FASHION WEEK IN PHILADELPHIA!

Philadelphia is known for cheesesteaks, die-hard sports fans and an art museum with a set of stairs that only Sylvester Stallone can race up without losing his breath.

This month Philly has made an effort to become known for something new: Fashion Week.

The event, held Oct. 8-10, was packed with nothing but stylish activities and on Thursday Oct. 8, Philadelphia Fashion Week was already in full swing, a momentous occasion full of firsts.

Held at the Armory on 23rd Street, the city was on a full-blown style watch as student designers from local colleges and professionals from the Philadelphia area and beyond showcased colorful fabrics, high heels, makeup and tons of accessories. From the looks of the bright lights, cool runway and bar in the center of all the fabulousness, the night was off to a trendy start.

Arriving fashionably early, I was immediately immersed in the space as the band This is a Shakedown played, setting the mood. As I checked out the vendors selling merchandise, the designers were eager to speak with me.

I met Pat Marin of Delaware-based Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry . Marin was excited to be in Philadelphia for Fashion Week.

“I usually attend Fashion Week in New York, but when I was invited to come to this event I thought, why not?,” said Marin. “This is the first time it’s here and I’m glad I could be a part of this.”

Along with Marin there were other local designers looking to promote their businesses. Melissa Matarese, an emerging designer from the Philly area, displayed her eco-friendly, all-natural line Mesa Apparel & Accessories.

“I’m looking to get exposure in Philly and that’s why I’m here at Fashion Week,” said Matarese.
Psydde from Delicious Boutique & Corseterie, another local designer, explained “This is Philly’s first Fashion Week, how could I not be here?”

At 5 p.m. it was showtime! Industry pros and students alike gathered around the runway to view the latest fashions. As music played the models strutted to the beat and displayed the garments.

Student designers from Moore College of Art & Design and other area schools displayed their work and streetwear designers like Palmieri Jeans, Love Brigade, Brooklyn Royalty, Kill City and Wrath Arcane presented their lines with slogans like “Wear the Difference” and “Que Sera, Sera.”

The designs ranged from chiffon gowns to decorated skinny jeans, flannel shirts, vintage graphic t-shirts, nylon jackets and corsets. It actually amazed me how creative one can be with what may be considered a simple look. I left wanting to be craftier with my everyday appearance.

In an evening of firsts, Philadelphia Fashion Week set the standard for future shows. The next two nights’ events took on a similar format, with Philadelphia University design students participating on Friday and the Art Institute of Philadelphia’s students sharing their designs on Saturday.

There was no shortage of Philly-based designs walking the runway as Strangefruit, SA VA and Street Star Custom Clothing, among others, represented the city’s fashion community with pride.

As co-founder and Executive Director of DesignPhiladelphia (who is sponsored this year by Philly U’s design department) Hilary Jay notes on the organization’s website, “DesignPhiladelphia continues to be instrumental in raising the national reputation of Philadelphia as a city of change and innovation.”

Indeed, Fashion Week may be a change for the city, but this Philly’s ever-growing cultural support of community activities remains the same.

Que Pasa?

Fashion IS what's up!

Love,

a styLISH!

SCARF IT UP

Hello all! So it is a very windy Wednesday in my neck of the woods. The wind blew me much of today as I walked different places. I thought I was running late for work this morning, but in fact, the wind took me to my destination right on time :).

Anywho, let's get down to the good stuff.

Many of you may or may not be into beautifully woven scarves. Well, guess what? I am! This year I became heavily into scarves and I adore them. But it's not even just any kind of scarf, it's the woven, silk, cotton, or chiffon scarves that compliment many outfits. I love a scarf that has vibrant colors and is long in length, which gives you the ability to do a lot with the garment.

This past March I traveled to Guatemala with my now almer mater Arcadia University! I went there for a service learning trip that was A-mazing! There were many highlights from that trip, though I am only discussing the part that will pertain to this post. When I went to Antigua in Guatemala, it is a tourist spot where a lot of visitors in the country frequently come to. I went to a very interesting market that had tons, and I mean TONS of scarves. AND, these scarfs were handmade. Oh joy!

I was blown away by the culture in Guatemala and its Mayan themed markets. The colors and the fabrics were gorgeous. Of course I walked away with more than one! I couldn't help myself. After visiting Guate (as some of my classmates and I called it), I knew I had to find out more about these accessories. It turns out that many of the scarfs I purchased and saw are actually handmade/woven in the country. I have to look deeper into the tradition of wearing scarves in Guatemala, and I also want to look into India and possibly Africa.

Some may think of these kinds of scarves as simply something they throw around their necks, wrap around their bodies, or tie on their heads. To me, the Guatemalan scarfs that I have, are more than that. The texture of these pieces of material are quite comforting. Not even just Guatemalan scarves but ALL scarfs. Whether you bought it from H&M or Old Navy, appreciate the fabric.

Ta-ta for now!

Que Pasa?

Fashion IS what's up!


Love,

A wind-blown Lish :-)

ALL HAIL OCTOBER

Bonjour! So let's get right down to it. Is it just me, or should the weather for rest of the year be just as it is now.....gorgeous! Here in Philly it's been pretty fabulous weather, well the last few days anyway. Today was beautiful! The sun was shining so brightly and there was an odd crisp feeling in the air to me.

I felt as if this weather made me feel more active and happier. I've never been a "summer person" or a "winter person," I'm the type that gets a thrill on the springtime and the fall season. Both spring and fall are what I like to call S.A.M., "Simply A Miracle." The magical thing that occurs is that this weather allows you to play around with your daily apparel. You can wear sandals if you'd like, a light jacket, and a jazzy scarf to add some "pizazz!" I definitely take full advantage of times like this. I love when it's not too hot, and yet not freezing cold. This October sky has got me hooked.

And then in the noche, it's a cool breeze in the night air, so if you are out on the town or maybe just sitting outside somewhere taking in the fall goodness, you can put on a hoodie, or something else with longer sleeves. Whatever your tastes, this weather can compliment quite a few people. Though one can only hope that the temperature stays just like this. While I am behaving like a hungry fall junkie, the temperature I'm sure will play tricks on me. Or, is it that it will soon be that time for the weather to change. Can I accept that change? Am I ready?!

I think I can handle it because winter can have its perks as well. But that's for another story :-), for now let us all HAIL OCTOBER! Take a moment to thank this month (even though it's still early), for the chilly mornings, the sunny afternoons, and the brisk evening or night air. Embrace it all, because as we know, it will all be over before we know it. Then we'll wait until next year!

Do you see how fashion almost relates to everything in our daily lives? It is not always the obvious. In this posts case, being fashionable could be contributed by a good change in weather that makes you feel great inside. It could be just me, but this weather is clearing my head and lifting my spirits. I am not saying that if it's 34 degrees I'll be a depressed frozen mess, but in a sense when I let the sun shine in, things seem much brighter!

If nobody else will, I'll hail October and give it all of the glory! When fall's leaves leave, I'll deal with winter. Til' then, like the sun, I'm gonna shine!

Que Pasa?

Fashion IS what's up!

Love,

Lish