Joelle Firzli, Jacklyn Laryea, Michelle Cloud, and Kathleen Diab have collectively lived on every continent except Australia. When the four friends found themselves all living in D.C., the idea to create a brand focused on sustainable design came together over a series of dinners, “discussing what could we bring to D.C. that could make a difference. We wanted something impactful and that had a story and reflected our culture and values,” says Diab.
From those conversations, Tribute—part gallery, part retail shop, part community space—was born.
“D.C. is a creative crowd; there are people who understand the importance of sustainable and ethical fashion,” says Firzli. “I definitely felt that we could tap into that mix of creative and political energy to push the concept of sustainability forward,” Laryea adds.
Tribute, which opened January 17th in Unit 2 of 1929 15th Street NW, feels like shopping in your most stylish friend’s glamorously unfussy home. It’s what happens when a fashion researcher and stylist, a foreign policy professional, a painter and product designer, and an attorney—all with a penchant for design and a desire for impact—combine their tastes and talents.
Vintage beaded Gucci shoes, Merino wool sweaters, party dresses, hand-bound notebooks, woven placemats, and earthenware candlestick holders are among the offerings. Prices range from $20-$30 for silk scarves or wooden bangles to $200-plus for a French blazer or Lithuanian hat.
According to Tribute’s founders, the store doesn’t want to sell you a bunch of clothes—though the racks of vintage digs, accessories, and home goods from across the globe abound—it wants to change the way you consume. By introducing the people behind the brands and emphasizing the craftsmanship of the items, Tribute hopes to help shoppers make intentional purchases that will last longer than a seasonal trend; like the cotton fiber earrings from Queretaro, Mexico and super soft hoodies from West Africa.
The first iteration of Tribute, in the fall of 2018, was located in Dupont’s Heurich House. The collection was drawn from designers the women already knew and loved. Having lived in Mexico, Cloud had gotten to know a network of artisans and small labels committed to sustainable manufacturing. “We did a big shopping weekend in Mexico City where we visited more than 20 showrooms, speaking with the designers about their design vision, manufacturing processes, and materials,” she says.
The women named this first collection “Foundations.” “We wanted a back-to-basics approach, far from fast-fashion and trends,” says Diab. Earthenware, natural fibers like cotton and wool, and wood and leather goods contrast with sequined vintage frocks and bright silk scarves.
As Tribute expands, research remains the first step in welcoming a brand into the fold: a brand must be able to prove that its practices are sustainable and its employment is ethical. There are no rules or aesthetic boundaries beyond those requirements; there is no plan for the next collection or theme other than to keep exploring and connecting with artisans. “We will be happy as long as we are doing something fresh and honest,” says Firzli.
Tribute will be as nomadic as its founders, they say: The seasonal collections will change, featuring vintage finds and new items by a roster of international and local designers. The team also plans to move the shop periodically. While there’s no schedule for moving, they say they will stay on the lookout for intriguing spaces in different neighborhoods.
In its new U Street-Cardozo home, Tribute’s team plans to expand beyond retail to offer community activities like movie nights, dinners, book club meetings, and discussion groups.
“Fashion is more than a piece of clothing; it tells a story of civilization, of people,” Firzli says. “We want to integrate that intellectual aspect of fashion with the retail aspect.” Eventually, she imagines Tribute curating exhibits that feature garments of historical or sociological significance with accompanying retail collections.
Each founder agrees that they only thing they expect is change. “I think we are still growing and experimenting, which is where we want to be right now,” Laryea says.
The store’s name is inspired by the idea of paying tribute, or honoring, makers, designers, history, and art. “It’s a tribute to creativity, to artisanship, to ethical business, to community,” Cloud says, “and to all of the men and women involved in making your clothing and the treasures that adorn your home.”
Tribute is located at 1929 15th Street NW, Unit 2. Open Thursday-Sunday, 12 p.m.-7 p.m.
