Join the Flyers’ wives at their inaugural Flyers Wives Fashion Show on Wednesday, January 18 at 
The Bellevue. The event will include a cocktail reception where
 guests can mingle with the wives, followed by a high-energy fashion show
 starring hot-off-the-runway looks by internationally-recognized fashion designer Nicole Miller. The event benefits Comcast-Spectacor Charities, the charitable arm of the Philly-based sports and entertainment firm. Tickets start at $100 and include special goodie bags, silent auction, VIP cocktail reception and more. [Flyers Wives Fashion Show]

Philadelphia is home to nationally recognized fashion design schools. This program will support and promote emerging fashion designers and encourage local designers to keep their businesses here. (Image courtes PFI)

With the multitude of institutions in Philadelphia offering an education in the fashion realm, and the equally numerous local artists working to enhance our city’s reputation as a design stronghold, it’s pretty easy to imagine just how many potentially promising designers are out there trying to be discovered.

To that end, this week Mayor Nutter introduced details behind a new non-profit initiative, the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator (PFI).

The program will provide budding designers with the resources and support they need to emerge in the industry of fashion. With help from the Center City District, City of Philadelphia, Macy’s Center City and an advisory committee comprised of fashion and business representatives, the organization will work with design schools in the city to select four graduates (one each from Philly U, Drexel, Moore and a wildcard) to participate in the one-year opportunity as Designers-in-Residence.

The program will dedicate a workspace, located on the third floor of Macy’s, as well as mentoring and essential business resources needed to run a successful company for the aspiring designers.

PFI will serve not only as a powerful learning tool, but as a means of building new businesses in Philadelphia helping our city thrive. A win-win for all!

Modeled after successful programs that have been launched in other cities, the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator is accepting applications through January 20, 2012 for an early Spring start. Interested in becoming the next Tory Burch? Visit the Incubator’s site online to view eligibility requirements and download an application.

Here’s to cultivating the next generation of fashion talent, and supporting the current and past.

Philadelphia Fashion Incubator [Official Site]

“Roaring!” salutes the 1920s with a lavish evening of Prohibition-era entertainment featuring flappers, jazz, art and high spirits at the stunning Arts Ballroom on Thursday, November 10.

The 1920s themed social event will feature performances by celebrated cabaret singers Karen Gross and Anne Ellithorpe accompanied by New York City cabaret icon Rick Jension playing on a Cunningham piano.

There will also be a 1920s inspired fashion show and a tribute to jazz icon Josephine Baker performed by dance students of the University of the Arts.

A two-hour VIP cocktail reception will begin at 7 p.m. with food catered by popular restaurant Il Portico, followed by the the official event kick-off at 9 p.m. Rounding out the evening will be world music by the Kimmel Center’s Summer Solstice Event, DJ Rahsaan.

For tickets, click here. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Avenue of the Arts, Inc.

Roaring!
When: November 10, VIP cocktail reception at 7 p.m.; general admission at 9 p.m.
Where: Arts Ballroom, 1324 Locust Street
Cost: $35 General Admission; $120 VIP tickets (includes two-hour cocktail reception)
More info: www.roaring.com

Adorn yourself with locally and humanely made clothes courtesy the latest addition to the Philly designer scene. (Photos by ADG Photography courtesy MLNW)

Over the years, the phrase “make love, not war” has been associated with everyone from John Lennon and the anti-Vietnam American counterculture to Bob Marley and Madonna.

But now this powerful statement will be forever linked with a Philadelphia handmade vintage fashion label for women.

Make.Love.Not.War. (M.L.N.W.) has officially launched its website and simultaneously unveiled its Fall 2011/Winter 2012 collection, just in time for the holidays.

Created by South Philadelphia designer Sarah Marie Muhl, the Make.Love.Not.War. collection is handmade with 100% vintage materials.

The one-of-a-kind pieces are inspired by Muhl’s immediate environment as well as iconic beauties from the past like Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton. The collections provide timeless wear-ability, modern silhouettes and a country edge.

The overall notion of M.L.N.W. is to provide strength, hope and love to women around the world. Its goal is to revitalize and utilize the best of both the old and new by creating vintage-inspired pieces that can be worn today and for years to come.

The new M.L.N.W. website includes a full look book, video and an online shop. Be sure to check it out.

Make.Love.Not.War.
www.mlnwallday.com

Philly fashion and design collective HyLo Boutiques has partnered with Design Philadelphia to present Concept to Creation, a dynamic trunk show showcasing the menswear line Duke & Winston, Thursday, October 20 at Studio:Christensen.

Duke & Winston is a Philly-based line created by Seun Olubodun and the showcase will include a hands-on exhibition featuring his original designs and sketches and a presentation on the growth of his line. And to celebrate the very special event, Seun will be offering an introductory discount on his new polo line!

Light fare and cocktails will be provided courtesy Pub & Kitchen and Philadelphia Distilling, respectively.

RSVP for the event at hyloboutiques.com.

Below, check out the second trailer for the event, starring Seun and his bulldog HRH the Duke and filmed at Pub & Kitchen.

Concept to Creation: Duke & Winston Trunk Show
When: October 20, 7 p.m.
Where: Studio: Christensen, 333 S. 20th Street
More info: www.hyloboutiques.com

When one thinks of a fall fashion show, certain fabrics come to mind: chunky knitwear, light cashmere, perhaps wool.

The annual student Jump/Start Fashion Show at Moore College of Art & Design is taking a different approach: paper.

This year’s show is themed around the idea of temporary beauty and will feature intricate, sculptural paper gowns hand made by junior and senior fashion design students.

Each piece is historically inspired and visually impactful, making an impression that will last longer than the materials themselves. Selected garments, sketches and photographs will be on exhibit from October 22-December 10 in the Galleries at Moore.

The show comes after an especially fashion focused month that included the Philadelphia Collection’s 12-day-long series, the Germantown Fashion & Arts Festival, the SA VA “Rediscovered Roots” Fall Fashion Show and Philly Fashion Week.

The Jump/Start show is totally free and a great opportunity to tap into the incredible talent on Philly’s design scene.

Jump/Start 2011: PaPer View
When: Tuesday, October 4, 6 p.m.
Where: The Great Hall at Moore College of Art & Design, 20th Street and The Parkway
Cost: Free
More info: www.moore.edu

It's officially fall fashion season, and two Kennett Square shops are helping you tap into the latest styles this Thursday. (Photo by J. Smith for GPTMC)

The trip to Kennett Square will be well worth the mileage on your car come Thursday, September 29.

From 4-9 p.m., two of West State Street’s favorite shops, Chantilly Blue and Ashley Austin Boutique, will host a joint girls’ night out event including great promotions and offers.

To begin, Chantilly Blue, premium denim specialists, will flaunt autumn’s latest from denim brands like JBrand, Hudson, James Jeans, Paige Premium Denim and more. More fall finery from labels like Patterson J. Kincaid, Bailey 44, BB Dakota, Lilla P, Red Haute and Sweaters by Sisters will also be available for sale.

They’ll also have a Smashbox makeup artist on-hand showcasing the newest products from Girls on Film and Halo, and will raffle off three prizes from butterLONDON nail lacquer, Smashbox and La Vie Parisienne jewelry.

Ashley Austin, a shoe and accessory boutique whose event runs concurrently, will introduce shoppers to some amazing new arrivals, while simultaneously hosting a trunk show for French Sole Shoes. And just for fun, they’ll give away their ever popular “swag bag” with every purchase.

Both shops will offer big discounts; the more you shop, the sweeter the discount. Also at both locations, sushi and light fare from Lily, their newest restaurant neighbor, will be served and white wine and sparkling water will be readily available to quench your thirst.

Autumn Girls’ Night Out at Chantilly Blue and Ashley Austin Boutique
When: September 29, 4-9 p.m.
Where: 106 and 120 W. State Street and Kennett Square
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.historickennettsquare.com

Help Arcadia celebrate turning four with a special event this Friday evening. (Photo courtesy Arcadia)

Four years ago this week, Arcadia Boutique opened the doors to its Northern Liberties shop.

To celebrate the occasion, they are hosting a big birthday party, complete with two trunk shows and an art opening on Friday, September 23 from 5–9 p.m.

Come out and meet two local designers, Seun Olubodun from Duke & Winston, a Philadelphia-based clothing line for men, and Sultana from Sultana Maria Jewelry, handmade steampunk jewelry, and be among the first to preview their new collections.

Arcadia’s fall art exhibit, “The Printed Page,” will also open during the occasion. The show will combine 2D and 3D pieces of illustrations from literature. Curated by local artist Gretchen Diehl, the exhibit features works by 15 Philadelphian artists that convey the simple experience of turning the pages of a physical book.

What party would be complete without cocktails, snacks and music? Local mix master DJ John Madden Sex Tape will be spinning tunes all night long while you nosh and sip your way through the boutique.

Best of all? The entire store, including all new fall items, will be 15% off during the event. Now that’s something to celebrate.

Arcadia Boutique’s 4th Birthday Party
When: Friday, September 23, 5-9 p.m.
Where: 819 N. 2nd Street
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.arcadiaboutique.com

From noon-7 p.m. this Saturday, September 17, Philly’s Germantown Avenue will rival New York’s fashionable Fifth Avenue when the Germantown Fashion & Arts Festival literally hits the streets.

This family-oriented outdoor event highlighting local fashion and art will feature men’s, women’s and children’s fashions on a stage and runway. All garments are designed by locally-established and emerging designers, as well as students from Philadelphia University.

Part of The Philadelphia Collection, a 13-day series of fashion-related events, the Germantown Fashion & Arts Festival will also showcase diverse live musical entertainment offered by Settlement Music School and a variety of local musicians.

Rounding out the day’s events, all produced by Wilch & Wilch and sponsored by The Fashion Lab, will be assorted theatrical entertainers performing along the avenue along with local artisans selling their jewelry and art.

Enjoy non-stop fashion, music, and theatrical entertainment all while celebrating and supporting local fashion and arts talent.

The Germantown Fashion & Arts Festival
When: Saturday, September 17, noon-7 p.m.
Where: 6000-6200 blocks of Germantown Avenue
Cost: Free
More info: www.thephiladelphiacollection.org

Sansom Street shuts down for a very cool outdoor fashion event tomorrow evening.
(Photo courtesy SA VA)

On Thursday, September 15 from 6-8 p.m., local eco-friendly clothing designer and entrepreneur Sarah Van Aken will host the SA VA “Rediscovered Roots” Fall Fashion Show to debut the fall and winter 2011 lines from SA VA, her ethical line of women’s ready-to-wear apparel.

Held as part of the 13-day citywide fashion and style celebration called the Philadelphia Collection, Van Aken’s third annual fall fashion show and community street fair will once again take place outside on the 1700 block of Sansom Street (by the brand’s Center City flagship store at 1700 Sansom Street), using the middle of the street as the catwalk.

Surrounding neighbors and businesses will participate in outdoor vending and there will be a DJ, live musical performance by electric violinist Caryn Lin, and special guest speakers.

It’s a great chance to support local shopping (sustainable to boot!) and the arrival of the fresh fall season. One more reason to attend: the event will sponsor the Susan G. Komen Foundation breast cancer research organization, with all proceeds from the evening’s raffle (prizes-wise, think $50 gift certificates to Square 1682, spa pedicure packages from Tierra Mia Organic Nail Spa and more) going towards the foundation.

Note: the event’s rain date is September 16.

SA VA “Rediscovered Roots” Fall Fashion Show
When: Thursday, September 15, 6-8 p.m.
Where: 1700 block of Sansom Street
Cost: Free
More info: www.savafashion.com

The East Coast’s largest shopping center is hosting its 3rd-annual “Fashion’s Night Out” tonight, September 8.

It will be an evening filled with glamorous events, great giveaways, music, demonstrations, cocktails and more. With more than 140 merchants participating, it promises to be bigger, and even better, than years past.

Some highlights include:

• Runway fashion show featuring fall styles from Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, Betsey Johnson, Kate Spade and others (7 p.m., Nordstrom Court)

• “Surprise & Delight” chocolate bar giveaway: 100 chocolate bars will have gift cards ranging from $10-$50, distributed at JCPenney Court and Bloomingdale’s Court.

• Accessory demonstrations, cocktails and a chance to win a $1,000 King of Prussia Mall Shopping Spree (Bloomingdale’s Court).

Full event schedule online.

There’s also an official “Fashion’s Night Out” after party at Morton’s The Steakhouse. Hungry and thirsty shoppers can get specially-priced apps, beer, wine and cocktails. And $15 will get you access to a special V.I.P. room, if you’d prefer a more premier food and drink experience.

Some background: in 2009 Vogue Magazine, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and the city of New York partnered with the world’s hottest fashion capitals to create a global event that would support the fashion industry during tough economic times and restore consumer confidence. It became “Fashion’s Night Out” and has since expanded to include 16 participating countries.

King of Prussia Mall became the first and only retail shopping center in the world to be recognized and sanctioned as an official “Fashion’s Night Out” participant. It is the mall’s most popular annual signature event. Don’t miss it!

Fashion’s Night Out at King of Prussia Mall
When: Thursday, September 8, 6-10 p.m.
Where: 160 N. Gulph Road, King of Prussia
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.kingofprussiamall.com

The Philadelphia Collection, a 13-day series of independently-produced local fashion and style events, will take place once again throughout the entire city of Philadelphia from this Monday, September 12 to September 24.

The Philadelphia Collection was founded in 2010 with a mission to turn a spotlight on the city’s fashion economy, including its impressive retailers, stylists, designers, modeling agencies, design schools and more.

This year’s event is expanded from 10 to 13 days, and from 70 to 100 events, for a citywide fashion take-over. It also overlaps with Philly Fashion week, September 20-24, upping the high-octane festival factor.

A few Philadelphia Collection highlights, in order by date:

• Project Valanni: Valanni’s 5th Annual Fashion Show: September 14, 10 p.m. The lively show will feature top local designers and boutiques, and a panel of celebrity judges. The entire block joins in the fun with a runway that extends from the restaurant outside onto Spruce Street. Enjoy a live DJ and drink and tapas specials all night.

• Macy’s Fall Fashion Show: September 14, 5:30 p.m. Get the inside scoop on the season’s trends. After the show, meet celebrity stylist host Lawrence Zarin on the 2nd Floor for personal styling tips, refreshments and DJ. With any $100 Women’s purchase, receive an exclusive Macy’s Gift Bag.

• Ethical Fashion Panel: September 16, 10 a.m.-noon, Four Seasons Philadelphia. The Ethical Fashion movement aims to develop international collaboration to transform environmental standards in the fashion industry. Panelists will address Philadelphia’s role in this movement, as well as educate guests on how to get engaged to help make Philadelphia the Center of Ethical Fashion in the U.S.

• Fashion Crawl: September 17, noon-5 p.m., starting at Mexican Post. Vote for your favorite designer at the first Philadelphia Collection Fashion Crawl at Love Park bars and restaurants.

More, including fashion-themed food and drink specials, below.

• Germantown Fashion & Arts Festival: September 17, noon-7 p.m., 6100 block of Germantown Ave. Produced by Wilch & Wilch and The Fashion Lab, this family-oriented outdoor fashion and arts festival will feature children’s and adults’ fashions from Philadelphia University students and established local designers; performances by Settlement Music School, spoken word, dramatic re-enactments, and monologues; and vendors of jewelry, art and fashion.

• Jewelry Making with Repurposed Materials: September 17, 3-8 p.m., Dumpster Divers Art Gallery. Children can make jewelry with repurposed materials, $1 per piece.

• Behind the Brand: Entrepreneurial Fashion: September 19, 6-8 p.m., Hotel Palomar. Hosted by Fashion Group International, the event lets you meet designers of local and national brands as they discuss the daily tasks associated with managing a fashion company. Panelists will share their stories, and give advice to attendees on becoming entrepreneurs of their own. RSVP online.

• The Emperor Has No Clothes: Natural Beauty – The Heart and Soul of Fashion: September 19, 6-9 p.m., duross & langel. Join founder, product creator and Board Certified Aesthetician & Licensed Cosmetologist Steve Duross, as he “pulls back the curtain to reveal the secrets of natural beauty products and how the simplicity of their creation manifests the beauty in us all.” Cocktails will be flowing and food will be plentiful.

• 7th Annual Rittenhouse Row Fall Gathering: September 22, 7-9 p.m., The Comcast Center. The event will feature a fashion show with the fall’s trendiest looks from Rittenhouse Row’s boutiques and spas & salons, as well as the season’s hottest cocktails mixed by Rittenhouse Row’s most talented bartenders. You can get tickets in advance.

• Fall for Fashion: Chestnut Hill: September 23, 6-9 p.m., 8426 Germantown Avenue. Expect fashion shows, trunk shows, jewelry and art exhibits, make-up demos, skin care analysis, a doggie fashion parade, opera and jazz, and cocktails and refreshments provided by the restaurants of Chestnut Hill.

And a few awesome food and drink features:

• Bistro Romano: Stop into Bistro Romano during The Philadelphia Collection to enjoy a “Stiletto Tini” with Van Gogh Double Espresso Vodka, Stoli Vanilla, Kahlua and Godiva Chocolate Liquor.

• Cuba Libre: Cuba Libre will offer three “fashion-inspired” cocktails during The Philadelphia Collection: Skinny-Superfruit Mojito, Coco “Chanel” Cubano, “Isabel Toledo” Lemongrass Daiquiri.

• Liberte Lounge at Sofitel: Liberte will be offering “Coco Chanel” cocktails: Plymouth sloe gin, coconut milk, vanilla and mole bitters for $11 during The Philadelphia Collection.

• Positano Coast: Try their famous “Diva” organic cocktail for a special Philadelphia Collection price of $7.

• SliCE: SliCE will be offering CEO of Urban Outfitters Inc. Glen Senk’s favorite pizza (caramelized onion, potato and thyme) during The Philadelphia Collection.

• Tryst at Le Bec-Fin: Enjoy a French inspired sampling of appetizers paired with a fashionable cocktail for $20 each night from 5-10 p.m. during the event series.

• Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine: Try the “Gaga Roll” and “Tory Roll” (Lady and Burch, respectively) during the Philadelphia Collection.

The full event schedule is available online. Click here for a printable calender (PDF) so you can plan out your fashion-centric celebrations.

The Philadelphia Collection
When: September 12-24
Where: Locations throughout the city
Cost: Varies
More info: www.thephiladelphiacollection.org