Beyond the Runway

By Gabrielle

Whether you’re the Ray-Ban kind of girl or choose to not splurge and instead pick up the knock-off on the street or in a fast fashion stores such as Forever 21 or H &M, we’re going to revisit the most popular styles of sunglasses for Summer 2010:

This look shown is from Jason Wu, this specific style was named by Harper’s Bazaar as one of the top 20 trends for 2010:

To stay at the luxury level with price points over $200.00 take a look at these styles to see what was fresh down the catwalk.

There were a ton of unconventional designs this summer which were created to bring attention. I hope you followed this season’s trend with either your aviators or sunny’s because they were remarkable this season, traditional and simplistic!

By Gabrielle

This summer I had the opportunity to intern with the iconic Yves Saint Laurent at their corporate office in NYC on 3 East 57th street. It truly was an amazing experience. Working within the luxury end of the fashion industry, is it not ordinary. People are so much more passionate about their job and the brand. The highlight of my experience was market for the Cruise 2011 collection, I worked closely with the buyers in WRTW, MRTW,  and Accessories. It was amazing to see all the buyers and CMO’s (Chief Merchandising Officers) come in from all the high department stores such as Saks, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman just to name a few…

Here are a couple photos from my experience:

By Janessa

I’ve always found it interesting how people who work with fabrics see it everywhere. I think it may be this very creative phenomona, in fact,  that makes a show like Project Runway so fascinating. Who doesn’t love the episodes when they are given bizarre tasks involving transforming things like produce and old cars into wearable items? Of course, most people don’t want to wear old clothes or corn husks, but something about the ability to not only see the potential in mundane objects, but to extract it and bring it to life is enchanting.

Now if you’re a non-fabric-oriented person it is likely you never considered where Philadelphia’s street banners go. You know the giant polyester/nylon advertisements that tell about major events and shows coming up in the city. But if you are a fabric-oriented person it is possible that you would feel quite lucky to get a washed and cleaned banner placed in your possession with the task of creating something wearable out of it. And that is exactly what the student’s at The Art Institute of Philadelphia were asked to do.

Working with Center City District, Philacor, Baker Industries and their professor, Karen Karuza, students created dresses from and inspired by “Oliver: The Musical.” In addition to the lesson in fabric manipulation and musical genres not found on Q102 students were then given additional banners and asked to create an accessory that will compete for it’s place in the Baker Industries production line-up (voting is taking place now on Center City District’s website). And you get a chance to purchase one of these highly creative, environmentally conscious and socially aware fashion accessories. Cool? We thought so too.

The dresses are currently on display at The Art Institute’s 16th and Chestnut location.

By Gabrielle

(listed in alphabetical order)

1. Alice In Wonderland

As this movie premiered in March, concepts were immediately created from Lewis Carroll’s movie. Urban Outfitters had the long chain pocket watch necklace that was always used by the White Rabbit! Tons of fast fashion accessory stores had the red satin bow headband that resembled Alice’s. Also, Chloe created a silk blend dress in a cornflower blue silk. Printed hearts, black/white color stories, and the antique keyhole charms all resemble this fantasy store that we all adore.

2. Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Audrey Hepburn enough said, the fashion in this movie really shaped the industry overall. It’s an iconic movie that all fashion followers tend to love. The rope of chunky pearls, the black dress, and the neat bun on her head are looks that are classic and simple that reflect her style.  Not to mention the trenches, chic flats, oversized shades,and the wide-brimmed floppy hats,

3. Clueless

This 90′s chick flick, staring Alicia Silverstone, depicts the fashion of a high-class and superficial girl living in Beverly Hills. Plaid skirts, knee-socks, dolly shoes, bucket hats, and thigh highs. Not to mention the exposed midriff which is huge right now where everything is a simple cut off tee. Even though this look was big in the 90′s, you definitely can still see it in Gossip Girl or the Hills.

4. Coco before Chanel

The title says it all, Chanel, an iconic name in the industry. This timeless costume drama is based off  life of Coco Chanel upon becoming a big name in the fashion industry. It is a story of a woman who goes through a number of a challenges and experiences. You definitely attain a sense of the uni-sex fashion when coco dresses in some men’s garments.

5. Confessions of a Shopaholic

Patrcia Field, the stylist from Sex and the City chose outfits that depicted the fast-paced, fashion forward lifestyle.  Segments were filmed in Henri Bendel’s, Catherine Malandrino’s,  and Barney’s.  Rebecca Bloomwood, (played by Isla Fisher),  is a compulsive shopper that buys anything and everything.

6. Devil Wears Prada

Anne Hathaway works as a co-assistant to an editor of a high fashion magazine.  It shows the hard work that is put into a career in the fashion industry. A fun fact about this movie, at least $ 1 million dollars worth of clothing was used in the film. This makes it one of the most expensively costumed movies in film history.

7. Marie Antoinette

An Academy award winner for Best Costume Design, it is a fashion “story” , where theme of the costumes is consistent throughout the film. It has an English burlesque vibe to it, everyones dressed up but they do not look a bit restrained.  Kirsten Dunst really kills the lead role of Antoinette. It was one of the best films in 2006.

8. Pretty Woman

A chick-flick filled with all elements to the wardrobe of a working woman. From the big floppy hats, to the floor length printed dresses it shows all the elements of a fashion savy lady. The 90′s fashion in this film doesn’t look a day old.

9. September Issue

A documentary, on the the infamous Anna Wintour, who is the editor in chief of Vogue.  It shows her visit to Fashion Week and how she accepts or diminshes trends from the latest designers.  It also reveals how she works with models, photographers, and writers to bring a vision to her publication.

10. Sex and the City 1 & 2

Fashion plays a vital role in the television show as well as the film. Every fashion follower had to at least see one episode of Sex and the City, so you know the tales and stories of these 4 women. Patricia Field decided not to focus on the trends of the day, rather on the character of the individual. She did this to express the style of inviduality. Both movies are must have for any rainy day.

By Audrey

This is it, things are seriously shaping up on the Philadelphia Fashion Week side. You were wondering what was happening when and which designer was showing which day… here’s the beginning of an answer:

Wednesday October 6th
Directionally independent designers, eco-friendly lines, emerging local designers… We’re talking Arcadia Boutique, Delicious Boutique, Autumnlin…

Thursday October 7th
School night: Philadelphia University, Drexel University, University of Delaware, Moore College of Art, Art Institute of Philadelphia

Friday October 8th
Street-wear (national and international brands) with designers from Peru, Sweden, Australia, USA…

Saturday October 9th
Contemporary Couture (International). Among the countries represented: Brazil, Italy, Amsterdam, Denmark, London, Russia…

Stay tuned for a final line-up coming up very soon!

By Gabrielle

Fashion Week is just around the corner and we want to keep you updated on what what we have in store. October 7, 2010, the second night of fashion week is “School Night” where local colleges and universities will exhibit their students most recent collections. For 2010, Philadelphia University, Drexel University, University of Delaware, Moore College, and the Art Institute will be participating.  But before you get a taste of fashion from local students, we will open the evening with a runway show from The Handwork Studio.

The Handwork Studio is a kids’ needle arts and fashion community. They pass down the tradition of teaching practical arts such as fashion, machine sewing, knitting, crocheting, embroidery and more.  Thousands of kids each year participate in after school classes, workshops, birthday parties and camps located in three different states. 

One of the summer camp programs is called Fashion Bootcamp; young aspiring designers ages 12-16 go through a three week intensive fashion designer camp. In this program kids learn about inspiration, sketching, design and sewing. They also had the opportunity to  visit Fabric Row in Philadelphia to buy the materials for two of their designs.  Jay McCarroll, the first season winner of Project Runway was there on hand to work with each girl individually and discuss what they had designed.  They went on a field trip to the Garment Center in NYC to visit Mood, M&J Trims and designer showrooms, like Nicole Miller. Once the designers had their sketches and materials, they learned to layout, cut, pin and sew the garments.  After the garments were completed, they learned how to walk their designs down the catwalk.

For Philadelphia Fashion Week 2010, Laura Kelly, owner of The Handwork Studio contacted Kristie Bergey of Philadelphia Fashion week to see if her campers could attend. “We are always looking for new ways to connect our campers with the actual fashion industry, giving them an insider’s view of what opportunities are available.”  After hearing about the program, Bergey invited The Handwork Studio to open student night for Philadelphia Fashion Week 2010. Many of the 35 students who attended Fashion Bootcamp 2010 will model one of their outfits that evening.  ”The girls will love the opportunity to have their hair and makeup done by a professional and then walk the runway while modeling their fashions in this very cool venue, in front of the Philadelphia fashion community.  There are not many young aspiring designers who would have this kind of opportunity” says Kelly. “We are honored to be a part of Philadelphia Fashion Week.”

Garden of Earthly Delights Jewelry by IJ Designs Thursday, July 29, 5.30pm – 8.30pm

Indulge in life’s earthly temptations with the intoxicating jewelry designs of Ingrid Johnson!

Enter the Garden of Earthly Delights in quirky flora-inspired jewelry & meet Ingrid of IJ Designs, sip on a cool refreshing Sangria Flora & save 30% OFF any pair of colorful BUS STOP Summer sandals!

Ingrid is a self-taught artist currently working in Philadelphia. She has always been fascinated by human adornment and is interested in expanding the boundaries of conventional jewelry. She is constantly exploring new materials and works with a variety of found and recycled objects.

She grew up sewing, though it wasn’t until recently that she began to incorporate fabric into jewelry. She was inspired by a Fendi dress covered in fabric flowers. She immediately started thinking about how these flowers would work as a necklace, using her collection of fabric scraps by cutting and tearing them into strips and sewing them into flowers. She also has a huge collection of vintage ric-rac, so the strap for the necklace came naturally.

Stop by, smell the flowers and give yourself over to the temptation, Ingrid’s flowery collection is for sale exclusively at BUS STOP for one night only!

For more information – www.ijdesignsjewelry.com

As we get closer to Philadelphia Fashion Week 2010, which is set for October 6-9 were hosting a number of events to get all fashionista’s excited for this 4 day event.

On Thursday, July 15 individuals gathered at the Londonbury Millenium apartment complex, which is a new residential space in the heart of Conshohocken. Guests enjoyed cocktails and light fares ranging from a “skinnytini” to  a light toast with bruschetta.  Live music was sponsored by Lotis Media, behind this company is Adrian Hardy and Manny Romano who are the Directors of Entertainment for this years event.

Amongst the happy hour was fashion from SAVA, exhibiting the summer collection which is filled with beautiful prints and tunic dresses.  Sarah Van Aken is a local designer from Philadelphia, where concept is based around the idea that everything is locally made but globally inspired. All models were from Wilhelmina of PA which is one of our sponsors for the second year in a row.

It was a fanciful fare with fun fashion, so be sure to stay tuned to see where we are headed next month.

By Laura

The weekend of June 26th Main Street, Manayunk was lined with white tents all day Saturday and Sunday. Each tent was occupied by a brilliantly creative artist who filled his or her space with original pieces of art at the 2010 Manayunk Arts Festival.

The heat was intense but the art fantastic. Artists displayed photographs, sculptures, paintings, apparel, and much, much more. There was also plenty of music, dancing, and food up and down Main Street. Despite the heat everyone seemed to have a great day!

Kathleen Plate travelled from Atlanta, GA to show off her creativity at the Manayunk Arts Festival. Her work is something to be marveled. Using colorful glass circles she creates unique home décor, jewelry, and apparel inspired pieces.

One of the coolest sculptures I saw created a little nostalgia in me. Kimber Fiebiger, of Joan of Art, creates Humpty Dumpty sculptures from bronze. The sculptures are all quirky and fun each with its own personality.

No event is complete without a spectacular visual display. Philadelphia Fashion Week has employed the creativity of Beautiful Blooms to help with the look for 2010. Owner and Creative Director, Donna O’Brien, talks about her vision for this year.

Beautiful Blooms currently operates out of a large event studio where they design and prepare florals and decor items for weddings, social events, mitzvahs, corporate events, and much more.

Donna O’Brien’s background is in the fashion industry. She graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology and worked in the fashion industry for several years before starting Beautiful Blooms in 2002. Her interest in fashion is evident in her floral designs. “My mantra is to create fashionable flowers and designs as my background gave me info on texture mixing, color palettes, fabric mixes so I always like to keep fashion in my life and still like to dress the fashion part,” says O’Brien.

Donna, and Beautiful Blooms, can say they have been involved with Philadelphia Fashion Week from the start. In 2009 they created the décor for the entrance way and the VIP area. Donna is hopeful that this relationship will continue for years to come.

In 2010 Beautiful Blooms will be back and helping with some of the decor decisions. Beautiful Blooms will be working on getting sponsors, choosing the right furniture for the look and any additional design elements needed.

For Philadelphia Fashion Week 2010 expect a clean, sleek feel with lots of white, metals, and glasses. “I feel that fashion week is only going to get stronger and stronger,” Donna comments, “Last year was the first year and we went for a slightly for urban, industrial feel and this year we are taking it to the next level.”