On December 7th Universal Gear celebrated the opening of its new Washington DC flagship store with a red carpet event hosted by Diesel. Universal Gear opened its doors to DC’s socialites, celebrities, and fashion mongers alike. The blow out event had the refreshments flowing compliments of Peroni as well as local hot spot Halo and the music playing thanks to international DJ Sin Morera.

While the packed store was bustling with chatter, laughter, and the occasional hoot or holler the main life of the event came as the center of the store transformed into a runway for the Diesel fashion show.

As the lights dimmed, company owner David Franco came to the stage and announced the show following an on-stage interview with Fox Five News’ Will Thomas. The crowd silenced as the lights went off and the music began thumping; but the silence was soon shattered as the first model, Project Runway’s Jack Mackenroth, hit the stage. From then on a steady flow of clapping and cheering ensued as model after model walked the runway, showing off the latest styles carried by the new in-store Diesel shop (one of only two on the east coast – the other located in our Atlanta store).

Following the fashion show party-goers lingered, shopping the store and enjoying the atmosphere not to mention the chocolates from Edward Marc. The event was a smash hit and the new store is gorgeous thanks to Studio Architects who have also designed for Stella McCartney and Steven McQueen. If you haven’t already been to it I would suggest going there as soon as you can. The impressive line of clothes now matches the scenery. Look for the spring collection soon.

--Will

(Photography by Zaid Hamid. Planning and Organization by The Aba Agency)

See below for more images from the event.