ThE WaNtEd FaShIoNs....

DC Fashion Week, a partnership of independent fashion designers, producers and models, continues its explosive growth as Washington 's premier apparel exhibition. The weeklong event begins February 28 at multiple venues throughout the US capital.

Attractions newly added this year include a Menswear Collection Show and a special emphasis on up-and-coming designers from around the world, which will have the opportunity to showcase their styles alongside established names such as Bachrach, Sean John and Betsey-Johnson. "It is especially exciting to introduce the world to new designers from Ghana and other countries," says Ean Williams, executive director of DC Fashion Week. "Visitors to this year's show will have a chance to view clothing and designs that have never been seen by American audiences before. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event." The Menswear Collection Show was added this year because DCFW continues its explosive growth as the nation's capitol's premier apparel trade exhibitor. "We are delighted to have added a 'Menswear Collection Show' this year, showing the precise tailoring and craftsmanship depicted in men's clothing," stated Williams.

DC Fashion Week will be a truly international runway fashion event with the participation of the newly added Fashion for Development: Fair Trade Show in partnership with the World Bank Group's Youth2Youth Committee, the International Finance Corporation's Grassroots Business Initiative, and the Pangea Artisan Market and Cafe.

Notable 2007 sponsors include Lincoln / Mercury, Smooth Jazz 105.9 / WJZW-FM, Glaceeau Smartwater and Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas. The partnership with Lincoln Mercury is especially fitting as relates to design, with both news media and the auto design industry at-large voted the 2007 Lincoln MKZ as "Best Premium-Priced Car Interior of the Year" at the 7th annual Automotive "Interior of the Year" awards conducted by Wards Auto World magazine. One of the vehicles at the show will be the new 2007 Lincoln MKZ.

A partnership of independent fashion designers, producers and models, DCFASHIONWEEK creates increased economic development in the area of fashion design, clothing merchandising and modeling as well as enhances the visibility of the nation's capital as a center of international fashion. DC Fashion Week is held twice a year (February/September) and draws thousand of patrons to its shows. The complete show schedule is available on the company's website www.dcfashionweek.org.