The Philadelphia Collection returns next week for its second annual takeover of Philly's fashion scene. Organized by Center City District, the Office of the City Representative, and the Philadelphia Retail Marketing Alliance, the twelve-day event begins on Monday, September 12, and showcases Philly's independent retailers and fashion talent.
Over 75 different events are listed on The Philadelphia Collection's schedule, from trunk shows and preview parties to runway shows and informative panel discussions. Of course, some events will be more exciting than others; here are our top picks for Monday, September 12 through Sunday, September 18:
Project Valanni's Fifth Annual Fashion Show; Wednesday, September 14; 10 p.m.
Spruce Street's Valanni restaurant will host runway show featuring looks from some of Philly's top local designers and boutiques (Paula Hian, Duke & Winston, Denim Habit, and more). The restaurant will offer specials on drinks and tapas as a panel of judges determines the night's best look. Naturally, The Feast/Shop is partial to this event, as we'll be one of the show's "expert" judges.
SA VA Rediscovered Roots Fashion Show and Community Street Fair; Thursday, September 15; 6 p.m. to 8 p.m
Philly's eco-chic boutique SA VA will transform the 1700 block of Sansom Street into a street fair, complete with outdoor vendors, live music, guest speakers, and a live runway show featuring SA VA's fall 2011 collection.
Lighten Up at Lucifer; Thursday, September 15; 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Philly's hottest new boutique, Lucifer Philly, will host an open house, giving event-goers first dibs at the boutique's hard-to-find fall lines from One Teaspoon, Gestuz, and Publish. The event will also offer free cupcakes and cocktails.
Fresh and Local Fall 2011 Fashion Show; Friday, September 16; 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Models donning the fall collections from local designers Katra Michener, Topstitch, and Make.Love.Not.War will strut their stuff at Old City's 32 Luxe Lounge. Truly a Philly-centric event, the fashion show is sponsored only by local companies.
Open House, Make-Up, and Martinis; Friday, September 16; 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Arcadia's Rittenhouse location will team up with The Make-Up Bar Salon to bring shoppers an evening of cocktails, snacks, raffles, personal styling, and cosmetics. In addition, Arcadia's Rittenhouse store will host a pop-up shop from September 16 to September 18, featuring shoes from Bus Stop.
Bridal Style Trunk Show at Open House at Scarlett Alley: Saturday, September 17; 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Old City's Scarlett Alley will host a trunk show featuring handmade bridal accessories from local designer Tanna Paradis of Love.Honor.Upcycle. The event will also showcase the best of Scarlett Alley’s gift registry, plus consultations with guest hair and beauty stylists. Cocktails and canapés will be offered.
Unveiled Philadelphia Grand Opening Fashion Show; Sunday, September 18; 2 p.m.
Philly's newest bridal boutique, Unveiled Philadelphia, will introduce its collection of gowns, head pieces, and veils to brides-to-be with a fashion show at Cescaphe Ballroom.
For more info, visit The Philadelphia Collection's Facebook page, and stay tuned as we bring you our picks from the event's second week.
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