The Philly Collection Kicks Off!
Finally, the Philly fashion event of the year has arrived. For the next seven days, The Philadelphia Collection will celebrate the city’s ever-expanding fashion and design community with an array of events all over town—from runway shows, lectures and panel discussions to cocktail parties, film screenings and trunk shows.
Most of the 75 events scheduled are free and open to the public and speaking from experience, I highly recommend hitting as many as you can. I mean, how often do you get to see a live runway show or rub elbows with the most stylish folks in Philly? You’d also be surprised just how many fun, not-so fancy schmancy events they have planned.
Tomorrow, we’ll be giving you a rundown of some of the must-see weekend events. In the meantime, here’s a few of the kick-off festivities going down tonight…
Girls Night Out: South Moon Under and Philadelphia Weekly are teaming up for a shopping bash equipped with drinks, appetizers, music and a beauty bar where ladies can enjoy mini makeovers and nail art. Should you make a purchase during the event, you’ll receive 20 percent off as well as a chance to win gift cards and several other prizes. 7-9:30pm. South Moon Under, 1731 Chestnut St.
Spruce Up Your Wardrobe: Shop, sip and socialize with the designers behind the Skai Blue Show showroom. Both designers and guests will be live tweeting and sharing photos throughout the evening and you might even pick up a few tips on what it takes to start your own fashion label. A portion of the proceeds from sales will be donated to The Spruce Foundation. 6-8pm. Skai Blue Media, 109 S. 13th St., Suite 119A
Carmelita Couture Trunk Show: CJ Shopping Tours and Carmelita Couture are joining forces to host a unique come trunk show in an even more unique venue with refreshments and some professional style tips. 12-8pm. Coca Cola House, 433 Spruce St.
A Day In Paris: Can you believe Joan Shepp is turning 40 this month? To celebrate the high-end Center City boutique showcasing such amazing French designers as Balenciaga, Cedric Charlier, Jean Paul Gaultier and Givenchy. Perhaps you’ve heard of them? Oh, and of course there will be French music, food and wine. 12-8pm. Joan Shepp, 1616 Walnut St.
Duke & Winston Showroom Grand Opening: From living room to showroom, the NoLibs showroom is now open to the public. This all-day open house will feature the brands new fall line. During the evening, guests will be treated to appetizers and cocktails. Duke & Winston, 633 N. Second St.
“Happily Ever After” Happy Hour: Walking down the isle any time soon? Best for the Best of Bridal Boutique will show you all their beautiful selection fashion accessories including jewelry, bags, hair, trousseau and lingerie. 4:30-7:30pm. Scarlett Alley, 241 Race St.
Designer Trunk Show & Celebrate Wine Tasting: In addition to a holiday preview of the affordable luxury lifestyle brand ellelauri, Pileggi Boutique will be hosting a trunk show from Cayetano Legacy Collection, a line of women’s jewelry and handbags marked by beautiful sourced materials from the Philippine Islands. Also, guests can explore an array of fine of wines by Celebrate Wine. 5-7pm. Pileggi Boutique, 715 Walnut St.
Dress & Design: Though the event described as simply “a collaboration of graffiti and art,” isn’t that all the description you really need? 6-8pm. Millésimé, 41 S. Third St.
Check the Philly Collection’s Web site for the complete list of events and follow them on Twitter for all the daily updates (@PhilaCollection)
What To Do This Weekend
Kembrel has teamed up with Temple Advertising Club to host an intro to silk-screening workshop all day today on Temple’s campus. Participants will get to choose from comfy and colorful tops as well as skirts and shorts by American Apparel then pick a design by a local artist and print it themselves right on the spot. You’ll also get 20 percent off your new custom merch. Friday, 11am-4pm. Free. @ Temple Student Center (1755 N. 13th St.)
Tonight, Arcadia Boutique will be kicking off a three-day trunk show featuring two of their favorite lines, Feral Childe and Kelly Lane. Shoppers can sip on sangria and get first dibs on the designers’ past and present sustainable collections tonight at Arcadia’s Rittenhouse location. Then, on Saturday, they’ll be packing everything up and moving it to their NoLibs shop. Both designers have some really fun styles in store for spring. Lane’s collection is inspired by the nostalgia of summer camp with a custom cloud and canoe prints while Childe’s aquatic-themed collection is marked by easy-to-wear pieces and a sophisticated color pallet ranging from bold coral to seablue. Fri., 5-8pm. Sat., 11am-6pm. Sun., 12-5pm. Free. @ Arcadia Boutique (819 N. 2nd St. & 265 S. 20th St.)
Tomorrow, nine beloved NoLibs boutiques will be taking their merch outdoors, offering locals a chance to take in some fresh air while taking advantage of some serious discounts, promotions and refreshments. Both Arcadia and Art Star will have sale racks and tables with markdowns up to 75 percent off (75 PERCENT!). Arcadia will even be sweetening the deal with complimentary spiked lemonade. The other participating boutiques: Millésimé, Duke & Winston, Once Worn, Concrete Polish, Casa Papel, SWAG and Bloom. The event will be going down rain or shine so there’s really no excuse for you not to go and check it out. I can promise you won’t regret it. Saturday, 11am-7pm. Free. @ Along N. 2nd St. between Spring Garden St. & Girard Ave.
Still on the prowl for the perfect Mother’s Day gift? Well then make your way from NoLibs to South Philly where Crafty Balboa will have 45 artists and crafters to come and sell their wares in conjunction with Flavors of the Avenue. In fact, along Passyunk Ave., you’ll find a slew of things going on—from live music and kid’s activities to a sprinkling of other vendors. Saturday, 11am-5pm. Free. @ The Singing Fountain (Tasker St. & E. Passyunk Ave.)
The Philadelphia Antiques Show
If you think antiques are just for old folks who put plastic over their couch, then clearly you know nothing about interior design. Recognized as the longest running and most prestigious antiques show in the U.S, the PAS offers a massive collection of diverse furnishings and decorative arts, even for the contemporary American home. This year’s show features two exciting new elements: “Antiques in Bloom,” a juried flower exhibit that pairs local floral designers with leading antiques dealers and “Designer Rooms” showcasing innovative home decorating concepts. There will also be various lectures held each day as well as a boutique offering a wide selection of gift items, including stationary, jewelry and scarves. Saturday-Tuesday.Various times. $17. @ The Convention Center (1101 Arch St.)
Fall Sprawl
This weekend boutiques in Queen’s Village and NoLibs are teaming up for two days of shopping discounts Septembere 18 and 19. The Fall Sprawl is like a progressive shopping trip. With each purchase from a participating boutique you’ll receive a sticker on your Fall Sprawl card. Your first two stickers increase the percentage you’ll receive off of your next purchase and your third sticker will give you special pricing at participating food and drink establishments! See below for the full list of and links for participating boutiques and eateries.