Local designer brings boutique to South Philly
So apparently I recently accepted a FB friend request from local designer Nicole Rae Styer. I didn’t realize it until photos of her new merch popped up on my News Feed last night which immediately grabbed my attention.
It turns out, she was one of the few designers to really woo me at Philly Fashion Week in the fall. She’s also just opened NRS Boutique on East Passyunk Ave. Nicole graduated from University of the Arts in 2005 and has another small store in her hometown, Reading, PA. With over 30 stores around the country carrying NRS Designs, there’s a chance you’ve probably seen her work.
Much like Betsey Johnson (one of my faves), Nicole’s designs are super girly, fun and all feature some sort of awesomely tacky embellishment. These usually consist of layers of hand-stitched sequins, lace, bows, vintage fabrics and other various textile components, most of which are recycled resources. I’m particularly drawn to her party dresses, tunics and jewelry which are where I think her flair really thrives.
Not all of her garments are 100 percent original (I noticed several of the bathing suits in her new swimwear collection were actually from H&M, just decorated), but nevertheless, I appreciate her creativity. Whether adding her signature embellishments justifies bumping up the original price tag by $100, well, that I’m not so sure of.
In addition to a wide array of women’s clothing and accessories, the boutique has items for men and kids. You can check it out this Saturday during a grand opening reception.
NRS Boutique
1822 East Passyunk Ave.
Hours: Tue-Sun, 11 a.m-7 p.m
Philadelphia Fashion Week Photos: Friday Night
PW photographer Inna Spivakova went and got some fairly awesome shots Friday night at Philadelphia Fashion Week. Highlights after the jump…
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Philly Fashion Week: Roundup
Well, folks, 2010 Philadelphia Fashion Week has now come and gone, and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
Was it as well organized as it could have been? Definitely not. Would I have liked to see more local designers? Yes, sir.
But they did do a heck of job booking good musical talent (extra props to tUPHace, who I was elated to finally see perform). Too bad there wasn’t a dance floor.
Anyhow, I’ve got a lot of ground to cover, so I’ll just cut to the chase. Here’s my highlights; PW also has a ton of pics from Nicole Leyerer and the awesome Inna Spivakova (all of hers will be in a post tomorrow).
Derek Brad Photography
So you didn’t make it to the 23rd Street Armory last week to experience Philadelphia Fashion Week? Don’t worry, Derek Brad Photography has you covered. His collection of photos, split up by day and/or designer via tags and posts, puts you right in the action. From on the scene to behind the scenes, Derek Brad captured the essence of the events of the week so that you can live (or relive) Philly’s fledgling week of fashion from that fly-on-the-wall perspective.
Philly Fashion Week: Opening Night
Bus Stop Boutique
Allow me to start by introducing myself…
My name is Nicole, I’ve been a lowly PW intern for over a year and now I’m the newest style blogger. My first assignment: attend the 2nd Annual Philly Fashion Week then report back with all the juicy details.
So enough about me, let’s talk fashion!
As noted by the night’s MC (Eyewitness News reporter/former Miss Pennsylvania, Nicole Brewer), this year’s runway shows have an international theme, featuring the spring/summer 2011 collections of designers from around the world.
Wednesday night however, was strictly devoted to local designers.
Ban Thor Phan
Delicious Boutique–Despite being known for their one-of-kind corsets, it turns out the boutique also specializes in tacky leather getups. In fact, I only spotted two cute corsets in the entire collection. Though I must admit, I was totally digging their bad-ass utility belts.
Lolliepop Collection—Much like the Delicious collection, it included a lot of masculine boots and jackets with some super-feminine blouses and dresses mixed in.
Ban Thor Pan—The collection’s Middle-Eastern inspiration may have been a bit overwhelming at times, but it definitely mastered the perfect blend of style and comfort. Featuring mostly loose-fitting garments made of breezy, natural materials, I feel like “fashionable stoner” is the best way to describe it.
Arcadia Boutique
Arcadia & Bus Stop Boutiques—My personal favorite (both of them). Finally, some colorful clothes! Even sitting a couple of rows away from the stage I could see the impressive detailing of the garments.
Carmelita Couture—Definitely the most glamorous collection of the evening. I especially enjoyed the last two Gaga-esque looks (see bottom right).
If you’re planning on attending any of the Fashion Week events, here’s some things to keep in mind:
* The beer is hidden under the bar. I believe it was Triumph’s Pale Ale.
Carmelita Couture
* There’s a rather limited selection of mixed drinks (Smirnoff vodka and one of five Vitamin Water Zero flavors).
* The bathroom is a couple of porta-potties in the alleyway.
* Your seat will be taken.
* Eat the cheese at your own risk.
* Don’t bother trying to be fashionably early. Fortunately, DJ Matt Blank was there to rock my world while I waited for the show to begin.
* The vendors are definitely worth checking out. There was a lot of cute, reasonably priced handmade jewelry.
* The runway shows only actually took up about an hour of the evening.
Anyway, I have two more nights of fashion and Vitamin Water cocktails ahead of me so check back on Monday for my recap.
Philadelphia Fashion Week
A lineup of local designers and boutiques kick off Philadelphia Fashion Week with CMK Entertainment on Wednesday. Check back all week for updates on what’s happening at the 23rd Street Armory. Delicious Boutique, Lolliepop, Ban Thor Phan, Kampanart Buahombora, Arcadia Boutique, Bus Stop Boutique and Carmelita Couture will be leading off the event and Arcadia Boutique has been kind enough to give us a little sneak peak into what we should expect from their Earthly Beauties show with Bus Stop Boutique (check the photos above). For more sneak peak photos check out Arcadia Boutique’s Facebook page and for more information on Philadelphia Fashion Week click here.
Things that make me go MMM…FASHION WEEK(S)!
Mark your calendars. It’s that time of year when the fashion world gets down and dirty.
FBH The Agency’s Philly Fashion Week 2010: August 30-September 4th
This year FBH is boasting a week’s worth of events and runway shows. For photos from our coverage of 2010 click here.
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week: September 9-16
The tents of Bryant Park are gone, what will this year’s Spring 2011 collections bring?
Fashion’s Night Out: September 10
New York City
A credit card melting festival of shopping and celebrity.
Fashion’s Night Out (King of Prussia Edition): September 10-12
King Of Prussia Mall
In conjunction with the New York shopfest, select stores at the KOP Mall will also be joining the FNO fun.
Philadelphia Fashion Week Presented by CMK Entertainment: October 6-9
Featuring student, local and couture shows at the 23rd Street Armory.