December 8, 2005

Capital Gains

Jimmy Choo and Barneys New York CO-OP Open

If you asked someone last week what D.C. was known for in terms of fashion, they would likely have told you navy blue heels and government I.D. badges.

Ask someone this week, however, and they might just say crocodile stilettos and Trovata tops.

Why the change? Because Barneys Co-Op and Jimmy Choo are both now open at The Collection at Chevy Chase. And you know what that means: in the former case, heretofore-hard-to-find lines like Daryl K, 3.1 Philip Lim, Goldsign, and Steven Alan; in the latter, swanky shoes, boots, and bags.

The merch is just the beginning. Both interiors are unlike others in town. Barneys incorporates old refrigerators, recycled woods, recycled rubber tire flooring, six-foot cat shaped bird cage (no birds, though!), a real fire hydrant, murals, and ceramic animals. Jimmy Choo looks like a dressing room, with velvet and ultrasuede upholstery, crystal chandeliers, and satin walls. Step inside either and you may wonder if you’re really still in D.C. But don’t worry about getting too disoriented.

That I.D. badge around your neck should bring you back to reality in no time.

The Collection at Chevy Chase, 5471-5481 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase. Barneys Co-Op (301-634-4061); Jimmy Choo (240-223-1102).