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.