What To Do This Weekend…
Warning: if you leave your house this weekend, be prepared for an insane amount of traffic, loud music and street vendors literally anywhere you go.
For the seventh year, this annual festival will once again celebrate East Kensington and the wonderful things the neighborhood has to offer with an afternoon of live music, food and fun as well as 200+ booths of local arts vendors. Some of the featured crafters whose handmade creations are likely to make you swoon include, As The Crow Flies and Co. (vintage ceramic china and stained glass jewelry), ABJ Glassworks (affordable and stunning 3-dimensional stained glass terrariums, mobiles, nightlights and lamps), Orgotten (sustainable, eco-friendly clothing/handmade, cruelty-free jewelry) and Two Lucky Cats (fun, vibrant textile accessories). Saturday, 12-6pm. Free. Trenton Ave. between Norris St. & Frankford Ave.
Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival
One of the city’s most popular spring festivals, the annual event attracts over 10 thousand people around the region each year, rain or shine. For the sake of conserving space, let’s just say that basically every store and restaurant in the neighborhood will have something special going on—cooking demos, sales, workshops, live entertainment, kid’s activities, free shit, ect. In the midst of all the chaos, just be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the spring fashion booth from Rittenhouse Row’s many super-chic boutiques (Knit Wit, Sephora, Town Home, Joan Shepp, Arcadia, South Moon Under, Bella Turka, ect.). Saturday, 12-5pm. Free. Rittenhouse Row (Walnut St. between Broad & 19th Sts.)
9th Street Italian Market Festival
That’s right, yet another festival. So what does this one have to offer that the other two do not? In short, cannolis. In fact, you’ll find delicious, authentic Italian food literally everywhere you look (beat that Rittenhouse!) There will also be stages set up at each intersection with live music throughout the day and a craft marketplace between Fitzwater & Christian Streets featuring one-of-a-kind, handmade items from a juried selection of local artists. What local artists, you ask? Ummm…presumably whichever ones aren’t in Rittenhouse or Kensington. Again, the party doesn’t stop in the event of rain. Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm. Free. Along 9th St., between Fitzwater & Federal Sts.
During the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival, SA VA will be serving light refreshments and hosting a trunk show featuring three talented local designers who make all their items right her in the U.S.A: Toggery, J&I Jewelry and BCS Designs. Founded by Kate D’Arcy, Toggery is a contemporary fashion collection for women that blends beautiful design with luxurious, environmentally conscious fabrics (50 percent organic). The J & I jewelry collection is highlighted by gemstones and freshwater pearls, each piece hand formed in their Philly studio. Finally, there’s Center City designer Beth Soffer of BCS Designs who will be bringing along her collection of exquisite gemstones and 18K gold plated chains. Saturday, 12-3pm. Free. @ SA VA (1700 Sansom St.)
Nadeau Grand Opening Celebration
Enjoy drinks and nibbles while being one of the first to discover Manayunk’s newest retail haven: Nadeau. The store offers beautifully handcraft hardwood furniture imported from around the globe. This includes traditional and brightly painted dressers, TV stands, chair, accessories and more. And while perhaps not as cheap (or shitty) as Ikea furniture, Nadeau’s prices are actually pretty reasonable, especially considering that none of their pieces are mass-produced or cookie-cutter. Saturday, 10am-6pm. Free. @ Nadeau (4131 Main St.)
Also Tomorrow: Shopping Party & Fundraiser at SA VA
Wow, your Wednesday night sure is filling up quickly. Before heading over to The Trestle Inn to drool over BUS STOP boutique’s sexy shoe showcase, stop by SA VA in Center City (1700 Sansom St.) where they will be holding a special shopping party and fundraiser from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
While enjoying complimentary beverages, guests can shop the SA VA spring collection which is centered around eternal bloom and features ultra feminine pieces marked by soft shapes and wispy fabrics.
A portion of the party’s proceeds will be donated to InLiquid to help support their mission to create opportunities and exposure for emerging artists while making art more attainable to the general public with programming such as the upcoming Art for the Cash Poor and CAFe.
You’ll also be simultaneously helping SA VA in its mission to create a new kind of fashion community through local living wage creation, community partnerships and socially conscious clothing and accessories. If you didn’t already know, 90 percent of the garments the Philly-based brand sells are made in their adjacent garment center, always with fair-trade and often eco-friendly materials.
Certainly beats heading straight home after work and spending the rest of the night watching American Idol.
Alexander Selig’s Illusions Cosmetics Campaign is Stunning…
“Ever since I’ve been really young, I’ve had a knack for knowing fashion,” says Alex Selig.
Over the past three months, the Temple University graphic design major has created a faux makeup campaign for Illusions Cosmetics. The campaign was initially intended to simply serve as his senior project, but quickly transformed into a work of art itself.
“I knew I wanted to create a piece I was proud of, and something I could use after college. I also wanted to do something where I could incorporate photography and design skills,” Selig said. “A makeup company was the perfect match.”
Selig scoured the internet for a cosmetics line with the potential to be a staple in the makeup industry and found Illusions Cosmetics. “[The project] was about revamping [something],” Selig said. “I found the Illusions makeup website, and it was terrible. If I were a chick, I’d block that website.”
The next challenge involved finding the right face that can compliment a wide array of makeup styles, while complimenting the intricacies of each look.
“I wanted a fresh face,” Selig said. “Makeup is all about being youthful.”
After considering several models, the photographer decided to use his younger sister Zoe Selig. “She’s incredible at makeup so we collaborated really well,” Selig said.
Each partner in the dynamic duo brought a unique skill set. Zoe had the makeup expertise, and Alex had the vision for what the makeup line could be.
The photo series started out with a photo of Zoe wearing a modern take on ancient Egyptian queens. Someone mentioned to Selig that his sister resembled Egypt, and the time period piece came to life.
The time period theme allowed Selig to demonstrate the versatility of the makeup line in addition to his skill set, without having one overshadow the other. Being detail oriented, he drew inspiration from photos taken during the time period, created a color palate, and used makeup ideas from his sister to create eight makeup looks, each completely different from the next.
“I wanted to include bright colors to draw attention and any aspect that would pop off the shelves,” Selig said. The series is incredibly artistic, but his goal was to use his vision to remarket the makeup as a brand with a solid identity.
Using a simple colored background and a similar photo composition for each head-shot, Selig created eight very unique looks that compliment each other.
After devoting his life to the project for three months, Selig couldn’t pick a favorite photo. “There are little features I love about each one,” Selig said. “All the little touches make each one different from another, so that’s why it’s so hard to choose a favorite.”
After scrolling through the campaign, I was convinced that it was an actual product line he designed. After finding out it was his senior project, I was even more impressed that he used that level of detail, but Selig treated the project as if it were an actual re-branding campaign.
“People want perfection, and if they don’t see it in the campaign, they’ll question the quality of [your product],” Selig said.
What To Do This Weekend
Far from your average clothing swap, the extra “Rama” is a series of DIY workshops in which locals can explore easy, creative and sustainable ways to upcycle used clothing and textiles. Here’s how it works: while not mandatory, those who come with at least a bag of unwanted clothing will save $10 on admission and once all the donations have been collected, everyone will get to dive into the massive pile of gently worn treasures like wild (yet courteous) scavengers. Finally, skilled local artists will help Swappers work their creative mojo and revamp their new duds. You can spruce up a boring tee with a screen-printed image with Candy Depew of the Philly-based silk-screen studio, school and showroom, Candy-Coated or with a simpler version of designer Nicole Rae Styer’s unique embellishments. Amber Zaraza of Phea Jean and the crafty folks of Handmade Philly will even show you how to transform an article of clothing into a one-of-a-kind accessory. Saturday, 12pm. $10-$20. @ Broad Street Ministry (315 S. Broad St.)
Spring 2012 Art Star Craft Bazaar
Just in time for Mother’s Day, Art Star has hand selected over 140 local and national artists to set up shop and sell their wares outside at Penn’s Landing for the spring edition of their beloved art fair/craft show. Basically, anything and everything you can think of and then some. Some local vendors to keep an eye out for: exit343 design, Concrete Polish, Black Heart Letterpress, BirdQueen Designs and Bob Dix Illustration. Going through the long list of vendors, I’m going to be on the look out for Moonlight Bindery, Spread The Love and Inedible Jewelry. As usual, there will also be live music from local bands, vegan/vegetarian friendly food and interactive art demos like sculpting/mold making with The Philadelphia Sculpture Gym and recycled crafts with NL Arts. Saturday, 11am-6pm. Sunday, 11am-5pm. Free. The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing (Columbus Blvd. at Chestnut St.)
Breaking Away: 2012 Fashion Show
This annual fashion extravaganza in conjunction with Moore College’s commencement celebrations will feature 28 innovative senior collections as well as designs by junior and sophomore students of the college’s acclaimed fashion design department. The showcased designs include swimwear, bridal, childrenswear, menswear, sportswear and last but not least, eveningwear. The theme “Breaking Away” is specifically for the senior eveningwear finale. There will also be a closing reception for “Emerging Artists and Designers,” featuring the best work from their senior students in fine art, graphic design, illustration, interior design photography and textile design. So come out and help congratulate the Class of 2012 Who knows—you may wind up discovering America’s next big designer before everyone else. Saturday, 8pm. $25. @Moore College, Aviator Park (20th & Ben Franklin Pkwy.)
Pennsylvania Guild Fine Craft Fair
While fine art might be a bit of a snooze-fest, fine crafts are a whole different story. For their signature premiere fair, the PA Guild of Craftsmen has invited 140 of its finest crafts artists to pile into Rittenhouse Square this weekend and showcase/sell their exceptional one-of-a-kind creations. We’re talking everything from handcrafted jewelry, designer clothing and contemporary furniture to functional and decorative pottery, limited edition photography and fine porcelain. Will these items be pricey? You betcha! But there’s sure to be some affordable pieces. Either way, everything else is guaranteed to be worth the price. Fri.-Sat., 11am-7pm. Sun., 11am-5pm. Free. @ Rittenhouse Square
If you’re having trouble finding the perfect Mother’s Day gift (and somehow PW Style’s incredibly awesome and comprehensive Mother’s Day Gift Guide didn’t help), why not just mom out to the KOP Mall so she can pick out something herself? While there, be sure to stop into Free People where they’ll offering complimentary tea, coffee and other refreshments as well as a free flowers for the mommas (unless you show up late). You may want to also grab something for yourself since you’ll receive an exclusive soy candle by Candles with Love with a purchase of $250. Sunday, 11am-6pm. Free @ Free People, King of Prussia Mall (452 Mall Blvd.)
Something New To Do With Your Instagram Pics…
While I’m not one of those obsessive Instagrammers who literally see the world through potential Instagram pics, I do appreciate any technology that can transform an otherwise uninteresting photo into a work of art with the click of a button.
Even better, now your instant masterpieces don’t just have to live and die on your phone—they can be transformed into an awesome piece of décor.
Using digitally printed versions of your favorite Instagram shots, Stitchagram (aka. brother/sister team Dou and Rachel Pfeffer from Washington, DC) will create a custom, 100 percent handmade throw pillow.
Once on their site, all you have to do is log into your Instagram account, choose from one of two layout designs then drag and drop your desired photos into the designated spaces.
Each of the 15 inch pillows come with a soft and fluffy removable insert and the back is a dark navy color with an envelope-style closure. Though normally $94.50 (plus shipping), right now they’re having a spring sale, offering folks their awesome creations for just $64. Not only are the pillows likely to last long after you inevitably drop your iPhone into a toilet, but they would make a really great, deceivingly thoughtful gift.
I’m already picturing one on my couch.
Beth Shak ‘Shoes r Forever’ Launch Party
Photo: justluxe.com
Hi, my name is Michelle and I am addicted to shoes. Flats, sneakers, boots, heels, peep-toe platforms–pretty much any stylish form of footwear will work me up into a frenzy.
My obsession was more than satisfied last night at the Beth Shak ‘Shoes r Forever’ Launch Party at PNK Elephant Boutique on South Street. Beth, known for her professional poker playing skills as well as her uncanny beauty, adores shoes so much that she decided to hang up her playing cards and make a new-found career out of it. Owning roughly 1200 pairs of designer shoes (700 of them being Christian Louboutin’s), the mother of three has recently piqued the interest of the media, scoring her very own reality show which is set to air on VH1. Beth’s new Web site serves as an outlet for fellow shoe enthusiasts, specifically those with a shared appreciation for designers like Walter Steiger, Manolo Blahnik, Mark Schwartz and of course, Louboutin.
ShoesRForever.com contains links to Celebrity Style, Sales, Beth’s Picks and my personal favorite, Streetwalker where people can submit pictures of some of the crazy shoes they see walking on the streets of Philly.
I recommend you check out some of pictures from the event below then immediately proceed to the site.
~Michelle Mass
A Han Couture Fashion Show Today at Liberty Place
In celebration of the return of The Shen Yun Performing Arts to Philly next month for a two-night run at the Merriam Theater, this afternoon the Shops at Liberty Place will be hosting an award-winning Chinese imperial dynasty fashion show from 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Featured in New York’s 2011 Couture Fashion Week, Han Couture design will delight and amaze shoppers with its over-the-top fashions. The cultural presentation will also include a live performance of ancient Chinese instruments.
So grab some grub and stay for a breathtaking show. It’s definitely a better alternative to spending your lunch break eating at your desk and stalking friends on Facebook.
usafashionshows.com
What To Do This Weekend
Exclusive Aleksandra Ambrozy Makeup Class
Whether you’d like to admit it or not, chances are you’re one of the millions of women who don’t apply their makeup correctly. I mean, I know mine definitely isn’t flawless. Fortunately, there’s professionals like Aleksandra Ambrozy. One of the most sought after makeup artists in the city, Ambrozy will be instructing women on the proper way top apply makeup as well as which products and tools to use and how to achieve that “professional makeup effect.” The class will be conducted in a very chill, all girl atmosphere with light food and mimosas served. Ambrozy has just knocked $15 off the ticket price so RSVP ASAP. Only ten women will be allowed to take part and you definitely don’t want to lose out on a spot. Sunday, 12-4pm. $60. @ Soiree Philadelphia (305 Cherry St.)
On the market for some beautiful, traffic-stopping designer jewelry? Well, Judith Ripka has plenty of it and today only, you’ll be able to score 50-70 percent off her 18K gold and silver collections. That includes this 18K yellow gold vertical Oasis ring with full cut diamonds, pink mother-of-pearl and pink sapphire which may be one of the most beautiful creations I’ve ever laid eyes on. Friday, 10am-5pm. Free. @The Rittenhouse Hotel (210 W. Rittenhouse Sq.)
Simon Fashion Now
All this weekend, a style extravaganza will be sweeping the King of Prussia Mall. It kicks off tonight with a “Trends & Friends Night,” during which you’ll have a chance to connect with your favorite retailers through interactive demonstrations like hand-graving stations at Tiffany & Co., “make-unders” from Bare Escentuals and mini spa sessions from Aveda. There will also be a fashion show. For day two, runway presentations will be held every hour showcasing seasonal styles from Coach, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom and more along with “style shops,” offering shoppers in-depth beauty and style demos. Friday, 6-8:30pm. Saturday, 1-6pm. Free. @ King of Prussia Mall (160 N. Gulph Rd.)
Kembrel Designer Series: Philadelphia Designer Trunk Show
Enjoy art, music, food, drinks and lively conversation while checking out apparel and accessories from five emerging local brands: Kenneth Zane, Adorn by Sarah Lewis, Duke & Winston, Haight Ashbury and SPLURGHE. Kembrel will even be extending its 20 percent discount. They have several events lined-up at their Rittenhouse pop-up location so be sure to check back next week! Sunday, 5-9pm. Free. @ Kembrel (1822 Rittenhouse Sq.)
Just in time for Mother’s Day, TownHome is inviting Heather B. Moore to showcase her customizable and incredibly charming jewelry line. All of Moore’s designs feature hand-pressed engraving, which can include anything you want—monograms, mantras, names, dates, ect. If you have siblings, consider pooling your money together and having each of your birthdays engraved. Not only will that make it more affordable, but extra special. Saturday, 9am-7pm. Free. @ TownHome (1616 Walnut St.)
If you’re doing it right, shopping can be a pretty intense workout. With that in mind, Three Sirens Boutique is inviting you to come and shop their feminine fashions while checking out the boutique-style fitness studio, Nawrocki Fitness. New spring styles by Press, RD Style and Gracia will be showcased as well as handbags and accessories from Urban Expressions and their Hardtail workout gear collection. If you’re a student, bring your ID along and receive 10 percent off. As an extra incentive, 10 percent of the event’s proceeds will be donated to Moss Rehab. Sunday, 12-4pm. Free. @ Nawrocki Fitness (1500 Locust St., Suite 1419)
Come and watch as I attempt to walk down a runway sporting a bold new do given to me by the cutting-edge, award-winning stylists at Sigatures du Mei. I’ll be joined by 20 other amateur models showcasing the salon’s summer hair and makeup collection. The show will feature both an “exotic” and “summer” theme and models will be adorned with jewelry and accessories from SWAG Boutique. Should for some reason you want to meet a PW Style blogger in the flesh, just keep your eyes peeled for a half-woman/half-cheetah. PYT will be providing tents in case it rains so my spots should remain intact. Sunday, 3:30pm. Free. @ PYT (1050 N. Hancock St.)
Designer Showcases Return to HyLo Boutique this Thursday
It wasn’t hard to fall in love with HyLo Boutique’s after seeing the success of their promotional campaign for South Philly calligrapher Danny Fox. The design collective specializes in shining light on the work of local artisans so; naturally, we were tickled pink to hear about their designer showcases returning April 19th.
The first showcase, entitled CURRENT: A NIC*FISH Pop-Up, will feature Philadelphia fashion designer Nicole Fisher, who started her label NIC*FISH in 2000. Stop by to check out her unique, bright looks that “flatter but never reveal.” The spring collection features layerable options that can adapt to any woman’s style and personality.
Along with NIC*FISH, the show will include other Philadelphia artists of all talents. Douglas Witmer, a painter who specializes in geometric, colorful shapes, will be joined by jewelry sculptor Anu Rock and HyLo favorite, Danny Fox who will be showing his newest collection of rings. Angela Monaco’s Concrete Polish jewelry line will be displaying rare crystal pieces fuzed with silver, gold, mineral and metal, and Bus Stop Boutique will be showing off their one-night-only NIC*FISH inspired platform shoe.
Shoes, jewelry, clothing and art? Oh, AND guests will be offered a special RHUBY cocktail to accompany tropical treats from Kissinger’s Cupcakes and Brown Betty Dessert Boutique. Is this heaven?
The exhibition will kick off on the 19th at the South and 20th location from 7-10 p.m. with music by Josh Hey. the showcase will be around through the second week of May (hours Tuesday-Saturday 12-7 and Sunday from 11-5).
~Michelle Mass
Photos: Sakura Sunday
Sakura Sunday is the centerpiece event of Philly’s own annual Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival. But this year’s day-long event was celebrated against an unseasonably green background instead of Fairmount Park’s pink, fluffy canopy of cherry blossoms. Despite the early heat spell, Japanese dancing, drumming, fashion shows, and vibrant costumes of both guests and performers lit up the park.
The sunny and 80-something degree weather brought out an eclectic crowd of anime lovers, dog owners, and fashionistas–all of which could find activities to their liking. Anime fans were invited to show off their representations of their favorite characters in a Zenkaikon Cosplay Fashion Show, while Harajuku lovers took their designs to the main stage for an eccentric, space-age fashion show. The ASPCA and PAWS were present to host the Prettiest Pet in Pink parade. Asian food vendors lined the park’s oblong fountain-turned-pool.
From Japan themselves, one of the country’s best performing art schools, Tamagawa University, lit up the stage with thundering taiko drumming paired with the graceful dancers flicking fans in dresses that looked like origami. Speaking of origami, local vendors sold Japanese wares, from anime-themed snuggies and beautiful kimonos to wooden sandals and paper kites.
Here’s some highlights from the day’s festivities…
If you missed Sakura Sunday, don’t fret- the festival’s activities are near from over. A few events include a sushi making class Tuesday, April 17, “Kirie” paper-cutting workshop the 18th, amateur Sushi-Making Contest the 19th, and a Samurai sword performance and Kimono dressing demonstration April 21st. Check out a listing of the beautiful photo exhibits and galleries around Fairmount Park that will be up for the remainder of the month here.
–Marissa Oswald