DC Fashion Week, which starts this Sunday, aims to reverse the understatement of the DC Metro area: we’re political, not fashionable.

The event not only draws attention to the hungry fashion scene in the nation’s capital, but also connects independent fashion designers, models, and other industry professionals.  More than that, DC Fashion Week supports diversity.  Director Ean Williams, who also designs Corjor International (above), has dubbed the project “the ‘United Nations’ of fashion weeks.”  They host emerging, international designers (this year talents hail from Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Hungary, and more); and the large black population in the District gives hope to everyone whining about lack of diversity on the major runways.

DC Fashion Week has expanded from one main event to a full fledged eight-day affair of trunk shows, runway shows, networking parties, and even an educational seminar for high school students interested in fashion careers.

DC Fashion Week is September 14-21.