By contributor Wendy Gordon
DC, a place not normally known for the uber fashionable in the past, is making its mark. So put on your stilettos and get on out to the boutiques; the designer-laden stores; the places where even we, in the nation’s capitol, can make our apparel mark.
But wait! We’re so fashionable of late the designers are making their way to us. Enter Betsy Fisher, who, since 1998, has brought us renowned and up and coming designers at her Connecticut Avenue boutique.
The latest visitor was Mississippi native Hilton Hollis, whose easy to wear yet fashion forward styles (“classic with a twist of modern edge”) are featured, along with himself, in person, at a trunk show at Betsy Fisher this week. Disclaimer—excuse us while we gush, but there was a certain leather coat we had our eyes on…not to mention some colorful sheaths and a particular green and grey jacket …but we digress.
Hilton Hollis
The ladies turned out in droves, of course, to meet the designer and nosh on delicacies and cocktails provided by Silver Spring’s Daily Dish Restaurant & Catering Co. Food and fashion. A win-win!
“I do really beautiful classically tailored clothing—usually with a twist for the more modern woman, but understandable,” Hollis said. “I came to DC because of Betsy Fisher—she’s been carrying my line for the last 4 years. I like to come to DC because the women are fun and I get to see old friends and make new ones.”
Hollis became interested in the industry as a child watching his grandmother sew when he was about 6 years old, sewing himself when he was seven. He detoured to pre-law in college for three years before attending FIT. He has worked for Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren to name a few, before heading out on his own. Just to drop yet another name, Oprah has called him one of the best resources for curvy and full figured women—although his styles flatteringly cross all shapes and sizes.
Since 1988, Betsy Fisher has specialized in fine contemporary fashion, offering both well-known and up-and-coming designer collections of clothing, shoes and accessories, and has become a mecca for exclusive pieces and original wardrobes.
