For the debut of his menswear line, Mi Chiamo Eka, Ebong Eka had three objectives: choose a venue to match his classic European-style collection, bring together Washington's fashion-conscious community, and partner with a charity. The result? A sharply dressed crowd of 300 packed into the K Street Lounge for the event, which benefitted the Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund.
"I wanted the brand to be consistent with the event," said Eka, an accountant-turned-fashion designer who appeared on Washingtonian's best-dressed list in 2007. "The lounge is also very conducive to a fashion show, and you can really affect the lighting." The modern and somewhat futuristic space—complete with concrete floors, low black leather seating, and glossy white tables—set the tone, with a red carpeted, roped-off runway as the centerpiece.
For models, Eka wrangled 12 of D.C.'s "eligible bachelors," according to the program, which categorized each model and their look. Fox5 anchor Steve Chenevey became "The Informer," while Philippe Cousteau, C.E.O. of EarthEcho International and grandson to famed adventurer Jacques, was "The Explorer."
Before the show, the guests munched on dill shortbread topped with creme fraiche and salmon, prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, and cold tomato basil soup shooters from Truffle Pig Gourmet Catering. Once the models took the runway, the boisterous crowd squeezed in to get a look, take photos, and cheer for their friends, or favorites.
