Crystal Couture launches a week's worth of runway shows and trunk sales featuring local designers in Arlington on Feb. 7. You'll find clothing lines featuring everything from yoga wear to menswear, and vintage to (for the first time), kids' clothing.
"We cater to everybody," said Maggy Francois, who's managed the event for the past few years, describing Crystal Couture as "a great way to expose the boutiques and designers in the DC area."
Visitors will score up to 50 percent off of designers such asSouth Moon Under, Elizabeth St. John Collections and Estella Couture. "This one is different because there is the element of shopping involved," said Souny West, owner of The W Salon. Guests will be able to shop for clothes both straight off the runway and at participating booths.
Plus, stylists such as West and her team will be on hand every night to offer fashion tips and answer style questions. Guests will also be able to get free hair styling and makeup applications. Each night will feature a different salon, such as the W Salon, Paul Mitchell and Cole Stevens Salon & Day Spa.
The W Salon crew will be participating for the first time on Friday, Feb. 10 as part of the runway "glam team" with Ink Cosmetics. Their booth will offer salon goodie bags, their famous signature W Salon red velvet cupcakes (to the first 200 visitors), and raffle tickets for salon prizes.
Red Hue Boutique will showcase Red Hue Spring 2012, the store’s private label, to the public on the final day of the event. Owner Silvia Huezo said she’s looking forward to putting on "a really good show for people.”
Anna Castillo, owner of Ink Cosmetics, has a similar goal. She will be introducing consumers to her store's new product line, in addition to using it on the models during the show. Castillo, a celebrity makeup artist who has previously worked on projects for both MTV and VH1, said she will be "pulling some things from Paris Fashion Week" to create the look.
"Really clean, pretty makeup," she said -- a "no makeup, makeup look" with a pop of color for the lips. It is a style that will appeal to everyone, Castillo said, "all races and ages."
Castillo, who is active duty military, said she's happy she can finally participate in a show at home. "This is a great show to do in the area," she said.
Crystal Couture runs from Tuesday, Feb 7 to Saturday, Feb. 11, with a runway show every 15 minutes from 6 to 10 p.m each day. Special guest hosts include Bianca Chardei from America's Next Top Model, Sarah Fraser from Hot 99.5, and NBC4's own Angie Goff.
Admission is free and the event is open to the public. See the complete schedule here.
