Union Market Announces The Return Of Thread At Dock 5 - Wildly Popular Curation Of Independent Retailers, Local Creatives And National Brands - April 4-6, 2014

WASHINGTON, March 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Union Market, home to the highly acclaimed food market redeveloped by EDENS, one of the nation's leading retail real estate owners and developers, announced the return of Thread, April 4-6, 2014 at Dock 5. Thread is a carefully curated collection of both nationally recognized brands and emerging, independent designers from around the country who embody an inventive and original spirit.  Thread caters to the fashion and lifestyle consumer and seeks to bring a new level of sophistication and innovation to DC.

With best-in-class creators of fashion, art, beauty, books and home goods, Thread has established itself as a platform for progressive retail concepts, independent brands and progressive designers to come together under one roof and celebrate uniqueness amongst like-minded individuals.

"Thread is about celebrating great design and fostering growth among emerging and established entrepreneurs...it's all in the mix.  We are excited to host Thread again this April, and look forward to introducing the DC community to a creative group of artisans, designers and business owners," said Jodie McLean, President and Chief Investment Officer of EDENS.

This highly edited collection of designers include Sid and Ann Mashburn, the nationally acclaimed men and women's lifestyle brand out of Atlanta; Emerson Fry, a classic womenswear line out of Portsmouth, New Hampshire; DURKL, Los Angeles based, sophisticated street-wear; world renowned interior designer and author, Daryll Carter will create a custom showroom and a gallery for Brook Bronner, local artist and ex-business woman whose paintings show around DC. Maggy Frances, a retro inspired line from New York based 25-year-old designer Maggy Frances Schultz; Third + Grace, a custom chair upholstery shop out of Baltimore; Culture Baby, an online shop with products for children that celebrate cultural heritage and global diversity; Typecase Industries, a local full-scale design services and letterpress printing services; Politics And Prose, the iconic independent book store carrying a handpicked selection of books inspired by Thread; and Harry's, an online destination built by Warby Parker founder, Jeffery Raider, offering men a well-priced and high class shave.

"We love the 'curated for quality' spirit of the Thread event – we think it's what we try to do in our own shops in Atlanta, Houston, and online and are so looking forward to sharing a bit of our vision with Washington DC and Union Market," said Ann Mashburn.  "There's an excitement that every entrepreneur feels when opening a new shop, and we are fortunate to get to re-live that, even for a day or two!"

Come meet Holly Peterson, The New York Times bestselling author of The Manny will be signing copies of her new book, The Idea of Him.

Also from New York, Maggy Frances Shultz said, "I'm thrilled to participate in Thread this year, which gives Maggy Frances the opportunity to connect with the Washington woman's style and lifestyle, and better get to know her and her sartorial needs."

Moore and Giles; Follain; Saint Clair Jewelry; Mutiny; Scarpa; and ANTHOM will all return to Thread after the success of the first event in November, with attendance of over 5,000 people a day. 

"Thread was exactly the right venue for us to introduce our concept to DC," said Tara Foley, Founder of the Boston based, organic skincare boutique, Follain.  "The customers and businesses were all modern, independent, educated, and hungry for something new.  We had so much fun at Thread last fall, and are elated to return next month."

This Spring's Thread, will introduce a new concept called "Here + Now", a pop-up within a pop-up. It will showcase a diverse group of six up and coming designers throughout the three day period. Come meet the line-up that includes: Allison Haywood's jewelry line, WOODROW; Tatusi, a line of handmade skirts from Zimbabwe; Erika Schrieber, a collection of women's ready-to-wear designed and produced in the USA and Yvette Crocker's line of jewelry, Tsion Rocks.

Here + Now designer and Washington local Erika Schrieber says, "I'm excited to take part in such a unique retail experience at Thread, where people can serendipitously stumble upon beautifully crafted and carefully curated pieces from designers with noteworthy stories to tell."

Thread at Dock 5 will be open on Friday, April 4^th from 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, April 5^th from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, April 6^th from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For more information about Thread, please visit www.unionmarketdc.com/thread

About The Market at Union Market:
Union Market, located a short walk from the NoMa/Gallaudet metro, is a 45-acre district that is planned for over 7 million square feet.  EDENS has a clear vision to create one of D.C.'s most vibrant, interesting, and thriving neighborhoods.  Since opening in September 2012, The Market at Union Market, with over 40 local artisan food and beverage vendors, now averages 10,000 - 15,000 visitors per weekend and has held over 100 events.  John Mooney, one of the country's leading sustainable chefs, will open a new restaurant concept at The Market before the end of the month.  Over the last several months, the Union Market district has also become a unique and alternative entertainment destination.

For more information about Union Market, please visit www.unionmarketdc.com. 

SOURCE EDENS