PhillyIn ON the Scene: Philly Fashion Week, The Main Event

The entire PhillyIn cast agreed to put on their “Friday” best and meet at the Armory for one of the Official Philly Fashion Week events. I pulled up to the “castle” (sure looks like one) and shockingly found parking for my carriage - er, Civic (affectionately know as “Lil’ Civvy”) right in front. I discovered the rest of the PhillyIn cast, not so shockingly, already parked at the bar…

I chose to wear a “Laundry by Shelli Segal” design. It struck me as particularly fitting, as I entered through the enormous fortress doors. The dress possessed a bit of “modern princess flair”, topped with a silver flowered headband. Amber-Joi paired a simple lace top and camisole with vintage pants from Wasteland in LA. And the boys wore…well, let’s be honest, no one cares what the boys wore. (Even they don’t know what they wore).

The Armory is massive. There was ample room for live music, and vendors, and food, and drinks and, o yeah…the actual fashion show. So, we ate and drank and mingled our way through the crowd, connecting with friends, checking out the latest fashions. (Please note, however, the downside of this venue. No bathrooms. Guests were treated instead to the Port O Potty “thrones” outside. If you go next year, be forewarned.)

With such an exciting social scene, it was sometimes hard to focus on fashion! Designs for this evening’s program were  A Different Fur, Alecia Zameska, WeSC, Kristin Simms, Pamela Ptak, NEUW, and Farah.  Amber-Joi and myself both especially enjoyed the designs by Pamela Ptak (a PA girl of Project Runway fame). I was quite taken by the bright bold colors throughout her collection. The purple and yellow pieces were spectacular.

Philly Fashion Week is much more than just a fashion show. It’s a place to discover new designers and local boutiques, and socialize with Philly’s most fashionable.

Fun With Fashion

Shortly after my first tour of the fortress, I met the Duke! Now this was one of the highlights of my night! He was everything I dreamed of; charming, attractive, strong, mysterious, and, leashed… Did I mention that this Duke is a bulldog? He is half of the inspiration for Seun Olubodun’s “Duke and Winston” line. (Sir Winston Churchhill, “The British Bulldog” is the other half.) Once “confounded by the trend of grown men wearing questionable attire”, Seun started the “Duke and Winston” line to cater to the more discerning gentleman. (And now, ladies as well; I’m pleased to note.)

Seun gave us a sneak peak of his fall line (and a chance to tease our friend Ken, who happens to be that handsome model you see on the “Duke and Winston” website). You won’t see this girl in a t-shirt very often. Generally, I hate the way they fit my body. But I like the Duke’s designs. The graphics are stylish and very wearable. His women’s line has cuts that flatter female bodies including v necks and hoodies. The quality makes for shirts that are not only fashion forward, but uber comfy as well.

One of my favorite looks this fall has been a “Duke and Winston” tee with a blazer, skinny jeans, and knee high boots, finished off with some bangle bracelets. (Hmm, 3 different ways to wear a Duke and Winston tee? I see a fashion editorial in your future, PhillyIn readers…)

We also paid a visit to Psydde Delicious of Delicious Boutique and Corseterie. (See our review of the store here!) These are not just fashionable clothes, not just glamorous undergarments, but sleek and sexy works of art. Psydde proudly showed us a sophisticated white corset that was hot off the line for the show. He seems to have his hand in events all over the city and his energy can be contagious. What girl wouldn’t want of these alluring custom pieces?

Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry was another vendor I was glad to see at Fashion Week. I became acquainted with “Traci” at the Daily News Sexy Single shoot last summer. They provided the jewelry for the photos. I fell in love with a romantic pearl ring that I bought and wore to the Sexy Single party. It’s now one of my favorite pieces and I kind of consider it my “Sexy Single” ring. If you are looking for a real show stopping piece of jewelry, you need to check out her collection.

Seen on the Scene

Speaking of Sexy Singles, to my delight, I bumped into fellow Daily News Sexy Single, Monica Devlin. Monica was recently named one of Philadelphia’s Most Fashionable Women by Nicole Miller. Congrats Monica!

Michelle Miller, of the The Nouveau Image, was looking quite stylish, carrying one of the hottest looks for fall; a well-behaved and most inconspicuous puppy! Yes, that right, there’s a puppy in the bag! The newest addition to her family, Mochi! Despite the loud music, this cutie was fast asleep in his own mini designer boudoir.

HughE Dillon of PhillyChitChat was everywhere, relentless in his pursuit to cover ALL of Fashion Week for Philly Mag. We thought we should give him a break! So, we took a picture of him for a change.

Philadelphia Wings lacrosse players Brett Moyer and Bill McGlone linked up with Justin and Chris for some male bonding at this estrogen heavy event. Brett and Billy have been friends of PhillyIn since Brett participated in our own fashion show at the PhillyIn Launch party.

Enter more testosterone, Cool Kids Reggie Berry and Jackiem Wright. Secretly, I suspect they were more interested in networking their next 400 PTM project, than in the latest dresses on the runway. I was happy to see them anyway.

“Miss PA USA” Gina Cerilli, “Miss Teen PA USA” Elena LaQuartra, AND “Miss Philadelphia” Andrea Helfrich – We might not have been in a castle, but the crowns were certainly in full effect. So Amber-Joi (who competed in the “Miss Pennsylvania USA” competition twice, First Runner Up in 2007 and Miss Photogenic and Third Runner Up in 2010), got a chance to catch up with pageant chatter.

Brian Sanders capped off the evening with a magnificent aerial performance. I’ve been taking an aerials class since last summer and I was beyond impressed by the athleticism and beauty of Brian and his partner. It provided a brilliant finale for the event,

but not to our evening…

 

The “Sweet” Afterparty

I have an admission to make. I am a chocolate fiend. (They say, admitting that you have a problem is the first step.) I’ve secretly desired to visit the “Max Brenner” on 15^th St for quite some time. So, when a new friend casually mentioned the after party at Max Brenner’s Chocolate World, I was sold. The PhillyIn Cast, and friend Ken, piled into my chariot, and off we went!

The party was “choc-full” of models, socialites, photographers, stylists, and agents; quite a “New York” affair for this Philly town. Decadent, indulgent, rich, and simply put, delicious! The party? Perhaps… But, the dark chocolate martini – Absolutely!!!

There was a wide sampling of scrumptious, savory food as well; including pulled pork sliders and delectable mini cheese steaks. As the night progressed, it became harder and harder to say no. I found myself trying a bit of everything. “Oh, don’t mind if I do!” We taste-tested every morsel that passed by. And, just when I thought I couldn’t bare another morsel, another tray of cheese steaks passed my way. Ken looked at me, conspiracy in his eyes, “split one with you?” I couldn’t help myself. We gave into temptation. Totally worth it.

Then came the dessert plates. “No. Definitely not!” But, there she was. The smiling waitress, waving a warm ooey-goey walnut and chocolate chip cookie under my nose. Ambrosia! Did I succumb?  I’ll never tell. But I can’t wait to revisit “Max Brenner” and explore the full sit-down experience.

Finishing Fashion Week with a pig-out at a chocolate shop wasn’t quite what I envisioned, but there was something very pleasing about an opportunity to “Eat, Drink and Be Merry” with Philly’s most fashionable.

When I overheard the boys cooking up a plan for some late night bar hopping, this fashionista was happy to bid them adieu. Best to turn my “slippers” towards home, before I lost one. Wouldn’t want some handsome young prince disturbing my beauty sleep.

Additional photographs for this article were courtesy of:

Bill Mason

Upcomingevents.com