Fashion maven defends DC at boutique opening

She’s outfitted Jacqueline Onassis and Michelle Obama, but Carolina Herrera is unsure whom she’d like to see as the next first lady (or gentleman) donning some of her designs.

“That’s a very tricky question,” the famed fashion designer told ITK. “I don’t know yet!”

{mosads}We caught up with the style maven at the Tuesday opening of her first Washington-area boutique, CH Carolina Herrera, hosted by the designer and Vogue magazine at CityCenterDC.

While the District isn’t exactly known as a fashion-forward destination (Travel+Leisure once put it on its “America’s Worst-Dressed People” list), Herrera says D.C. is not in need of upping its sartorial game.

“We don’t have to improve fashion in Washington. Washington has its own style,” Herrera said, which she described as “very classic with a little modern twist.”

Accompanied by her daughter, Patricia Herrera Lansing, Herrera floated through the crowd of about 150 VIPs at the opening soiree like fashion royalty, snapping a seemingly endless series of photos with fans, and signing one of her designer bags for an enthusiastic guest.

“What’s unique about Washington is that on any given night there is always a black tie affair to attend, much like New York,” she later said in a statement. “For years, I have enjoyed seeing my dresses on the sophisticated and elegant ladies here.”