Just as the cherry blossoms signify the start of spring here in Washington, so they mark the debut of our 2017 dresses.

Another great element of traditional Japanese clothing design is the obi, or sash. During the Edo period (1603-1868), the obi, like the kimono itself, evolved into a fashion statement.

Washington's annual Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates Japan's gift of cherry trees to the United States over a century ago. What does this mean at Anikka Becker?

There are 3800 flowering cherry trees in Washington, DC. They have been part of the city's landscape for over a century, ringing the Tidal Basin and framing some of the city's most famous monuments.

28 Days to Go! Anikka Becker Cherry Blossom Collection

28 Days to Go! 2017 National Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington, DC

March 20-April 16

The holidays are over. You're deep into your New Year's resolutions. For many, it's about fitness. Weight. Pounds. A number. And when it comes to numbers, accuracy counts.

Happy New Year! We're back from New York, having found some fantastic fabric and trims. As much as we love the Garment District, sometimes the hectic pace sends us searching for a quiet lunch. When there's time, we head a few blocks east to

For those of us above the equator the winter solstice was on December 21 at 5:44 am. At that moment the earth's northern hemisphere was as far away from the sun as it will be all year. And that made December 21 the year's shortest day. The days are now getting longer! To celebrate we offer this whirlwind tribute to winter.

In Zurich, it's 38 degrees and raining. You're not a banker and you're not shopping for a watch. What do you do?

Those of you who are regular readers know we have a special attachment to the blouson, But once, our love of the blouson got us into trouble.

We continue our homage to cocoa, a fabulous shade of brown and a delicious flavor.

Because summer is always coming

What is it? A plant of the genus Amaranthus, known for its brightly colored purple, red, or gold flowers. But perhaps the most charming meaning of the word amaranth is

The word is from the French for 'veil,' and may be pronounced as it reads in English, 'voyle' or as it reads in French, 'vwall.' Either is correct.

Yes, in answer to your question, there is an Anikka Becker Corporate Coat Hanger Collection. Pieces come from clothing shops, tailors, hotels, and manufacturers all over the world. Whether selected for the beauty of their wood, innovative shape, or evocative label, they all have a story to tell. One recent acquisition, the McGregor, really earned its keep.

Cocoa linen? It's that color of cocoa and sugar mixed together to make iced chocolate. Rich, refreshing, and not too sweet. We share our recipe for this favorite with you.

So many women ask, 'Why don't people dress up any more?' Linda Przybyszewski, a professor of history at Notre Dame and an accomplished dressmaker, takes a serious look at what has happened to American women's fashion.

So glad you asked. Blouson. Pronounced ‘bloo-sawn.’ If you want to give it the French pronunciation, make up your mind you’re not going to say the ‘n’ at the end, then say the ‘aw’ through your nose. The cut may be seen in a blouse, jacket, or dress.

A giant of American cotton manufacturing, the Amoskeag Mills of Manchester, New Hampshire were founded in 1809. By World War I Amoskeag was the largest textile company in the world, employing over 17,000 people across 30 buildings. They turned out 50 miles of cloth an hour.

The shirtwaist, a buttoned blouse styled like a man's shirt, became popular in the late 19th century. Worn tucked into a skirt, the shirtwaist blouse freed women from the earlier, more confining, corsets, bustles, and high necks.