Energy attorney David John Frenkil dishes on DC designers and learning about fashion from his
globetrotting, entrepreneurial grandfather.

Style Philosophy: “I grew up around fashion; my grandfather used to travel to Europe to have shoes designed for his stores. He was one of the first to import high-quality women’s shoes at affordable prices.”

Shirt and suit: Donovan England. “It’s a new label by a very creative DC-based entrepreneur I met through some friends when they were being fitted for wedding attire.”

Shoes: Paul Stuart. “I like the old-school style of Paul Stuart’s Balmoral shoes, and the cognac color is very unique.”

Silk seven-fold ties, Sette (starting at $265). 

“I originally had the idea for Sette when I was working for President Bush,” explains Peter Watkins, founder of the newest name in sevenfold ties. “On an official trip to Italy, I was introduced to the personal tie-maker to Prime Minister Berlusconi, and my eyes were opened to an entirely new echelon of neckties.”

His days in the White House behind him, Watkins splits his time between Washington and Salt Lake City, building his company of fine Italian silk ties. Each is handmade from one single meter of silk; the ties feature exquisite detailing like embroidered labels and intricate slipstitch trims. Watkins adds to the product’s exclusivity by ensuring only a small number of each style is produced. Like a fine piece of jewelry, Sette ties come with an identity card and a serial number. It’s only a matter of time before they’re the next status symbol for Washington’s stylish, in-the-know men.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACQUELINE ALLEN

Stretch leather body suit ($1,295) and poplin flare skirt ($895).

Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs

Washington women seeking a sharper image, look no further than the award-winning design duo Cushnie et Ochs. Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs forged a bond at New York's Parsons The New School for Design over a mutual love of art and architecture; soon after the pair launched their debut collection, for Spring 2009, and commanded the industry's attention. Michelle, born and raised in Gaithersburg, explains the concept behind the label's most recent collection, one that's playful and quirky yet sophisticated: "Spring 2012 was all about the glamorized housewife, an exploration of every young girl's fantasy of playing house. I envision a strong, feminine, and empowered woman wearing our designs; she is confident and stands out with a modern elegance wherever she goes." Saks Jandel, 5510 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, 301-652-2250

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACQUELINE ALLEN (SKIRT, BODY SUIT)

The founder of image strategy firm Styleauteur and a "Political Style" columnist for The Huffington Post, Lauren Rothman dishes on her favorite pieces and her fashion philosophy.

"My style philosophy is to always love what you wear and understand that less is more. My favorite place to shop is my closet, and if it's too full, I won't see the gems."

Necklace: Judith Hendler. "My mother-in-law is one of the most stylish women I know, and she recently sent me a treasure chest full of Judith Hendler's vintage Lucite pieces."

Cuff and clutch: Anne Fontaine. "I love how this woven leather cuff accents my necklace."

Dress: Milly. "I love a great dress! My favorite part of this one is the fun but subtle shoulder cut-out."

Shoes: Christian Louboutin. "I never tire of these red soles. D'Orsay-style pumps add a sophisticated touch."

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG POWERS

A staple in nearly every Washington woman’s repertoire, Longchamp’s classic Le Pliage nylon bag receives a notable makeover: a new look in smooth, structured leather. In 40 different color varieties, the tote will function just like its predecessor, folding into a pouch small enough to carry to and from the Hill every day, but big enough to function as a weekend shopping carryall ($525). Saks Fifth Avenue, Chevy Chase, 301-657-9000

From left: Clean lines: A look from Michael Bastian Spring/ Summer 2012; Gucci Spring/ Summer 2012

Spring’s rising hemlines, from shirtsleeves to pant legs, should receive a warm welcome among local fashionphiles. The spring and summer subtropical heat is the perfect excuse to don crisp short-sleeve dress shirts from Dolce & Gabbana and DKNY. Jacket required? Try Gucci’s Savile Row plaid suiting with ultra-thin button-downs and linen trousers, to give necks and ankles a breather. Collections from Canali to Zegna point to the 1950s as inspiration for the designs that walked the American and European runways for spring. Allusions to the decade can be seen in many shapes and forms, but a few trends are universal: Suiting fits closer to the body than seasons past, and color is for playing. From Moschino’s pastel tuxedos, which look as though they were lifted directly from a young Elvis Presley’s closet, to Michael Bastian’s reincarnation of James Dean, the retro-American preppy rock inspiration is obvious. Subtler touches of the era exist as well, such as Lanvin and Prada’s modern takes on timeless fabrics like denim, repurposed in slim silhouettes with impeccably tailored details. Try styling these suits with crisp white dress shirts and black (instead of the traditional brown) lace-ups for a meeting on the Hill or a night out on the town.

Lucinda Air oxford pump, Cole Haan ($298)

Oxford fatigue was bound to set in after numerous seasons of churning out the familiar style in the same stale adaptations. Fortunately for our lackluster soles, Cole Haan has introduced a fresh take on the classic in its Spring footwear collection, including candy-colored flat and heeled creations in multicolor varieties. From beet red to chickadee yellow, these vivid shades will add some spring to your step and a muchneeded lift after months of cold, somber tones. Hand-painted leather and innovations in textiles such as Cole Haan’s patented Nike Air technology lend the high-heeled brogues a chic makeover and surprising comfort. Color-coordinate with the cherry blossoms: Take a stroll around the Tidal Basin in a pair of these beauties, and feel winter melt away. Tysons Galleria, 703-506-2115.

Photography by Brian Klutch