This Dress-Code Reminder Is Runway-Ready

Legal secretaries, receptionists and an accounting supervisor strutted their stuff on a black runway last week, looking all shades of chic at the Washington headquarters of a major corporate law firm.

In a twist on the seasonal reminder that flip-flops and T-shirts are considered inappropriate summer business attire, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom hosted a lunchtime fashion show on the 11th floor of its downtown offices to inspire employees.

Wearing styles on loan from nearby Filene's Basement, 12 staff members posed to "Glamorous" by Fergie, and Madonna's "Vogue." The clothes, from Claiborne to Klein, were chosen to fit each office personality.

Cecilia Bisher, a legal technology project coordinator, did the catwalk down the "Skaddwalk" first, deadpan and alluring, in a minimalist French tailored top, charcoal gray khakis and an antique stretch belt.

"Remember, it's all about the accessories," Susan E. Jacobsen, spokeswoman and master of ceremonies for the show, announced as Bisher sauntered off stage.

Some models were more bashful than others, but each received loud applause from an audience of 80, mostly female co-workers, with the men getting several rounds of playful cheers.

Vincent Atkins, a receptionist, swaggered on stage third-to-last with a pair of silver-rimmed sunglasses, lips pursed, arms crossed on his chest, and paused for the cameras, looking dapper in a Haspel olive linen suit.

"It was just kind of about celebrating life with attitude and flair," said Cynthia Latham, a legal secretary and one of the firm's aspiring models.

-- Alejandro Lazo