Press Releases

Designer Fulfills Dreams From Youth
By Elahe Izadi Gazette Staff Writer
Thursday, January 15, 2009

In his boutique, Paul Koko shows Darnice Martin of Upper Marlboro a jacket pattern he made based on her requests.

"The most important thing is the neck," he says as he shows her how the fabric will lie on her shoulders. Koko gently touches the mock version of the jacket, which he'll transform into an article of custom clothing.

Upstairs at the Paul Koko Fashion Design Gallery in Riverdale the humming of sewing machines and music fill the air as Koko's five employees, all trained tailors, work on garments, some designed for celebrity clientele.

Koko, 54, of Hyattsville, has been particularly busy in recent weeks with a spate of orders, all related to one date: Inauguration Day. This week, he and his employees were putting the finishing touches on 15 tuxedos for clients who will attend inaugural balls.

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New principal

Our congratulations to Mary Pat Donoughe who has been named the new principal of St. Jerome’s School. She has faithfully served the school for the last eight years in the capacity as assistant principal. Having grown up on Manorwood Drive, Mary Pat is a Hyattsville native who attended St. Jerome’s herself. We extend our very best wishes.

The Hyattsville City Council issued a proclamation during its August 3rd meeting to show appreciation for the work done by St. Jerome School Principal Sister Joyce Volpini.

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