americans are starting to follow this trend, which leads to better style for everyone across the board.

Your favorite go-to style Web sites? Magazines?
My favorite magazine is GQ, as generic as that might be. They always have interesting style selections, and I usually agree with and like what they put together in their spreads. Sometimes I find myself disagreeing with The Sartorialist when he answers readers’ questions, but what is fashion if everyone “follows the rules” all the time?

Thoughts about style in general in DC? And, what would you like to see more of, style-wise, in DC?
PLEASE drop the Washington uniform of navy blazer and khaki pants! I think black, gray, or navy trousers look more sophisticated and grown up than khakis every day of the week. If you must wear your work clothes after work, keep the jacket, but lose the tie. I can’t stand seeing guys in bars with their tie on after 7 pm unless they’re in a bar or restaurant that actually warrants being dressed up. But if you’re in Stetson’s or Capitol Lounge after 7, lose the tie and relax a little. Also – it’s ok to buy labels you’ve never heard of. In fact, it’s encouraged. It’s time to for Washington men to step up and try some new clothing that might make them feel like they’re branching out a little bit. Stretch the limits of your comfort zone and the ladies will appreciate it – I guarantee it.

Any upcoming events or promotions PB readers should know about?
We have a few in-store events as well as other parties coming up in the near future. You can sign up for the email list at www.thedistrictline.com to receive all of the updates. Look for a launch of the new online store in the near future as well as a party around the time of the MLS Cup here in DC in November.

The District Line
1250 Wisconsin Avenue

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Project Beltway Interviews: Jennifer Baum Lagdameo of Ananas Handbags

Posted on September 14, 2007
Filed Under Interviews, Shopping Events & News, Women | Leave a Comment

On Saturday, Ananas founder and Bethesda (now Brooklyn) girl Jennifer Baum Lagdameo will make an appearance at CUSP in Tysons Corner with her current collection of handbags. After graduating from GW in 1992, Lagdameo traveled to Tokyo and the Philippines and was so inspired by the traditional textile techniques and materials there that she began her career as a designer, first designing shawls made from Phillipine fabrics and then with the Ananas line in 2004. Her designs can be seen in recent issues of Harpers Bazaar, Marie Claire, Lucky and US Weekly.
PB has a few words with Ms. Lagdameo; event details are at the end of the post.

Did you know that you wanted to be a designer or go into fashion in college?
No i had no idea what i wanted to do!

What was your major in school?
Art history…and i worked at the Freer/Sackler Gallery my last year of school and after I graduated.

Who/what inspires you as a designer?
Travel — seeing new places, and new people

What has been your vision for Ananas? How has the collection evolved since you started?
I think the collection is really evolving into its own style. I would like to think that people who are familiar with Ananas can see a new style and easily identify it as Ananas.

Plans/hopes for the future?
I fantasize about shoes……

Define “stylish.”
I think stylish is having “a look,” whatever that look may be.

How do you feel about DC?
I love the DC area. DC is such a beautiful showcase capital city. I loved growing up here because I feel it gave me such an international perspective on the world.

Advice for someone starting their own line of clothing or accessories?
It is kind of corny, but follow your dream and stay focused.

Any favorite designers?
Marni — I love Marni. Vena Cava — I was lucky enough to be able to just see their Spring 08 presentation for NY fashion week and it was fabulous. And Anya Ponorovskaya — my dear friend and very talented up-and-coming womenswear designer. She does amazing dresses and jackets which are currently only available at her three NY boutiques called Girlcat (167 and 235 Elizabeth St. and her brand new shop on Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn).

WHEN: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2007

WHERE: CUSP TYSONS CORNER CENTER
7863-L TYSONS CORNER CENTER
MCLEAN, VA 22102
703.288.1940

TIME: 2:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.

The "Fabiana," $345 (!!) which is sold at CUSP in black, magenta, and camel....

But I have a crush on this Italian lambskin one, the “Aki pochette,” for $265.

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*Project Beltway Interviews: Pepper Watkins

Posted on September 13, 2007
Filed Under Interviews, Men | 15 Comments

Pepper Watkins is a 25 year-old student at Columbia University in NYC, working on joint MS degrees in Historic Preservation and Urban Planning. He lived here in DC for the summer, hanging out with girlfriend Becca, and hopes to come back after he’s done with school. He grew up in a log cabin in rural Clarke County Virginia (yea-heh small towns in Virginia!) and enjoys playing and listening to bluegrass and folk music and contributing to The Tighten Up Report.

*This is a long one! Half here, half after the jump.

Describe your personal style/style philosophy. Any style quirks?
A friend once described my own style to me as “classic men’s sportswear”, and I think there’s some truth to that. I appreciate classic clothes, but since I’m hard to fit (6′2″ and 135 lbs), I’ve had to get a little creative with what I can wear off the rack, which–when I really started paying attention about two years ago–led me to look more at modish styles. What I end up with, I think, is a mixture of classic and modern-classic clothes that, when hung on a skinny frame but actually fit, amount to a personal style. I’m also fond of dressing up casual a little when the occasion is right. I think that some of my choices can border on the affected, but affectation is one thing I really enjoy about getting dressed. I don’t have any tattoos, but I enjoy being creative with the way I attire myself.

Any favorite designers or labels? Where do you buy stuff in DC? New York?
This is an interesting question that probably gives insight into my last answer. When I started needing a real professional wardrobe out of college, I found Pierre Mohan, a Hong Kong tailor, who I’ve since had make me several suits, a lot of shirts, and most recently a tuxedo. It has been a good move for me, and far more affordable than you would ever think. He is a made-to-measure tailor, which means he makes clothes from existing patterns by cutting them to his clients’ measurements, so the fit–for me–is flawless but the cost is nowhere near what you would pay at places like Lord Willey’s in NYC, Brooks Brothers’ custom shop, or, at the highest end, Savile Row houses such as Anderson and Sheppard or Gieves and Hawkes, Henry Poole, etc.

So that pretty much sums of my professional clothes. I have a couple of inexpensive cotton suits from Sisley, a sub-label of Benetton. They’re cut well for skinny guys, but I find the fabric a little on the cheap side, so it doesn’t weather as well as more expensive labels. Nonetheless, I’ve gotten a lot of wear out of the suits.

As for jeans, I’ve picked up several pairs of Diesels over the years because they fit me exactly as I like, and I managed to find pairs that don’t look overly Euro. That’s a splurge purchase, but for something as important as jeans, they have to be right.

Ironically enough, I’ve also just discovered that a lot of Ralph Lauren clothes, sized small, will fit me to my liking. I’ve had this issue where I can’t buy clothes from most major labels because my proportions are elongated and things end up being right in one direction and wrong in another. The result is that I just don’t bother going to most places because I’ve learned to know better. I’ve had more luck with Lauren in this respect.

H&M, believe it or not, has some sharp suits these days too, although I recently noticed that a very sharp suit of theirs lacked a real breast pocket — it wasn’t sewn shut as the side pockets were. Rather, there was no pocket to speak of — only what we would identify as the pocket slit on the outside. I can certainly appreciate H&M’s cutting non-essential corners to make finer clothing affordable, but for god’s sake, when they eliminated the breast pocket, they eliminated the pocket square along with it.

As for NYC, I haven’t bought anything at boutiques, but I’m madly in love with Lord Willey’s and Barker Black SoHo/NoLita. When I when the lottery, that’s where you’ll find me. In DC, The District Line, as well as Meep’s (great vintage) are the best I know of, but as always, I have to look very hard to get the right fit.

Stylewise, who or what are your inspirations?
My 90-year-old grandfather is one of the best-dressed individuals I’ve ever known. Looking at old pictures of him, as well as other family members that I never had the chance to meet, are a great inspiration. I credit him with my interest in ascots. He’s also let me raid his closet a few times. From those trips, I probably have 20 vintage madras bowties and another 20 or 30 four-in-hand ties from various periods and in various sizes and patterns–stuff you just can’t find anymore. My dad always gave good style advice too and encouraged my brother and I to look as though we had it together. I also credit Becca with having an awesome eye (and great taste herself) — if I’m ever unsure, I can rely on her unequivocally.

Of course, there is also Cary Grant, Fred Astaire (despite their differences), and any man ever cast in a Fellini film. Somewhere along the line, we’ve lost what was once a great appreciation for the well-dressed man, at least, I think, to the extent it was expected fifty years ago. There was a time in this country when no man would leave the house without a hat–and I’m not talking about the kind with a baseball team’s logo on it. I’m not trying to bring back another age, but there’s a loss to lament there.

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Project Beltway Interviews: Cath & Kata of Listopad

Posted on August 23, 2007
Filed Under Interviews, Shopping Events & News, Women | 3 Comments

Cathy Chung, 29, and Katerina Herodotou, 23, are the ladies behind Listopad Vintage, the roving clothing and lifestyle shop that stocks some of the most wearable-and-well-priced vintage in the city. The two friends recently launched an online shop, run an addictive blog, and are throwing a party next month that YOU are invited to. Read on to find out what “listopad” means (hint: it’s right around the corner) and how buying cute clothes can be good for the environment.

What does this lovely and mysterious name listopad mean?
November in Polish, falling leaves in other slavic languages. Katerina is half-Polish so that’s how we came up with it.

What’s your vision for Listopad and why did you decide to start selling vintage?
Listopad is an evolving umbrella of activities and products. We want to bring awesome, wearable vintage to DC ingenues, rockstars and newbies, while keeping it affordable. In addition to staking out the hippest vintage in the area, we want to encourage the budding cultural panorama of DC; we want to collaborate with the movers and shakers in DC, promoting the best shops, bars, restaurants, djs, and artists in the area while bringing a superior product to the streets that people desperately want. That’s why we do our vintage cocktail parties, but those are only the beginning.

Tell us why you love vintage.
KH: I love vintage clothing because it’s one-of-a-kind. I hate mass fast-fashion retailers because they peddle inferior products and push one look on the entire public. Vintage gives you the opportunity to express yourself uniquely, while keeping your consumerism more ecological and supporting independent, local businesses. I think people are getting tired of seeing the same H&M t-shirts all over and people don’t want to be caught wearing the same outfit as someone else. There is growing desire inside people to discover new things and new forms of expression, and vintage clothing can be a part of that.
CC: I agree. There are sound social reasons why recycling fashions is a great idea. Also, there is something really magical about taking a historical piece and reinventing it as your own. It is not about living in the past but recognizing that there was pride in the workmanship and that there were so many creative ideas flowing around. Great vintage is timeless – when you score a special piece it feels good to know you can revisit it every year.

It seems that some folks have hangups about wearing vintage clothing: I don’t want to wear other people’s clothes/looks too weird/unwearable/I can’t wear that to work. Advice for the vintage-shy?
KH: My advice is to take risks. You’ll never know what doors you can open up when you try something new. And I always find that vintage clothings better made, lasts longer (obviously) and can fit perfectly with modern purchases while adding flair.
CC: No matter how you perceive yourself, everyone has a sense of knowing what looks good on them. There is this kooky perception of vintage that it has to be costumey or garish but these days major designers directly take from vintage looks. If you are hesitant, start with a tie or scarf (Vera scarves are making a comeback), grab a classy vintage clutch, or an interesting piece of vintage costume jewelry. Mixing and matching vintage and new items can be really fun.

Where do you like to shop?
KH: I refuse to buy clothing which I can’t trace to a sweatshop free manufacturer, so that really dictates where I shop. Obviously, I love Mercedes Bien’s vintage offerings and I scour thrift stores often for good finds. I love the Moonblood tees at Smash!, and the Keep shoes at Commonwealth. I always hit up Gomi in NYC when I visit for Majestic Tees (organic and produced in a geothermal factory) and adore Scout .
CC: Mercedes does have a quality vintage selection and I have found some great pieces at Meeps. I am drawn to the style direction at Circle Boutique – they have Lover and Karen Walker, a few of my favorite designers. Wild Women Wear Red for shoes. American Apparel for layering pieces and Loehmann’s if I feel lucky that day.

How would you describe your style?
KH: Retro comfort? I love the classics but I also love bright colors.
CC: “Mood-oriented” : I love experimenting and matching clothing according to my mood. I was accused of being Little Edie the other month with the headwraps. These past few weeks, it has been about the weather and high-waisted shorts or silk.

What are you craving for fall?
KH: Black PVC Celine ankle boots. from Hu’s Shoes
CC: Nice fitted vintage peacoat, Rachel Comey wedges.

Favorite designers?
KH: I love Erotokritos dresses, Hussein Chalayan’s artistry, APC basics, Acne jeans, Marni shapes and Stella McCartney shoes.
CC: Alexandre Herchcovitch for his creative yet wearable usage of eclectic patterns and fabrics, Karen Walker for her cool sleekness, Peter Jensen for a classy new historical vision, and so many vintage designers, especially Ossie Clark.

What are your thoughts on style in Washington?
KH: It’s better than most places, though could use some work in the risk-taking department.
CC: If you look outside of the happy hour/weekend circuit, there is quite a bit of style floating in D.C. neighborhoods. And the more options there are for style, the better it will get.

Mark Your Calendars: Vintage Clothing Party at Red Onion Records & Books
When: September 13, 2007; 6-9 p.m.
What: Unique and affordable fall and winter vintage and slashed prices on summery items sharing space with Red Onion’s offerings (good music, good reading).
Why: Well, duh–but also, delicious snacks and desserts offered by Middle Eastern eatery Yazuzu, and the sweet sounds of DJ Name Names—the infamous music stylings of DC institution Ian Svenonius.

Red Onion Records & Books
1901 18th Street NW (18th and T, next to Lauriol Plaza)
Listopad Vintage

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