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Glamour & Diplomacy

The Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide (AAFSW) in collaboration with the Embassy of the Czech Republic and Du Plain Enterprises presented Glamour & Diplomacy, a fashion show debuting women ambassadors and wives of ambassadors in cutting-edge fashion by contemporary designers from around the world, on April 9, 2019, at the U.S. Department of State.

 

US Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Marie Royce opened the one-of-a-kind event at the Department of State. Noting that even Ambassador Benjamin Franklin made a statement with his white hat in the 1700s, she stated that “fashion speaks” for diplomats. Secretary Royce emphasized that fashion is and has always been important to cultural affairs.

The program featured 22 countries from five continents, including: the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Moldova, Romania, Hungary, Nepal, Mexico, Canada, Malta, Uzbekistan, India, Azerbaijan, Paraguay, Peru, Iraq, Botswana, Mozambique, the United States, among others.

“Washington, DC is a large multicultural and political hub. It is strategically located to make a significant impact on the fashion industry,” said Sheila Switzer, Program Chair at AAFSW and primary host of the event.

The Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the United States, Hynek Kmoníček, moderated the event, drawing attention to the beauty of each country, innovative designer dresses, and model women leaders walking the runway.

 “Our city offers an opportunity for designers from around the world to introduce their styles to one of the most prestigious international and diplomatic communities in the world...Stay tuned Paris, New York and Miami — the new, emerging center for diplomacy and fashion is Washington, DC,” said Jan Du Plain, event co-host and founder of Du Plain Global Enterprises.

The event strove to bring together the diplomatic and political communities with fashion industry influencers.

“Strong women leaders are embracing fashion because it’s a powerful diplomatic tool as well as a way to highlight the modern, sophisticated style of one’s respective country,” said Indira Gumarová, event co-host, founder of Diplomacy & Fashion and wife of the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the United States. “Fashion is bipartisan,” said Gumarová. “First Ladies such as Melania Trump and Michelle Obama have used fashion to create a statement and change the lives of up-and-coming designers.”

The event was presented by the Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide (AAFSW), in collaboration with Jan Du Plain of Du Plain Global Enterprises and Diplomacy & Fashion Founder Indira Gumarová.

About the Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide (AAFSW):  The AAFSW is a non-profit organization that has been representing Foreign Service spouses, employees and retirees since 1960. AAFSW is an independent advocate for its membership, giving members a stronger voice when working on common concerns and a chance to enjoy shared interests. AAFSW endeavors to provide programs that are of current international, political, cultural or local interest. www.aafsw.org

About Du Plain Global Enterprises, Inc.: In 1995, Jan Du Plain launched Du Plain Global Enterprises, Inc., an international public relations and special events company that represents a variety of non-profit and cultural organizations, focused primarily on Washington’s diplomatic community. www.duplain.com​

About Diplomacy and Fashion: Diplomacy & Fashion is a celebration of global nations and cultures, bringing together diplomacy, fashion, and philanthropy. The mission is to promote up-and-coming designers from different countries around the world. Diplomacy & Fashion envisions the creation of an exclusive network with an emphasis on fashion and the future of the industry in the center of the world’s diplomacy. www.diplomacyandfashion.com

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https://www.vox.com/platform/amp/the-goods/2019/4/10/18302303/state-department-fashion-show-glamour-diplomacy

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Glamour and Diplomacy