The Philadelphia Collection, a series of more than 75 fashion events from Sept. 12 to 24, turned the city into a fashion world of sisterly affections. Ranging from runway shows, to trunk shows, to expert panel discussions and tantalizing retail promotions, The Philadelphia Collection gave the old city a new lift. Mayor Michael Nutter happily showed up in several events, including the finale runway shows on Sept. 24, to boost the city’s profile both aesthetically and economically.
“It’s all about working together to create something greater than sum of parts,” said Michelle Shannon, the vice president of marketing for Center City District, in describing The Philadelphia Collection. She praised the city representative and the partnership with the retailers’ business community in creating a greater good for everybody—consumers, business, and the city as a whole.
City Representative Melanie Johnson said that the “umbrella” effect had taken place since the event was first launched last year. According to Johnson, there were different fashion weeks put together by different producers in Philadelphia and retailers were doing a variety of things to attract business to the city. “I see all of these things were converging,” said Johnson.
The Philadelphia Collection resonated immediately with individual retailers, business communities, and consumers alike. Drawing designers, boutique shops, retailers, visitors, and city dwellers from all walks of life, the two-week fashion event dotted many of the city’s prime locations and venues like the Kimmel Center, Liberty Place, and Rittenhouse Square.
Models presenting new designs on the runways of The 2011 Philadelphia Collection.
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All Photos by Wolfgang Lian/The Epoch Times
One of the area’s best designers, Irina Sigal of Elkins Park, considered the event something not to be missed for designers who want to shine. “They put [a] medal on us,” said Sigal.
The collection showcased beautiful fabrics of Philadelphia’s multicultural communities. Sandy Tran, who showed up to replace her brother whose designs were presented in the finale on the night of Sept. 24, was happy to see her family’s Asian-accented designs were applauded.
“He’s in Shanghai right now.” Tran said her family business in fashion is thriving in both the U.S. and Asia.
The cocktail evening on Sept. 23 at the Sofitel Hotel featured a coveted special preview screening of “The Tents,” a documentary about the evolution of the New York Fashion Week. Director James Belzer and executive producer Marcus Jones discussed the movie with the audience and shared behind-the-scene insights of the fashion industry. The movie will be released in February 2012 in New York.
When asked what the biggest trend is that he sees in today’s fashion industry, Belzer said “globalization” and that learning about other people’s cultures is the key.
“The world is becoming smaller and we try to deliver more fashion information from New York to the world.”
