Washington's Own Style: Unsung Designers
By fashion contributor Rachel Cothran. See more of her writing and street photography at her web site Project Beltway.
Tucked in an alleyway off 18th Street in Adams Morgan, an off-beat shop hides behind ugly metal double doors, but the clothes you'll find inside are often diamonds in the rough of D.C. fashion. At Unsung Designers, polos and pearls are tossed aside for one-of-a-kind dresses in original prints and killer heels you won't ever see at Nine West. True, the prices might make you wince a little (the occassional hundred-dollar tank-tops or earrings will elicit a double-take), and a few of the couture-esque pieces will induce a "Where exactly would you WEAR that?" game. But by and large, Unsung is a little oasis in a land of Ann Taylors and Abercrombies where you can put some flair in your wardrobe with shirts and dresses at reasonable prices for something not coming off the mass-manufacturing line. We stopped by last Saturday to check out some of their new pieces and to talk with one of the owners, Grace Wang, about the store she co-owns with Alishia Frey and what exactly they think they're doing here in Washington.
Why does Washington need Unsung Designers? Why is Unsung unique?
For a city with so much arts and culture and so many transplants from all over the world, DC falls short on good shopping. Unsung fills a niche that we craved when we started this business—unique, fun, designer clothing at affordable prices. Unsung focuses on promoting emerging designers—getting many of the indies out on the street, helping build their brands, educating customers about the joy of supporting independent artists. Unlike a 'normal' store, we carry a huge number of designers (65 and counting) so there's a lot to choose from and something to fit everyone's taste and budget.
How do you choose who/what you'll carry? How flexible are the designers in terms of doing something special for a buyer?
We take a lot of things into consideration when we decide to work with a new designer. How unique/creative is the line? How well is it made? Does the price reflect the quality? These are just a few things we think about. There is so much competition out there, you can't afford to do the same thing as the next guy, or overprice something that you could get for less at a chain store. It's a good learning experience for designers who are just starting out—like Business 101.
Many of the designers we work with are flexible about custom orders. That's why we created the "Why Unsung Is Cool: Custom Made" section (again, different from traditional retailers). Most of our designers make all the products you see at unsungdesigners.com so a custom size is possible. There are limitations though. It's hard for most people to imagine, but there is a lot of cost (time and money) in doing a single custom piece. The up side is there is no mass production! We like to say: "Shop at Unsung and you won't see yourself coming."
What are your thoughts on style/fashion in D.C.?
I get asked this question a lot. People think DC is boring when it comes to style/fashion, but I don't believe that. Our customers are incredibly stylish (maybe that's why they come to us). Think about it: there are at least 5 major universities in the area, thousands of international transplants who work for World Bank, embassies and other major organizations based in DC, patrons of the arts, whether it's museums or performance or other. These are fashionable people in very different ways. And this is not to mention the whole indie scene in DC—if you hang out in certain neighborhoods you see tons of vintage and great hair! I was just reading this website the other day because people have been coming to our website after searching "emo fashion." The site lists DC as the birthplace of this look in 1984 (although they're actually talking about the music, not the clothes). Well, the look eventually developed into "that hipster look" vintage t-shirts, gas station jackets and trucker hats (which is so 10+ years ago, but if you're from DC you can snub that and say it's so 20 years ago). I like to think DC is a birthplace of cool.
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Given Unsung's philosophy of cultivating a more adventurous and inclusive notion of stylishness in Washington, it seemed only fitting that the model to showcase their clothes and accessories should be someone nabbed spontaneously off the street on a Saturday afternoon. Jess is a 25 year-old international communications professional who lives in Mount Pleasant.
Sonya Punkie Heels in Black by Gigi Favela, $360
Sonya Punkie Heels in White Gold by Gigi Favela, $360
Lucia Boot with Gingham by Gigi Favela, $550
Jeans, Jess' own
Sonya Punkie Heels in Black by Gigi Favela, $360
Jet Hobo in Wine by Dutchy, $198
Unsung Designers
2412 18th St NW (down an alley, look for the sign)
Washington, DC 20009
Open Saturdays: Noon to 6 p.m.