In the heart of Occoquan, Virginia, there's a boutique that's making waves for all the right (and sometimes wrong) reasons. Trending Chic, a haven for luxe women's fashion, has become the unlikely epicenter of a political storm, thanks to its owner's unapologetic support for former President Trump.
Andre Soriano, the designer behind the infamous "MAGA" dress worn by singer Joy Villa at the 2017 Grammys, has been proudly displaying his political allegiance at the front of his store. But as it turns out, not everyone in the town is a fan of his sartorial statements.
It all started when a local "Karen" (you know the type) decided to take matters into her own hands. Soriano recounts the bizarre encounter, where the woman "called the police" on him for daring to exercise his First Amendment rights. "This wokeism is real," he laments, "The 'Karens' are real. They're crying for nothing. Because of a sign. Come on."
But Soriano and his friend, political activist Audra Johnson, weren't about to back down without a fight. They captured the entire incident on video, with Johnson even catching the "Karen" hiding in a bush, presumably plotting her next move.
"We always have them," Johnson says with a chuckle, referring to the town's resident "Karens." "We have a love of 'Karens'."
Despite the drama, Trending Chic remains a beacon of fashion and political expression. Soriano, a Filipino immigrant living the American dream, is unapologetic about his support for Trump and his right to display it. "As an American citizen, as a First Amendment in our great nation, you can express yourself by putting your signs in your home and expressing who you are as an individual, whether it's religion, whether it's politics or anything that you feel, without harming anyone," he says.
So, if you're in the market for some luxurious dresses and a side of political intrigue, head on over to Trending Chic. Just be prepared to dodge the occasional "Karen" and their hysterical outbursts. After all, in the world of fashion and politics, the show must go on.
The Rise of the "MAGA" Dress
Soriano's "MAGA" dress, worn by Joy Villa at the 2017 Grammys, has become a symbol of both fashion and political expression. The dress, which features the iconic "Make America Great Again" slogan, sparked a firestorm of controversy and debate.
"I actually started a flag war here in Occoquan, Virginia," Soriano says, reflecting on the impact of his creation. "The reason I put my Trump dress outside is, so I don't have to encounter [this]."
Navigating the Intersection of Fashion and Politics
As the owner of Trending Chic, Soriano has found himself at the center of a unique challenge – balancing his passion for fashion with his political beliefs. It's a delicate dance, one that has earned him both praise and criticism from the local community.
"Nowadays, you can't even express that," Soriano laments, referring to the backlash he's faced for his political displays. But he remains steadfast in his commitment to his values, using his platform to advocate for the freedom of artistic expression and the right to be "free in America."
Whether you agree with Soriano's politics or not, one thing is certain: Trending Chic is a place where fashion and politics collide in a way that's both captivating and, at times, downright comical.