"This project was in the works for a while — since Ali and I came up with the concept at a coffee shop on a cold, dreary February morning," says BUS STOP boutique owner Elena Brennan. She's talking about her latest artistic endeavor: Faces of Philly, a look book collaboration with Arcadia Boutique owner Ali McCloud that features photos of customers modeling current fall fashions. According to Brennan, the two business owners came up with the idea last February and have been working on it ever since. And what better time to introduce the pocket-size beauty than during DesignPhiladelphia?
Separately, the two have been involved with the 11-day design festival before. In 2009, BUS STOP hosted a workshop on eco-friendly footwear, while Arcadia presented a show titled "So Re Fa," short for what her boutique specializes in: socially responsible fashion. The companies have a history of collaboration, too. Last year both were involved with Earthly Beauties, a two-night local fashion show and shopping event. And most recently they hit their stride with a no-duh-why-didn't-we-think-of-this-sooner moment that involved BUS STOP opening a pop-up shop in Arcadia.
Considering the convenience of having a head-to-toe wardrobe at your fingertips, Brennan and McCloud decided to continue the pop-up shop through their DesignPhiladelphia reception at Arcadia's NoLibs flagship shop. The look book is free with every purchase that evening, so I suggest indulging yourself in a darling and wildly feminine Lauren Moffatt dress, or go super bold with a new pair of chunky and daring Jeffrey Campbell heels. Either way, you'll be an adorable and ready-for-fall spawn of DesignPhiladelphia.
Thu., Oct. 20, 6-9 p.m., free, Arcadia Boutique, 819 N. Second St., 215-667-8099, busstopboutique.com.
