If you’re a woman in Washington, you often find the occasion to wear a cocktail dress–especially in the spring, when the warmer weather brings invitations to charity galas, media dinners, embassy parties, and other springtime fetes.

(Yes, a cocktail dress. Unless you’re going to the White House, it’s probably not necessary to wear a long gown. If you resemble Heidi Klum or Helen Mirren in any way, go for the gown. If not, well, I’d stick to a modern cocktail dress.)

Often, these events are work related, but if not, you or your date will undoubtedly run into a past boss, a potential client, or a onetime source. Between the business card exchanges and the encounters with Washington’s paparazzi, you must find a frock that is all at once elegant and exceptional. And, with limited shopping in the District, you run the risk of wearing the same dress as another wannabe C-lister. You can see why finding the perfect cocktail dress is almost as difficult as getting an invitation to the White House. You can also see why I get so excited about new and interesting designers–especially ones you can’t find on M Street.

In London, I found just such a designer. Lee Klabin, who launched her first ready-to-wear line just one year ago, is a dream come true for Cinderellas across the globe who want that dress that is elegant and exceptional from every angle. Klabin’s Spring/Summer 2011 sculptural designs celebrate the female body and epitomize, as I reported in my story, “a strong business woman one day, and a fun party girl the next.” Can you think of a better description for the average Washington woman?

Lee Klabin Spring 2011
As a reporter, I’m cautious about gushing over designers. After visiting Lee Klabin’s airy, sunlight showroom in Shoreditch, however, I nearly ran immediately to Harrods, where Klabin’s designs are exclusively sold. Now, thinking about the upcoming party season, I just might when I return to London in a week.

Photos courtesy of Lee Klabin.