Recently named a “Woman of Style” by DC Magazine, Maggy Francois turns heads wherever she goes simply because of her impeccable style.
Seen on the scene everywhere from premieres like Starz’s “Power,” TV One’s “When Love Kills” or the chicest events the District has to offer, Francois showcases her inside-out knowledge of fashion with the threads she rocks.
The Brooklyn native began her career in the industry 20 years ago and since has branched out to public relations, producing events and teaching fashion design.
We caught up with the very busy Francois at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 47th Annual Legislative Conference on Thursday, Sept. 21 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center to find out how she does it all.
On being named a Woman of Style
It felt great. It was an honor, because it’s so many fashionable people in D.C. People think that D.C. isn’t a fashion community and a lot of people here don’t know how to dress, but they do. I’ve been in the fashion industry for 20 years, so I guess it was a little refreshing to hear somebody recognizes you for what you do. I’m not really the person in front of the scene, I’m more behind the scenes and it just felt great.
How she feels about style in the District
I would say people here are very, very corporate. You have to be because it’s D.C. and politics, so people dress safe here. They don’t try to take a chance and break barriers. A lot of people here don’t wear color. I wear color and I love color. But I’ve seen a difference in the fashion community. People are starting to branch out.
When the fashion bug bit her
Fashion did not start at home for me. People think because I’m from New York that it would have, but no fashion started for me in college. I went to Wesley College then transferred to Delaware State and both schools taught me about fashion. I learned about the fashion industry from school and just building relationships with people and getting internships. All of those experiences helped me grow and build when I moved to Maryland. Then people started asking me to plan events, that’s how I really started with a lot of fashion industry events. One of my biggest events, was a fashion show here at CBC. This like full circle.
On her personal style
I don’t know if I have a personal style, but I do like classic pieces, like the dress I have on today. I can wear this 20 years from now. I tend to shop looking for pieces where I can use it 10-20 years from now.
Maggy’s Style Tips
On Starting a Wardrobe:
Classic pieces of course a button down, pencil skirt, wide leg pants, sheath dress, start off with that. You can always accessorize with different blazers, jackets and accessories.
Affordable, Quality Shoes:
I shop online, outlets, I shop everywhere because I love deals. Always a great neutral shoe, because I want to rock them with everything. Wear them with different pieces and I don’t want to be too trendy where I cant use the show anymore.
Favorite Fall/Winter piece:
Coats, colored, jeweled toned coats.
Style Trend She Hates:
Trying to love the glitterati boots. I’m trying, but…
Trend She’s Loving:
Actually the chokers, they’re cute and they’ve been around for years. But I love the way women are wearing them now with blazers.
Favorite Designer:
Diane von Furstenberg, Self Portrait and Tracy Reese
Favorite Shoes Ever:
Aquazzura, they are high as heck, but so comfortable.
Life advice she lives by:
Positive vibes only, positive people, positive energy. If you look good, you feel good and you do good.
Check her on Instagram @FancyFrancois.