And their off! PhillyIn jumped head-first into Fashion Week. (Fashion “Week”?; Fashion “Month” would be closer to the truth!) Philadelphia’s Fashion Week marched on for at least 3 weeks, boasting an engagement calendar that was really impressive. Even this social butterfly had trouble keeping up with it.
Ok, so we’re not exactly Bryant Park yet, but Philly is putting its best foot forward in promoting and cultivating our Philly “couture”. Fashion Week comprises a parade of local boutiques and designers, as well as a celebration of the big name designers that Philadelphians love. In the past, it consisted of some great parties and a few admirable, charity events. (And, that’s all still with us.) But, last year, the “city” got on-board, or “on- runway”, you might say, launching the Philadelphia “Official” Fashion Week: Four glorious nights of events at the Armory, showcasing local boutiques and designers, including one special night just for fashion students to present their own creations.
It’s almost impossible to attend every event of Philadelphia’s Fashion Week, but we at PhillyIn gave it our best, and ended up on a whirlwind tour of Philly. We even worked the runway at a few events, ourselves.
Fashion Up
Saturday, September 25, 2010. XIX Rose Garden Ballroom at the Bellevue
True to form, Kate, (that would be “moi”, or rather “je”) was once again, fashionably late to Fashion Up. (I don’t know why I can’t seem to make it to this event on time.) But, I’ve improved. This season, I got to SEE the show (which was also fashionably behind schedule).
My favorite fashions of the evening were by Carmelita Couture, who was also featured on the runway at the PhillyIn Launch Party. Her dresses are imbued with “runway flair”, but sensible enough to wear in real life. Think “cute city girl” meets Lady Gaga.
PhillyIn friend, the ubiquitous Rachel Day worked the red carpet as one of the hosts. And, she dressed the part! Runway – Red Carpet – Whichever! Equally at home on both, Rachel looked quite stunning in an Armani belt with Alice and Olivia top.
Fashion In Public…With A Touch of Fur
Wednesday, September 29, 2010. Public House, Logan Square
Fashion In Public is a fashion/charity event that I look forward to every year. I’ve been involved several times as a celebrity model and was honored to be asked back, along with fellow PhillyIn cast member Amber-Joi, to take part in this year’s “show with a twist”.
What’s the twist? “I get to play with puppies?!” I was so excited to find out I’d be one of the models strolling the runway with a furry friend in tow. (I had secretly crossed my fingers).
This year, Public House brought PAWS on board to raise money and bring attention to their cause. (PAWS is a charity that shelters and finds homes for abandoned animals.) Before the show, they brought us back to get comfy with our escorts. Soooo much fun! I thought I might leave with one! (Unfortunately – or fortunately – each and everyone got scooped up by loving homes before I was even able to get back into my own clothes!) The teeniest pup took a special liking to Eagles guard/tackle, Todd Herremans, nestling into his arm for a quick nap. Linebacker Stewart Bradley made a friend with Poppin, a frisky pup who HAD to say hello to everyone he met with a big wet lick of the face.
On the runway, I was paired with Aspen, a handsome young cocker mix 
(smartly dressed in his best black and white fur “tuxedo”). Aspen tugged at my heartstrings, looking just like my childhood dog, Indy, a black and white English cocker spaniel. Some of the other canine models got spooked with all those people. I could easily imagine how my own “Indy dog”, would have zigzagged on his hind legs, choking himself and dragging me, as he tried to SEE everything and MEET and GREET everybody. But Aspen, was a perfect gentleman. And, what a pro on the runway! Better than some dates I’ve had!
Amber-Joi and I sported dresses from Elizabeth Maar! I was excited to find that this gem of a store was right in my backyard in Haverford. They have the cutest dresses!
Makeup was by Channel and hair was by Salon L’Etoile (Much thanks to Kim, my makeup artist from Channel, and Maggie, the hairstylist from L’Etoile who both did an amaaazing job. Maggie is in the gallery below doing Amber-Joi’s hair.) PhillyIn friends Rachel Day and Margo Trovei modeled as well, wearing fashions by another ultra fab line (and new personal fav of mine), Aci Nae. Not only do they carry amazing clothes, but they do custom clothing and alterations on site! I cannot wait to pay them a visit.
Joyce from Elizabeth Maar had reserved two options for me for this particular show, and made a game time decision to go with the glamorous, sequined, off the shoulder, bronze number I wore. But, I was so charmed by my “backup” runway dress from Elizabeth Marr, I simply couldn’t leave without it! I whipped out the ol’ checkbook and bought it on the spot, hoping I’d have an excuse to wear it sometime soon…
Others seen at the event include weatherman, John Bolaris, Mike Jerrick of Fox, and Drew “The Mayor” Carballo. Also pictured below, Shannon Kennedy of Public House who helped coordinate this seasons event! Congrats!
And in another galaxy (err — fashion show), not so far, far away….
This very same night, PhillyIn’s Justin was “strutting” a runway in the “Rittenhouse Row Fashion Show” for our favorite local tee line, “Duke and Winston”. The “Duke” carries comfy and fashionable tees for the casual-chic Philadelphian, designed and printed locally.
Luckily, Justin was able to hop on over to Public House in time for the afterparty.
Boyd’s La Bella Vita
Thursday, September 30, 2010. Boyd’s Center City
I KNEW that “backup” runway dress from Elizabeth Maar would come in handy! The very next night, I zipped up my David Lerner L.B.D., and took a look in the mirror… “Nothing quite like a little black dress.” After donning some fun jewelry and a bolero jacket, I was headed out to Boyd’s on a rainy night for what turned out to be a really unique event.
Ah the beautiful life…As I walked into the store and up the grand staircase, I can’t say I was transported back to my time in Italy. But perhaps that’s only because I wasn’t able to visit Milan while I was there. Yes. This party felt very “Milan”, sexy and chic. Inspiring me to say “Ciao Bella!” to everyone I met. (If anyone wants to show me the real thing, I’ve got a passport! Just saying…)
It felt “delicious”! I was off to an “assegnazione”; a decadent affair at that; but my “indulgence” was with Italian design, Italian food (DiBruno Bros.), Italian cocktails, (Yes, Positano Coast was handing out Limocello), and even Italian cars. (I was sure I’d turn a few heads at the wheel of one of those sleek Maseratis or Lamborghinis outside. Briefly, I wondered where the keys were. Unfortunately, without some serious training with stick shift, I didn’t think my getaway car would carry me very far.)
Prada and Gucci! These are some of the first designers I was exposed to as a young girl. I dream shopped my way through the racks. Other fashion royalty such as Dolce & Gabbana, and Ferragamo were featured as well. Fortunately, I didn’t spill any Prosecco on the Manolo Blanicks!
I couldn’t help giggling at the live mannequins in the front of the store. As a child, I was constantly doing my best mannequin impression whenever Mom would take me shopping. I posed for as long as I could, hoping shoppers would take me for fake. Suffice to say, Mother thought I was a “joy” to take shopping. She could leave me in one spot nearly forever. The models were a nice touch (PhillyIn friend Ken was one of them), I only wish there were more of them throughout the store.
We were joined by Philly’s own social queen, Hacina Saadi, as well as the now former head chef at Lacroix, Jason Cichonski. (Look for info about his newest project on PhillyIn soon!) Other’s seen on the scene: Courtney Grant, Nicole Brewer of CBS, and BaretteVance (B.V. also had some exciting news. Stay tuned for exclusive details in the near future.)
Actually, I should note that “Boyd’s La Bella Vita” was a collaborative effort between Boyds and the Italian Trade Commission (ITC). Personally, I’m convinced, any event that results in me channeling “Sylvia” (Anita Ekberg) in “La DolceVita”, has been an enormous success. (Thankfully, no fountain – my dignity was preserved.) Long live collaboration!
My only regret of the evening? Not getting a photograph of the back of the dress, because it was fab. Maybe next time, thanks again to Elizabeth Maar. Ciao!
Valanni “Some Like It Hot”
Tuesday, October 5, 2010. Valanni
Sizzling hot that is! PhillyIn friend, Rachel Day, and yours truly, donned our reddest lipsticks and retro looks, and headed to Valanni. This show featured contemporary looks inspired by the 1950’s. The runway snaked through the bar and onto a platform out front. The crowd on the street may have even outnumbered the crowd inside. Colleen Burns from the Lingerie Football League was one of the smoking hot models! And the event was co-hosted by Philly’s Most Notorious Man, Arthur Kade.
Miss Day and I posed for a photo, and briefly chatted with the man responsible for PhillyChitChat, Hugh E Dillion. He had been at every event that I had been to, AND MORE! The man is one of the hardest working people in Philly, and I’m always glad to see him doing his thing for Philly Mag.
After bidding HughE adieu, I had the chance to meet Philadelphia photographer, Chris Garbello, responsible for so many photos around town. He shared details with me about a very intriguing and challenging project currently engaging him. Perhaps you’ll get to hear about it too, next year! Keep your eye on him.
Fashions for “Some like it Hot” were provided by Sorella, Franklin Square, Three Sirens Boutique, Vamp, Senor, and South Moon Under.
Additional photographs for this article were courtesy of (all watermarked):
Mark Jones: mza79@aol.com
www.modelmayhem.com/mhjphotography
www.facebook.com/mhjproductions
HughE Dillion: www.phillychitchat.com
More photos from Fashion Week in the gallery below!
But wait, something’s missing? The main event at the Armory! Check back for pix and info from Philadelphia’s Official Fashion Week event.
Pretty insightfull post. Never thought that it was this effortless after all.Excellent job, I can’t wait to read more from you! Dresses, shopping and looking good is my favorite topic!