Christine Brooks Cropper attempts to re-write history (page 186)
FOR THE RECORD, DARLINGS:
The Washington DC Fashion Council was formed in 2006 by Mariessa and Christine.
Project Beltway Interview June 2007
Who Drafted Bill 17-173?
Mariessa, a freelance writer and intellectual property attorney drafted (the Fashion) Bill 17-173 - Commission on Fashion Arts and Events Establishment Act. Christine helped to edit the Bill.
Who Coordinated the forum " Life Liberty and the Pursuit of a Fashion Capital"?
Mariessa and Christine coordinated the forum to discuss the Fashion Bill and the need for a Commission on Fashion. The forum was part of the High Tea Society Capital Catwalk fashion event held at the Washington Gas Rotunda in June 2007 (thanks to the generosity of Roberta Simms.) The High Tea Society is a mentoring program for girls founded by Judge Mary Terrell (Mariessa's mom).
What is the Capital Catwalk?
The Capital Catwalk is a benefit for the High Tea Society (HTS), a mentoring program for girls founded in 1997 by Judge Mary Terrell.
Mariessa launched the Capital Catwalk in 2004 as a fundraiser for HTS to recognize local and international star stars. From 2004-2006 the Capital Catwalk was held at the Four Seasons Hotel. In 2007 the Catwalk was held at the Andrew Mellon Auditorium. In 2009 the Capital Catwalk was held at the Omni Shoreham Hotel.
Capital Catwalk fashion events have honored: Andre Leon Talley, Tim Gunn, Bethann Hardison, Dr. Dorothy Height, Ann Hand, Darlene Mathis, Toddre & Bill Monier and Louis Everard. Capital Catwalk events have featured fashion designs by Stephen Burrows, B. Michael, Byron Lars, Rachel Roy and many others.
What happended to the WDC Fashion Council? In October 2007, both Mariessa and Christine agreed to terminate the WDC Fashion Council.
What is Mariessa doing now?
Mariessa continues to provide branding and intellectual property law services to national and international fashion designers, through her company Simone Butterfly Co. founded in 2003. Mariessa also serves as committee chair to the Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts (WALA) Committee on Legal Issues in the Fashion Industry.
Truth is Better Than Fiction, Honest!
