Meet Aroche, D.C.’s Newest Accessories Brand

Of the many traits Washington, D.C. is known for, our favorite is the city's eclectic mix of cultures. And, that’s exactly how Aroche was born. Created by designers Alvaro Roche and Elsa Arcila, the brand specializes in beautifully made, practical shoes and bags inspired by the amalgamation of cultures and styles in D.C. It may have only launched a week ago, but at least one item from the debut collection — hello, perfect flats! — is on our wish list already.

The duo behind Aroche are design powerhouses in their own right. Roche attended Parsons School of Design and worked with Italian designer Gianfranco Ferré, while Caracas-born Arcila earned her degree from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in L.A. The two met in D.C., and have been working together since late 2012. Aroche is the fruit of their labor: an online-only retail destination stocked with leather-and-nylon totes, classic zipper travel bags, and ballet flats inspired by the likes of Audrey Hepburn and French photograph Garance Doré.

For our part, we're drawn to Aroche's clean lines and details. Plus, the flats and bags are perfect for spring (if it ever arrives). Click through to check out our picks from the first collection. And, who knows? Maybe you’ll find yourself sporting some new local designs when the warm weather finally hits.