As the two worlds of fashion and technology continue to collide, nerds are becoming fashionable and fashionistas are becoming techies. This notion, which has been gradually emerging over the past 5 years, was truly the theme of Tuesday’s DCWEEK Fashion Day.
Sitting in the back of the conference room of the Washington DC Economic Partnership, it was easy to observe the expressions of the captivated attendees. Smiles lit up when Complex media’s staff writer and shopping editor for ValetMag.com, Jian Deleon, described how guys are “nerding out over clothes” and illustrated how the internet has assured fashionable men that it’s ok to invest 30 extra minutes or a few extra dollars into putting a will polished look together.
Eyebrows furried as attendees became very focused when Joi-Mari McKenzie of the Fab Empire detailed how journalists can use social media as a “third platform” to deliver their stories. She also discussed the importance of developing a business plan to monetize your publication but to always stay true to yourself and your fans.
Leigh MacDonald of Nice Shoes, No Drama also shared valuable advice about growing your audience through networking, providing great content and more. She even began discussing a potential partnership with a local designer in the crowd!
As Refinery 29’s DC Editor, Holly Thomas, elaborated upon the power of social media to “make you a real person” heads nodded and pens began writing. Stephanie Green of the Washington Post and Huffington Post also echoed this sentiment by recounting her struggles to shift from writing in the third person to the first.
This article could go on and on with tips and takeaways from DCWEEK Fashion Day. If you are a blogger, fashionista or just curious, all of the panelists are very receptive to questions, so feel free to reach out on Twitter, email or in-person at the many upcoming DCWEEK events.
