America’s Next Top Model contestant Bianca Chardei to host Crystal Couture

For it’s third year, Crystal Couture finds a new home in the former food court at the Crystal City Shops @ 1750, totally transformed into a rocking runway space with great lighting, a lounge and more than 20 fabulous fashion boutiques and designers each night from around the DC area. The location is literally steps from the METRO keeping fashion fans from freezing en route. From 6 PM to 10 PM every night, the space will be alive with runway shows, body art, and tunes from local favorites DJ Heather Femia and DeeJay Neekola.

Local celebrity hosts add fun flair to the event for the first year ever. Pinkline founder, arts guru and all around girl-about-town Philippa Hughes kicks things off on opening night as the evening’s emcee. Wednesday welcomes local celebrity and America’s Next Top Model contestant, Bianca Chardei back to the runway as host for the evening. DC Magazine’s Editor in Chief Karen Sommer Shallet emcees on Thursday and DJ Sarah Fraser from HOT 99.5 gives voice to Friday’s special Go Red for Women night, raising awareness for heart disease. The closing of Couture goes out with a bang as Bisnow – The Scene hosts the final bash.

The fashions are just as diverse as the hosts, as Crystal Couture brings together the very best boutiques from in and around the beltway for trunk shows, pop-up shops and of course sizzling runway extravaganzas. The list of participants is lengthy. Contemporary favorites Ke’Chic, L~Shandi Designs, Thembe and Natalia Sanz bring sleek modern fashions with a fun twist. Brand of the Free returns with funky chic graphic tees for girls and guys, and wedding gown shopping has never been easier with trunk shows from bridal clothiers Elizabeth St. John Couture, Persnickety Bride and Occasions House of Bridal.

In addition to bringing great runway and retail into the hands of fashionistas from around DC and the beltway, Crystal Couture invites creativity with the return of the t-shirt design competition. Inspired designers can download a form from the BID website to submit their work.

What:  Crystal Couture – Five nights of fabulous fashion, fun and festivities
Runway shows, local DJs, open bar, free snacks, free makeovers from makeup artists and hair stylists – and more!

Where:  Fashion hot spot at 1750 Crystal Drive.

Metro:  Crystal City

Who:  Hosts
Philippa Hughes
Bianca Chardei
Karen Sommer Shallett
DJ Sarah Fraser
BisNow

Boutiques
4EVER UGGLEE
Aidah Collection
Boutique Hush
Boutique Mix
Brand of the Free
Cantoire
Capital Vices
Consignment Diva
Corjor International
Dominion Pride
Elizabeth St. John/Amore Chic
Ibhana Creations, LLC
Ke`Chic
Kim Truong
Kustom Looks Clothiers
L~Shandi Designs
Natalia Sanz
Occasions Bridal
Pacers Running Store
Passport Boutique
Tanta’s Treasures
The Jeans Whisperer
Thembe
Toucan Boutique
Tristan Blake Collection
Uptown Girl VIP/Persnickety Bride
West Potomac Academy

When:  February 1 – 5, 2011 6 PM to 10 PM every night

February 1 – Host, Philippa Hughes, Pinkline Project – T-Shirt Contest
February 2 – Host, Bianca Chardei, America’s Next Top Model Contestant
February 3 – Host, Karen Sommer Shallett, DC Modern Luxury
February 4 – Host DJ Sarah Fraser from HOT 99.5 – Go Red for Women
February 5 – Closing bash hosted by Bisnow – The Scene