Bethesda Row revamps The Front Row event for 2016

Bethesda Row is changing things up for its annual fashion event, The Front Row at Bethesda Row. Instead of a 3-day spread of events Thursday to Saturday, The Front Row 2016 moves to an entirely new day - Sunday, June 5 - and time - 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM.

Instead of a big national or international star VIP guest, a strategy that peaked in 2013 with the squarely-A-list Jessica Alba, Federal Realty is inviting stars closer to home. Anchors and reporters who have organized to fight breast cancer under the DC Newsbash breast cancer charity organization (formerly known as DC Newsbabes until last year) will serve as VIP hosts this year. A portion of the event proceeds will go to the charity.

VIPs expected to appear include Laura Evans, Autria Godfrey, Angie Goff, Alexandra Limon, Jummy Olabanji, Lauryn Ricketts, Andrea Roane and Shawn Yancy.

Your $25 ticket will get you two mimosas to pre-game with at 11:00 AM, when you'll check in and pick up a swag bag. You'll also receive a Fashion Bingo Card that you can get stamped at boutiques around the Row. Three $250 gift certificates to boutiques of your choice will be given away.

The main event, the runway fashion show on Bethesda Lane, will begin at 12:30 PM.

After the show at 1:30, enjoy shopping and exclusive VIP parties at the boutiques, where there will also be giveaways, while supplies last.

Order your tickets now online, and save the date for The Front Row 2016.

The Front Row at Bethesda Row Fashion Show 2015 (Photos)

Threatening skies didn't stop the annual Front Row at Bethesda Row Fashion Show under the tent on Bethesda Lane last night. Models wore the latest (and future) styles available from retailers around the Row, such as Bonobos and Sassanova. Georgetown Cupcake founders Katherine Kallinis Berman and Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne served as hosts, joining the list of style mavens on hand at the Federal Realty development Friday. Among them were Drybar founder Alli Webb and Donna Karan New York PR guru Aliza Licht, who appeared earlier in the day to sign autographs.

Speaking of Georgetown Cupcake, the popular bakery had a Front Row custom cupcake it was giving away Friday.

Let's take a look at some of the styles on the runway last night:

Katherine Kallinis Berman and
Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne hosted

Kate Michael - writer, editor, TV host,
and Miss DC 2006 - on the runway

Model Amanda Franklin

You can find this suit
at Bonobos at Bethesda
Row and Westfield
Montgomery Mall

Sassanova has this dress

Michael said her athleisure ensemble
inspired her to strike a few yoga poses
on the runway

Among the sponsors were Redwood,
Upstairs at Bethesda Row, and the Pallas
luxury apartments from Federal Realty
sister property Pike & Rose

Goodnight from Bethesda Lane

SWIMSUIT FASHION SHOW TUESDAY IN BETHESDA

Cesco Osteria's Co2 Lounge will host a swimwear fashion show featuring the latest line from Dar Be Dar on Tuesday at 7:00 PM. Attendees will enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, and have the opportunity to purchase their favorite swimsuit styles at a pop-up shop boutique following the event. Live music will be provided by Cyrus Reel and DJ Bazza.

You can reserve your space for $20 (+$2.09 fee) online now. Proceeds from the event will benefit Autism Speaks.

Dar Be Dar's founder, Tala Raassi, was born in Maryland but grew up in Tehran. Raassi became an international figure after she was jailed 5 days and whipped for wearing "indecent clothing" - as religious police in Tehran described the miniskirt the 16-year-old Raassi wore to a friend's Sweet 16 party. The resulting worldwide media attention from Marie Claire magazine, Rachel Ray and Elle was a springboard into a fashion career that launched with a Washington, D.C. boutique.

Dar Be Dar has designed swimwear for the Washington Wizards dance team and the Miss Universe pageant.

Co2 Lounge

7401 Woodmont Avenue

MARIA MENOUNOS AT THE FRONT ROW AT BETHESDA ROW 2014 + FASHION SHOW PICS (PHOTOS)

Maria Menounos - actress, Extra host, producer, and now, author - was the VIP guest at The Front Row at Bethesda Row fashion event last night on Bethesda Lane. Menounos greeted fans while signing copies of her new book, The Everygirl's Guide to Diet and Fitness. Then she stayed around for a fashion show, under a tent due to the weather this year.

Models worked the runway, where casual apparel dominated the show. Pieces were supposed to be those customers will find this year at the boutiques of Bethesda Row. Labels showcased included future Bethesda Row tenant Calypso St. Barth. Among the models was "K Street" Kate Michael, known first as Miss DC 2006, but also a publisher and television personality.

The event continues this morning with an Equinox fitness event on Bethesda Lane, and at boutiques and restaurants around the Row through this evening.

Click on photos to enlarge for greater detail:

Maria Menounos signing books

Whatever the program is
in the book, it definitely seems
to be working for her

Greeting a fan

She's rumored to be replacing
Erin Andrews as host of
Dancing with the Stars

Now it was on to the fashion show
- the runway awaits!

Courage b is one of many boutiques to
check out around the Row this
weekend

VIPs invited, or those who paid through
Gilt City, got a seat

The perks of being a Bethesda Row
merchant

DJ Neekola worked the turntables
again this year

Dining in style at Bethesda Row

It takes a lot of work behind
the scenes to bring you a
20 minute fashion show...

...but you still need a crowd. Et, voila!

Strike a pose

Work it

Owning the runway

So did she

Applause

Where's Wolf Blitzer?

THE FRONT ROW AT BETHESDA ROW 2013

Fashionistas, are you ready for the biggest event of the year at Bethesda Row?

With Jessica Alba appearing in-person, this will be the biggest Front Row at Bethesda Row event ever.

When should you plan to be at The Row?

THURSDAY, MAY 16

7:30 PM

Attend the premiere of fashion flick "The Tents" at the newly-renovated Landmark Bethesda Row Theatre. Afterwards, participate in a Q&A session with director Marcus K. Jones. Take a star-studded trip backstage at New York Fashion Week by reserving your free theater seat: RSVP to thetents@brandlinkdc.com now!

FRIDAY, MAY 17

5:00 PM

Jessica Alba. 'Nuff said. She'll be signing her new book, "The Honest Life," a handbook to living an environmentally-sensitive life and eating a healthy, toxin-free diet.  Book signing will take place on Bethesda Lane in front of Redwood.

7:30 PM

The sun goes down and the music turns up as models take the latest fashions to the runway on Bethesda Lane. There will also be a preview of pieces from the Fall 2013 season.

Georgetown Cupcake founders Katherine Kallinis and Sophie LaMontagne will be your emcees.

You'll also enjoy beauty lounges, fashion sketching, a street-style photo booth, and trunk shows around the Row all day, night and Saturday.

A complete list of all in-store sales and events is available here.

K STREET KATE TAKES YOU BACKSTAGE AT THE FRONT ROW AT BETHESDA ROW

Sure, there are lots of pictures from The Front Row at Bethesda Row last week.

But only "K Street" Kate Michael went backstage during Friday night's fashion show.

She can, because not only is she a Miss DC, TV host, multimedia entrepreneur, etc., but also a professional model.

Click here to watch the video!

THE FRONT ROW AT BETHESDA ROW: FINAL DAY!

The Front Row at Bethesda Row concludes today.  Although the big night of the fashion show and celebrities is now in the past, there are still some events you will enjoy today at The Row!

If you've got kids, sign them up now for the kids' cooking class at Vapiano from 10-11:30 this morning - RSVP to v.martinez@vapiano.com right now.

Enjoy a lobster lunch courtesy of future Bethesda Row tenant, Luke's Lobster on Bethesda Lane from 11 AM - 2 PM.

Take an EQ360 class at 3:00 PM at Equinox.

To RSVP for the Equinox class, and for a full list of today's events, click here!

Finally, stop by Lucy on Bethesda Lane from 12-2 PM, for beauty tips from the experts at Bethesda Row's bluemercury.

THE FRONT ROW AT BETHESDA ROW: ANDY COHEN AND FASHION SHOW TONIGHT!

Fashionistas, this is the big day of The Front Row at Bethesda Row everyone anticipates most!

By now you know that Andy Cohen will be signing his book, Most Talkative, on Bethesda Lane from 5-6 PM tonight.

Then Angie Goff hosts the biggest Bethesda Row fashion show yet at 7:30.

You also get to enjoy five-star cocktails at Redwood's Urban Country Runway Lounge.  And a sneak preview of Luke's Lobster, before their shop officially opens on Bethesda Lane this summer!

Lots more than that is happening tonight, so click here and here to make sure you don't miss a thing!

THE FRONT ROW AT BETHESDA ROW COUNTDOWN:

T-MINUS 48 HOURS

URBAN CHIC'S ULTIMATE

FRONT ROW GIVEAWAY

There will be no shortage of fashion events and trunk shows around Bethesda Row during The Front Row event, Thursday to Saturday this week.

And, of course, die-hard fashionistas will hit them all.  But what about those ladies who don't have time to get to every store?  That's why you are here, as Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row picks the best of the best of The Front Row, as we count down to the DC area's biggest fashion event.

Yesterday, I told you about Redwood's Urban Country Runway Lounge, and after-party Friday night.

Today, I'm bringing you what is arguably the best of the individual boutique events, the Urban Chic Rebecca Minkoff and Shoshanna Trunk Show.

Why should you make sure to hit this show, which runs Thursday-Saturday?

Well, sure, you're getting 15% off the Minkoff and Shoshanna merchandise.  And FREE champagne and "treats."  As well as FREE mini-makeovers from 5-7 PM Friday evening.

But the biggest deal is the contest:

Buy $100+ of Rebecca Minkoff merchandise, and you'll be eligible to win tickets to the Rebecca Minkoff fall runway show and after-party in New York City.  Or a consolation prize of a mini MAC bag.

So make plans to stop by Urban Chic during The Front Row at Bethesda Row!

Urban Chic, 7126 Bethesda Lane.  301-657-0290.

THE FRONT ROW AT BETHESDA ROW COUNTDOWN:

T-MINUS 72 HOURS

Just 3 days until the DC area's biggest fashion event of the year - The Front Row at Bethesda Row.

While Thursday will be the official start, with events at boutiques around the Row, Friday is the big night attendees look forward to most.  That's when the fashion show happens on the runway on Bethesda Lane at 7:30 PM.  And before that, this year's VIP guest, Andy Cohen (Bravo, Watch What Happens Live, etc., etc.) will sign copies of his new book, Most Talkative, on the patio at Redwood from 5-6 PM.

But speaking of Redwood, that brings me to the best part of this year's Front Row event:  Redwood's outdoor Urban Country Runway Lounge.  

The staff will be serving fashion-inspired drinks (and I'm assuming drinks for men, as well!) even after the fashion show ends.

That's right - Redwood is hosting the first-ever Front Row at Bethesda Row After-Party!  Which means the DJ will keep spinning, and Nate Mann and crew will keep serving up adult refreshments, Redwood-style.

For those who can't afford to miss a minute of the action, reserve a table for dinner Friday evening at Redwood for a front row seat at The Front Row at Bethesda Row!

Redwood, 7121 Bethesda Lane. 301-656-5515.

LUKE'S LOBSTER TO BE AT BETHESDA ROW FRIDAY, MAY 18!

Whether you are interested in fashion shows or not, you'll want to be on Bethesda Lane the evening of Friday, May 18 - for the food, if nothing else!

That's because, in addition to Redwood's outdoor bar, Luke's Lobster will be on the patio for Bethesda Row's biggest event of the year:  The Front Row.

If you haven't visited Luke's Lobster's DC locations, get a sneak preview of the lobster madness that's coming to the Row this summer, when Luke's opens its actual shop on Bethesda Lane.

The DC area's biggest fashion event is now a culinary event to mark your calendar for, as well!

LILLY PULITZER FASHION SHOW IN BETHESDA

Cesco Osteria and Co2 Lounge chef Francesco Ricchi is finally making good on his promise that fashion models would hit the latter venue's runway.

"Warning," Ricchi advised in a blog post, "this event is going to be hot!"

But it's not a Victoria's Secret show.  Rather, it is an exclusive preview of the new Summer collection from Lilly Pulitzer, favorite of Jackie Kennedy, sorority sisters, Southern girls and preppy women everywhere.

Bethesda Row shoppers know that there is a Lilly Pulitzer Pink Palm boutique on Bethesda Lane.  Being a guy, I'd never even heard of Lilly Pulitzer, until the Pink Palm sculpture was erected on the sidewalk by Bethesda Lane.

This Sunday, May 6, from noon until 2:00 PM, DC area LP fanatics willing and able to fork over the hefty ticket price will enjoy not only the fashion show, but a special brunch prepared by the chef himself, a Bellini cocktail toast, a tasting of rose wines especially chosen for the summer season, a raffle ticket for a mystery Lilly gift, and a chance to purchase select Lilly summer pieces at a discount - before they are available to the public at The Pink Palm!  By the way, you're also supporting the wives and children of American soldiers, through the Thanks USA organization, which will benefit from your ticket purchase!

Order tickets online, and they will be $65 for adults, and $35 for those under 18.  Or you can pay $100 at the door on Sunday - if seats are still available.

It's certainly pricey, but a great event for Lilly aficionados, a Mother-Daughter brunch, or a chance to catch up with your sorority sisters while they're in town, etc., etc.

Get your tickets now, for a surprisingly rare event in downtown Bethesda - a fashion show.

Co2 Lounge, 7401 Woodmont Avenue. 301.654.8333.

The Pink Palm, 4867 Bethesda Avenue. 301.913.9191.

THE FRONT ROW

AT

BETHESDA ROW

2012 PREVIEW

Project Runway on Bethesda Lane for

Year 4 of DC's Biggest Fashion Event

It's official: The Front Row at Bethesda Row 2012 will be the biggest yet!

Mark your calendar for May 17-19 for the biggest fashion event in the DC area.

This year's VIP guest will be Andy Cohen of Project Runway, The Rachel Zoe Project, Top Design and The Real Housewives of...

He'll be signing his book, "Most Talkative," and be front and center for the Bethesda Lane fashion show on May 18.

The movie at Bethesda Row Cinema this year will be an exclusive screening of "God Save My Shoes," and it will include a live Q&A with producer Thierry Daher.

And, of course, more sales and fashion events at the boutiques of Bethesda Row than ever before.

Stay tuned for more details, and follow me at @BethesdaRow on Twitter.