Tackling Fashion For a Great Cause

Fashion can easily branch across many different aspects of life and one’s interests. This past week I had the opportunity to experience two of my “loves” cross paths, fashion and football. Growing up sports was always a big part of my life whether I was playing or watching a game on TV. Fashion is also obviously a big part of my life and a large part of who I am and who I aspire to be, so when I had the opportunity to volunteer with the Becky’s Fund Fashion Show I was ecstatic that two of my favorite things were coming together for a great cause. Becky’s Fund is a charity based out of Washington D.C. that’s mission is to end domestic violence through fostering awareness, encouraging advocacy, promoting activism, and creating support. The fashion show was also sponsored by running back for the Washington Redskins, Clinton Portis and Eric Finn Custom Clothier® founder and proprietor, Matthew Eric Landsberg. All of the garments in the fashion show were custom pieces done by Eric Finn®, many of the models were current and former members of the Washington Redskins, players from D.C. United as well as professional models walking all in support of Becky’s Fund. Many of the athletes who were already clients of Eric Finn® wore their own custom suits for the show. The night was full of hope and pride in support of helping a great cause. As a fan of football it was incredible to meet some of the Redskins players who were all impeccably dressed as well as very grateful to be able to help out with Becky’s Fund. Many of the suits worn by the athletes or supporters of the charity and clients of Eric Finn® featured pinstripes as well as plaids. Every stripe of each design was perfectly matched where seams met or the cut of the jacket lay. These pieces were absolute perfection and consistently accompanied by beautiful pocket squares, tie tacks, cuff links, as well as dress shoes that personified the character of the wearer. One of my favorite unique and personalized additions to the already impeccably tailored garments was the custom initial embroidery on the dress shirt cuffs. I had the opportunity to meet cornerback for the Washington Redskins, DeAngelo Hall and as I looked down as he shook my hand, the letters, D. Hall were beautifully scripted across his cuff. Although I know such custom designs existed before this event, seeing everything in person was such a learning experience. Also it was incredible to see how the custom clothier worked with the incredibly difficult out of proportion measurements of the professional athletes. Many of the football players were not built like an average person so when making the suits, certain areas had to be exaggerated or cinched to compensate for their athletic physique. For example, Clinton Portis is 5’11”, a relatively average height, but he has incredibly broad shoulders and is very muscular, but his waist is consequently very small. The custom suit had to be cut specifically to his proportions and measurements. This is not a hard task and just adds to the allure of the fine custom suits. The night was a perfect marriage of flawless fashion and sports as all attendees and volunteers marveled at the success of the event. Overall the event was a true learning experience and it was great to be a part of helping to support such a great cause.