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From a very young age,
designer Washington Roberts has always been influenced by
fashion, which is now his career and passion. Born in
Lagos, Nigeria on
January 12, Washington was raised by his grandmother Beatrice, a
devoted seamstress whose influence has impacted his life and
career and continues to serve as his inspiration.
Beatrice's attention to
detail, steady hand and highly coveted seamstress skills were
studied keenly by a young Washington, who adored his grandmother
but had no desire to follow in her footsteps. Instead, he
enrolled at Igbobi College Yaba as a science major where he
graduated in 2000.
Upon graduation, Washington left Nigeria for the US to further
his studies in chemical engineering at Borough of Manhattan
Community College in New York with plans to transfer to Albany
University.
After a year,
Washington dropped out of Borough of Manhattan Community College
to reflect on his financial security and future. When he later
returned to Borough of Manhattan Community College he realized
that he no longer had the desire to become an engineer. During
his hiatus, he became a lot more involved in designing his own
clothes and collaborating with Italian tailors.
A blazer for his 23rd birthday was
the first article of clothing Washington designed.
At his party, everyone commented on
their love for the blazer and wanted to know where they could
buy one, a hit to say the least. At that moment, Washington
realized his true passion and talent was in fashion.
Washington then enrolled at
Katherine Gibbs School for Fashion but decided he preferred a
more hands on approach coupled with real world experience.
Washington decided to
intern in different areas within the fashion industry to gain
broad experience and perspective of the industry. He worked as
an assistant stylist to Stylist Kithe Brewster, an internship
that later on turned into a freelance job. But this was not
enough, Washington wanted to learn how to interact with buyer to
better understand the business side of the industry, as a
result, he applied for an internship position in sales at
Showroom Seven. After his internship, he moved on to Paris68,
which is presently home to William Rast and J.Lindeberg.
Washington also served as a denim designer at American Rag,
which is sold in all Macy’s nationwide and now works as
freelance designer at Tory Burch.
Washington takes pride
in all of his creations and picks only the finest materials. He
designs pieces that compliment and accentuate a woman's body. He
believes all women should try to look their best everyday and
for Washington, that does not always mean following trends.
"Fashion is about creating your own style,
knowing what works for your body. Finding a few trends that you
like that can be incorporated into your own style. When Women
look their best so that they also feel their best."
Washington also
believes in the famous Coco Chanel quote "Fashion fades, only style remains the same" and it shows. The
Washington Roberts Collection is elegant, sophisticated, and
modern, striving to make a woman feel beautiful and confident. A
WR woman lives her life with impeccable taste and style.
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