If carbon is an essential element to life, then Carbon should be essential shopping for anyone living within the metropolitan DC area. Located in Woodley Park, Carbon offers discriminating shoppers hand-made shoes and boots, as well as accessories, handbags and jewelry from around the world that are definitely worth a browse.
In 2004, owner Kevin Powers traded in a career in high-tech in favor of a new life keeping the well-heeled of Washington, DC shoed in the most exquisite, hand-crafted creations in town. Although not as well-known as their cousins Prada and Versace, the carefully-chosen selection of brands for sale at Carbon are on the cutting edge of form, function and trend—and are surely set to become well-known names including, Gidigio, Khrio, Moma, Pikolinos, Tsubo and Zindo. “In addition to knowing they are getting a truly phenomenal pair of artisan-crafted shoes, a lot of my customers like the idea that they are getting the next big thing in shoes, at a price that is still reasonable,” Powers told me on a recent cool Sunday afternoon when I popped into the store. “They don’t just want what’s available at the department store; they love knowing they have something no one else has yet.”
Sensing a real opportunity to continue his mission to take DC “from federal to funky,” Powers approached the Italian, family-owned Gidigio in 2008 with a business proposition that, in addition to selling these beautiful Italian pumps, boots, flats and sandals, Powers himself would become the U.S. distributor of the line, and the relationship has been beautiful indeed.
In addition to helping the brand gain entry into the U.S. market, Gidigio’s beautiful Mary Janes, tall and short boots, pumps and flats, in a variety of colors and heel-heights all grace Carbon’s sales floor, each more gorgeous than the last. Smart detailing such as side zippers, dual-toned leather, tie and strap embellishments and exquisite stitching are hallmarks of this classic brand, keeping the aesthetic of these shoes just cool enough for a federal office, and just funky enough for a stroll down 14th Street.
Handbags and jewelry dotted the walls and although the selection wasn’t large, the pieces were thoughtfully chosen and complemented well the current selection of shoes and boots. In addition, Carbon also carries a selection of original art by two local artists—Andrew Wodzianski and Jennifer Holloway—as well as women’s clothing and even furniture.
As with the jewelry, the furniture selection is tightly edited, but the lines available—Lind Furniture, ZUO Modern Furniture, Emai and Johnson Casuals—are well-priced and savvy. And you just never know, you might stop by for a new pair of autumn boots and the couch you sit on to try out your new kicks will end up in your studio!
At Carbon, the fun, funky, cool blend of gorgeous, one-of-a-kind pieces is sure to not only have something tailor-made just for you, but also entice you back. And because Kevin Powers is often on-site, you can also learn about the actual maestro who made your shoes because he knows them all. Who says family heirlooms have to be jewelry or fine china? When shopping at Carbon, you are sure to walk away not only with happy feet, but with a treasure worth keeping.
Carbon
2643 Connecticut Avenue, NW
202-232-6645
Carbon is open Monday through Saturday, noon to 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. For more information, please visit their website: www.carbondc.com
