When Mariessa began marketing her unique blend of fashion branding and trademark law services, the Mayor Anthony Williams was in his second term. During the William’s administration, the District benefited from an influx of much needed capital resulting in development projects, new commercial construction and an inpouring of new DC residents. All of a sudden, WDC was infused with a ‘hip factor’ that demanded amenities, restaurants, lounges and of course, fashion boutiques.
It was during this time that, Mariessa decided to get involved with politics. In a September 2008 interview, she explained, “I wanted to help ensure that some of the new retail space was marketed to unique independent fashion boutiques while simultaneously encouraging DC shoppers to spend their dollars within the city limits.”
During the last five years, Mariessa initiated a series of projects to not only recognize the achievements of DC’s burgeoning fashion community but also to expose District school aged children to fashion arts.
In 2004 Mariessa launched the Capital Catwalk, a unique fashion event (www.CapitalCatwalk.com) held in Washington for the past four years. The Catwalk has set a new standard of excellence for high fashion in the District by recognizing the achievements of super style stars, including, Andre Leon Talley, Tim Gunn, Bethann Hardison, Stephen Burrows, B. Michael, Rachel Roy, Ann Hand and many others.
