Entering its second year of citywide fashion, the Philadelphia Collection presents nearly two weeks of stilettos, catwalks and trunk shows all meant to rep local designers and boutiques. The Collection is so epic, in fact, that the only proper way to even touch upon half of it is to dedicate two installments of Shopping Spree to the fashion fest.
Style on the Plaza Wed., Sept. 14, 6-8 p.m., free, Table 31, 1701 JFK Blvd., 215-567-7111, thephiladelphiacollection.org.
The city is about to be up to its eyeballs in couture, so why not ease into it with a little happy hour? Head to Table 31 for cocktails and a leisurely trunk show. Remember last winter when we told you about local designer Bela Shehu and her NINO Brand designs? She's back with new duds fresh for the peeping. As for the gents, two of the city's leading lines are representing: Commonwealth Proper for all your razor-sharp-suit needs, and Duke & Winston (pictured) for the after-hours club.
Project Valanni Wed., Sept. 14, 10 p.m., free, Valanni, 1229 Spruce St., 215-790-9494, thephiladelphiacollection.org.
Trendy Gayborhood hot spot Valanni will transform its already sleek and sexy bar into a runway later in the evening. Again you'll see Duke & Winston, only this time less relaxed and more cut-throat, as designers compete in a Project Runway -inspired fashion show. Other locals on the ballot include 611 LifeStyle and Denim Habit. The heavily Parisian-influenced Paula Hian collection will also hit the catwalk, along with gifted dressmaker Irina Sigal. To accommodate the sprawling Philadelphia Collection, Valanni will close off part of Spruce Street in order to make the runway viewable from inside or out.
