Ellie Kai Brings Travel-Proof, Humidity-Proof Dresses to D.C.

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Osterville, Massachusetts-based brand Ellie Kai made a stop in D.C. last week to introduce shoppers and the press to their brand at private party at the Loews Madison Hotel downtown. This is a line that involves choices: first, shoppers pick out the style of dress they want, from maxis to work-ready shift dresses, and then they choose a print from a dizzying array of samples. And voila, a custom dress is mailed to you in about three weeks. Ellie Kai also sells tops and skirts, and beyond the cool customization factor, the brand stresses packability. These clothes can be balled in a suitcase and emerge wrinkle-free. The fabric also seems breathable enough for Washington summers.

Since the brand has met with shoppers from Dallas to New Jersey on their press tour, we asked Ellie Kai DC consultant Suzette O'Connor what styles particularly appeal to women in Washington. Here's what she said:

Washingtonian women are looking for easy and smart sleeveless styles that can be paired with a blazer for the office but can also be shed for date night. Our Lily and Audrey Dresses are popular with the gals in this town. In terms of fabrics, DC women love a good print — bright and bold like our Baynan or modern and sophisticated like our Chevron. And we actually see a similar trend across the country in terms of easy-to-wear, and easy-to-care, day-to-night pieces, but maxis are much bigger in the south and in resort towns.

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· Ellie Kai Launches a Customizable, Fit-Oriented Spring Collection [Racked Boston]
· Ellie Kai [Official Site]
· Ellie Kai! [Bisnow]