From Rittenhouse to the Runway: Philly Fashion Week

Twice a year, magazine headlines are flooded with stories of the latest looks from New York, Paris, and Milan. These fashion weeks are peak luxury - with every major brand in the industry showcasing their newest and very best looks. With scenes crowded with celebrities and supermodels alike, these events are far removed from average life and up-and-coming local designers. With the grandeur of these events, they remain an exclusive experience, one which many of us may longingly watch from afar. But what if the runway is closer than we think?

Kevin Parker and Kerry Scott. Courtesy of Philly Fashion Week.

Philadelphia has its very own fashion week, which occurs twice a year during September and February. Debuting in 2006 by founders Kevin Parker and Kerry Scott, Philly Fashion Week (PFW) focuses on promoting local artists and exhibiting looks from diverse artists. Don’t get me wrong, this event still features luxury, high fashion looks, but it is not exclusive to large fashion names like Chanel and Dior. Unlike the global phenomena that we are all familiar with, PFW promotes aspiring and emerging designers and models, many of whom are native to Philadelphia. This event embodies the pride that Philadelphians are known for and the love that they have for their city.

Courtesy of Philly Fashion Week.

Beyond its main, biannual events, PFW also sponsors several youth programs around the city, including summer and fall programs that provide kids with the opportunity to attend workshops centering on fashion, business, and dance. They also teach about modeling and give youth the chance to participate in runways. Kids may alternatively learn about sustainable and recycled fashion, designing their garments and working to make them come to life.

Courtesy of Philly Fashion Week,

The latest Philly Fashion Week was from September 18 to 22, featuring over 70 designers. Events ranged from runways to pop-up shops to panels and more than 5,000 people attended. The first event this season, themed the Gilded Age, was the Avant-Garde ball, which featured incredible works by designers Prajje Oscar, Emilie Mayer, and Shahedah Williams (see below). 

Prajje Oscar

Emily Mayer

Shahedah Williams

This event was followed by two runway shows at the Live! Casino and hotel, where many more local designers curated collections of their work to show off. Such designers included Reco Chappel, Talivari, Cristobal, and many more.

Andrew Nowell Menswear, Susie Buttons, and Cristobal

PFW is an incredible outlet for Philadelphian designers and others in the fashion industry. It is clear from the pictures above that these creators have endless talent and a magnificent amount of creativity, which is amplified by Philly Fashion Week and their promises to promote local and diverse fashion. This uninhibited imagination leads to a truly spectacular and unique fashion week. 

Featured image courtesy of Philly Fashion Week.