For our fashion issue, we wanted to take a deeper look at how fashion tells a story. We had conversations with notable local entrepreneur fashion experts, and the results are a fascinating peek into the minds of the people who help the well-dressed decide what to wear.
Nina McLemore //Nina McLemore Boutique
A MoCo icon with deep roots in the industry. Nina McLemore understands fashion begins with fabric and that high-quality natural fabrics are timeless. She regularly travels to the World Fabric Fair held in fashion centers like Milan, Italy. While exploring the newest innovations in fabric, she pays attention to the clothes she sees people wearing and the images they project. According to Nina, there is a movement away from fast fashion and towards quality fabrics that last, which reflects consumers’ growing environmental concerns about landfills and waste. Nina believes that the fashion image you project creates an impression of who you are and how you want others to see you. She also believes that color is very important, so you will see a lot of brilliant colors in her collection.- NinaMclemore.com
Camilo Andres // MILÓ ANDRES
There is not one suit that fits all men. The visionary founder and style aficionado behind MILÓ ANDRES, Camilo Andres, espouses the philosophy that a bespoke suit should not only fit properly but it should also reflect a person’s unique style. "Attire suitable for a professional athlete's wedding differs from the ensemble a CEO wears in the boardroom," Camilo says, emphasizing that the essence of a suit should harmonize with the individual wearing it. Every tailored creation from MILÓ ANDRES epitomizes individuality through a distinctive interplay of cuts, fabrics, colors, and personal flair. The team’s attention to detail is exemplified by the inclusion of personalized elements such as custom liners that showcase client-selected photographs, transforming each suit into a work of art.- MiloAndres.com
Dana Dorrier // Apricot Lane Boutique
Dana Dorrier was a Montgomery County prosecutor who came to see how clothing could be like a well-honed argument. Before opening in Potomac, Dana had a personal styling company for 10 years. Working with individual clients influenced the merchandise she buys for the boutique. She advised her styling clients, and now her customers, to "invest in timeless pieces that you’re going to be able to wear a lot, but when trying new trends, look for quality items at more budget-friendly prices." Apricot Lane has something for everyone, including premium denim that is worth the price point, as well as quality, trendy items at lower prices. ApricotlaneBoutique.com/store/Potomac
Jessica Markham // Jurisdiction Clothing
Age, gender, race, and size are not going to prevent a client from finding articles of clothing or accessories at Jurisdiction. Owner Jessica Markham, wants her clientele to find the perfect look for their unique approach to fashion. “When you walk into our store the first thing you see is a sign saying, ‘We Are All Beautiful,’” she says. “We want to connect with our customers, make them feel welcome, and become part of their lives.” Jurisdiction focuses on accessibility through pricing, service, and local makers and artists. Jessica notes that this fall is all about clean colors, designs, and a return to the tailored look of Lauren Bacall. - JurisdictionClothing.com
Bouaze Pierre // Bouaze Pierre Bespoke
In his career as a tailor, fashion stylist, and fabric connoisseur, Bouaze Pierre has learned that fashion often represents change. Bouaze aims to stay ahead of where his clients are going and give fashion advice that meets them where they want to end up. Bouaze finds working with wedding parties fulfilling, offering his expertise to help them plan the fashion themes that anticipate the life the couple wants to live. “Being a tailor has made me understand the narrative about the human being connection, and the personal touchpoint with clients defines my relationship to fashion and the role it plays in people’s lives,” he says. - BouazePierre.com