"Yes, this is the same night as the Met Gala. New York has the red carpet. Washington, D.C. is the world stage"

~Elizabeth Karcher, Woodrow Wilson House Executive Director

Fashioning Power, Fashioning Peace Exhibition and Gala

This event is the signature exhibition and fundraiser to support the operation of the President Woodrow Wilson House museum.

Our goal was to create a platform unlike any other, where designers from around the world could showcase how they dress their dignitaries and leaders, not for the red carpet, but for the world stage. The staff strives to bring together incredible fashions from across the globe, each piece telling its own story of power, identity, and peace-making.

During the annual gala, which honors an individual or individuals who have contributed significantly to the world of fashion and diplomacy, guests are invited to the Wilson House to see fashion from around the globe in the museum, then step into the rear garden for a celebration with a light buffet and beverages. Guests dress in their best "state dinner" or “traditional” attire and mingle with diplomats, politicians, fashion influencers, and the social elite of the nation’s capital, right in the heart of Embassy Row.

To show our gratitude, donors contributing $10,000 or more to the Fashioning Power, Fashioning Peace Fund receive the exclusive “Esther Pin,” elegantly designed by Ann Hand. This pin is a symbol of support for the fund’s enduring impact and our shared goals. This pin is a limited edition and is otherwise reserved for the annual honorees of the Fashioning Power, Fashioning Peace Exhibition and Gala.

This event coincides with the Met Gala in New York City. It is only in Washington, D.C. amidst the narratives of leadership and diplomacy, can you truly understand how fashion has the power to create peace, dialogue, and understanding across cultures.

2024 Fashioning Power, Fashioning Peace Exhibition and Gala

The President Woodrow Wilson House signature event opened its inaugural exhibition on Monday, May 6, 2024.

35 nations contributed fashion items, which were showcased throughout the museum for one week at the Fashioning Power, Fashioning Peace Exhibition. The opening Gala on May 6 drew over 200 attendees, 12 ambassadors, and numerous dignitaries from around the world. An additional 150 guests visited the exhibition over the following week (May 8-11), ending with record attendance during the European Union Embassy Open House Weekend.

During the opening gala, which honored the memory and legacy of the late Ambassador Esther Coopersmith, the guests arrived at the Wilson House to see fashion from locations such as Thailand, Moldova, and Ecuador, then stepped into the rear garden for a celebration under tents and surrounded by the new Native Plant Garden. They were dressed in their gala best or in traditional cultural outfits and mingled with diplomats, politicians, fashion social media influencers, and the social elite of the nation’s capital.

Ambassador Coopersmith's family received the first "Esther Pin" in her memory. The pin will be given to every honoree of the Fashioning Power, Fashioning Peace event.

A special note of gratitude goes to Indira Gumarova, President of Diplomacy & Fashion, whose inspiration and friendship have been pivotal to bringing Fashioning Power, Fashioning Peace to life. Click here for a message of congratulations to the Wilson House from Indira.

We thank all the staff, host committee members, volunteers, sponsors, and donors who helped make this a truly magical opening.

Password for picture gallery: WoodrowWilsonHouse