Philly Fashion Week Premieres Tonight

Ah, it’s finally time for Philly Fashion Week!  For those of you getting bitter on a bi-yearly basis as New York regales us with its pretty clothes and pretty people, Philly’s own version, albeit half as long, will hopefully provide at least a little sartorial comfort.

As noted earlier, it is a little weird that the three day event is ticketed, as opposed to the press and invite-only shows in New York.  But (and this is a big but), this is much more of a party than a business excursion.  We’ll be munching on hors d’oeuvres post red carpet, which is more than our dear skinnies to the North can say as they shuffle between hot, cramped venues in their swagger-crippling stilettos.

If you’re a student—lucky you!  Tickets are $35 per day, or $100 for the whole she-bang.  Those who actually work for a living have to shell out a bit more—one-day passes are $75, or $150 for all three days.  Expensive?  Sure.  But not too terrible when you consider dining at one of Philly’s premiere restaurants might fare even worse than a buck fifty tab.  Of course, if you want to go all out, there’s the $1,500 VIP ticket, but unless you’re biggest concern is hobnobbing with the rich and famous and not the actually shows, don’t bother.

So tonight’s show is the inaugural event.  Starting at 4 p.m., for about an hour, guests can walk amongst the 12 boutiques set up at the 23rd Street Armory, including accessories designer Cristina V., silks by couture designer Marina Makaron Moscow, and more weareable designer, S. Love.  There’s also food, which I think is important to mention.  And booze.  Light bites from Lucky Strikes and Trio, and cocktails from Barefoot Wine, Penn 1681, Diageo, and Bluecoat gin.

Post-schmoozing, the shows actually start around 5:00.  Tonight’s student show is Moore College of Art & Design, with seven students from the local school putting in the best four looks from their senior project last year.  After a quick DJ set, the six headlining designers resume their show.  We’ve got:

From left to right:  Brooklyn Royaly, Wrath Arcane, Love Brigade

Brooklyn Royalty—NYC-based men’s and women’s casual wear, with everything from sweatshirts to decorated denim with an edge

Wrath Arcane—Menswear with a classic styling and lots of unique little twists on the tailoring

Love Brigade—Both men’s and womenswear.  Lots of  design elements but managing to still look cozy and comfy

From left: Palmieri Jeans, Delicious, Kill City

Palmieri Jeans—“Premium jean that looks like a dress pant with no waist band.”  I have to admit, intriguing 

Delicous—Think corsets.  Any and all derivates of corsetry are inspiration for this Philly line

Kill City—Edgy; reminds me of Urban Outfitters, but slightly less hipster

Each show is about 15 minutes long, with a 15 minute DJ set between.  This is where boozing is basically encouraged, as cocktails will still be available throughout the night!  The music rundown for the night includes DJs Alan Astor, Tinypants (how perfect for fashion week!), Manny Romano and This is a Shakedown, followed by a headlining performance by Black Landlord, a soul/hip-hop band group based out of Philadelphia.

Lastly, it’s important to note that hair guru/TV personality David Evangelista is emceeing the premiere night.  Other celebs reported to be showing face sometime during the “week” include Lynn Doyle, Julie Wilch (rapper Eve’s mom), and celeb stylist Anthony Henderson.

As seen in my previously boisterousness for all things fashion, I’m definitely excited.  I mean, I bought boots last weekend, and I’ve held off wearing them all week.  Just so I’ll have that “yeah-these-are-new-boots” confidence come tonight.  I’ll be posting back on Monday with a review of my thoughts on the shows.  But until then, excuse me while I pick out a matching jacket.