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.
Fashion Santa, I know him!
Paul Mason, better known as Fashion Santa, made global headlines when he took Canada by force last holiday season. He may be a model and actor by trade, but dressing as a debonair Santa made him an international sensation.
Last week Fashion Santa made his first trip to the United States to celebrate the holidays and his first stop was Washington, DC at the fitting Ritz-Carlton in Georgetown. The purpose of his visit was to benefit the new Humane Rescue Alliance, recently formed by The Washington Humane Society and the Washington Animal Rescue League. Guests who made a donation to the Humane Rescue Alliance were able to capture a special moment with Fashion Santa to share with their social media followings. They were also able to meet many of the sweet puppies IRL!
Fashion Santa was gracious enough to take a little break from finding homes for puppies to talk with me about fashion and Christmas.
The name Fashion Santa isn’t a coincidence. You are always dressed for a runway. What are you wearing tonight?
I am wearing a three-piece burgundy corduroy suit. The suit was custom made specifically for the Humane Rescue Alliance event. Michel’s Bespoke in Toronto is the designer behind the ensemble.
Fashion Santa has made over 2 billion impressions on social media. A photo with Justin Bieber certainly helped contribute to this number. Who is your dream celebrity to have a photo with this holiday season?
President Barack Obama.
(If anyone reading this wants to help make this happen, Fashion Santa would be forever grateful!)
What do you think of fashion in DC?
I think the style in DC looks really good. Everyone I have seen is dressed very well.
(I told him we have come a long way, but as someone who shares his opinion, it was nice to hear from someone of his fashion caliber.)
So you are helping really cute puppies and dogs find homes. Do you have a puppy? If not, are you going to adopt one?
I don’t have a puppy, but I met one this morning that I haven’t stopped thinking about. I may need to find a way to get it back to Toronto.
(TBD if that puppy got a passport and a ride in Fashion Santa’s sleigh across the border.)
A main part of your sensation has been that you always give back to a charity. What other causes do you plan to work with?
I am always open to continue to partner with other charities. Eventually I hope to start my own foundation.
I saved the best question for last, because it’s the most important… When is the Fashion Santa calendar come out? I would like to see 12 months of Fashion Santa.
(With a laugh) You should be my publicist. I like your idea!
(You can thank me for 12 months of Fashion Santa if this does become a reality! Swoon.)
If you missed Fashion Santa, the Ritz Carlton is also offering many other holiday festivities for Washingtonians including the 2016 holiday offerings that have a little something for everyone from holiday cupcake decorating with DC’s most famous cupcake entrepreneurs, Sophie Kallinis and Katherine Kallinis Berman of Georgetown Cupcakes, to Christmas caroling with hot chocolate and candy canes. You’ll even find a class where you can learn how to prepare impressive big batch cocktails to wow holiday guests. A full run-down of activities can be found below:
HAPPY HOUR, “UNWIND FIRESIDE”– Beat the traffic on your way home from the office and enjoy complimentary parking and a complimentary selection of fireside bites with any cocktail purchase.
HOLIDAY CUPCAKE DECORATING WITH GEORGETOWN CUPCAKES – Join sisters Sophie and Katherine from Georgetown Cupcake for a holiday cupcake decorating workshop. Enjoy holiday beverages while frosting and decorating cupcakes with handmade fondant decorations. For every dozen cupcakes decorated, the hotel will donate a meal to Georgetown Ministries. Sundays, December 4 and 11;
$75 per person.
SHAKE, SIP & SAVOR – Impress your holiday guests and learn how to make The Ritz-Carlton’s favorite big batch cocktails for all your holiday entertaining while sipping on seasonal cocktails. Followed by brunch in Degrees. Saturday, December 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m; $90 per adult.
CHRISTMAS EVE COOKIE DECORATING– Savor hot chocolate and brownies in The Living Room while decorating cookies for Santa with our culinary team. Saturday, December 24 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
HOLIDAY EVENTS IN THE CHIMNEY STACK – Host an unforgettable holiday event in one of the region’s most unique dining rooms. Located at the base of the hotel’s historic 130-foot chimney stack, the Chimney Stack room offers a breathtaking setting for an intimate holiday dinner for 6-12 people. Starting at $250 per person.
CHRISTMAS DAY BRUNCH – Start Christmas day on a delicious note by relaxing with friends and family over a leisurely Christmas Day Brunch. Sunday, December 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m; $80 per adult, $40 per child, ages 12 and under.
RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH DEGREES – Toast to the end of 2016 and ring in the New Year with champagne and cocktails while a DJ spins an infectious playlist into the late hours. Saturday, December 31 from 9 p.m. to close.
