Fashionably Famous: Cuyana in the City

Marissa Mitrovich / June 15, 2016 / 2.8k

By Politiquette’s Marissa Mitrovich: Politiquette is a place to be inspired by the art of fashion. Readers gain an understanding of the politics of why to wear–and the etiquette of when to wear–specific styles. Marissa Mitrovich founded Politiquette with the goal of bringing further substance to the dialogue surrounding style in DC.

Cuyana: “Fewer, Better”

Last week Cuyana co-founder, Shilpa Shah, was in town to host an event with some of DC’s most globally aware professionals. The event was held in Georgetown at the Cuyana pop-up boutique (around until July at Wisconsin and Prospect, NW).

The Cuyana fashion brand includes many items that would be perfect for the typical DC lady who is often OTG (“on-the-go” for those of you moving so fast you can’t Google what OTG means). A mix of totes, clothing, and accessories were on display at last week’s event. The philosophy of the company is that women should have less items in their closet – items they use and love. There were certainly many items in their store to love!

I was also impressed to learn that Cuyana is committed to ethically sourcing only the highest quality materials from their specific cultures of origin that span multiple countries and continents. That fact alone makes it extremely fitting that many of the women in attendance have work portfolios that encompass foreign and diplomatic affairs.

Here are some of the fashionably famous guests who attended this event:

Shilpa Shah looks amazing in her Cuyana cape made out of alpaca. This is a perfect accessory for the victim of an overly air-conditioned office to keep at her desk. Her longtime friend and host of the event Parita Shah (no relation – just serendipitous) makes looking stylish easy after already putting in a full day at the office by wearing a tailored blazer and bright blue pants. I love a bright pop of color!

Cuyana is marketed for the “modern woman” but that didn’t discourage Washington Life’s Senior Editor, Kevin Chaffee, from embracing the signature Panama hat. The hat looks fabulous on him and I think other men should follow his lead! Kevin is accompanied in this photo by the Ambassador of Monaco, her Excellency Maguy Maccario Doyle, and the Deputy Chief of Mission for the Embassy of Monaco, Mr. Lorenzo Ravano. Monaco is known for great style, so it is logical that both are dressed very elegantly.

Author Jennifer Close is very familiar with the style nuances of DC and I am told that many of them are included in her book due out next month called The Hopefuls. With a background requiring attention to these details, she of course nails her outfit wearing classic white and black complimented by textured flats. Natalie Jones also pays attention to details, I am obsessed with the fact the dots on her beautiful dress match her suede pumps! So much amazing is going on here.

Nicole Mortier, always the chicest, contrasts her all black look nicely with this beautiful white leather Cuyana tote. This is the perfect bag for work, travel and any occasion where you need extra space – I used mine to tote multiple wine bottles to a party last weekend. You may recognize this bag, as actress and activist Angelina Jolie has the same one.

Zaib Rasool, Hela Barhoush, and Zaina Javaid know that you can never go wrong wearing all black. It has been proven time and time and this time again that an all black outfit is the epitome of cool. I do appreciate Hela’s polka dot print top, as I mentioned in my column last week, polka dots are very stylish right now.