On September 14, designers Mi Jong Lee, Sheron Barber and their teams traveled to Washington D.C. for an exclusive fashion event. Distinguished guests across business, government, nonprofit, fashion and media came from around the U.S. and abroad to attend the invitation-only event and unveiling of Lee’s fall collection and Barber’s newest creation, the diamond bag.

Mi Jong Lee’s Team & Sheron Barber’s Leather Designs. Photo Credit: Ben Droz Photography

Both designers spoke about their unique journeys, bringing them from unlikely backgrounds and challenges to great success in the fashion world. Wine was provided by minority-owned Michael LaVelle Wines and bites from women-owned Centrolina.

Lee shared her Fall 2023 collection and announced her plans to expand her New York City atelier to a full design-to-production studio in the coming months. Barber created and unveiled an exclusive “Hathaway” handbag, named after Theodore Roosevelt’s wife, to meet the needs of the multi- faceted leader. He also shared his never-before-seen diamond bag, which will be available for purchase to the public beginning mid-November.

We look forward to more inspiring designers bringing their fashion-forward creativity to the area!