Think Old City is just more of the same Benjamin Franklin crap we get on campus? Think again. Last Saturday, Design Philadelphia celebrated the diverse artistic vitality of the neighbourhood with a street party. The festival was only one afternoon, but the arty party that is North 3rd Street turns up every day. Here’s what to look out for.
Erdon
162 N 3rd
Beautiful European clothes, but for a hefty price. Try on labels like Maison Kitusuné, MM6 and Ivan Grundhal and pretend you’re in an Antwerp dressing room.
Pierre’s Costumes
211 N 3rd
These green and red grape outfits are the promotional image for Pierre’s, which tells you everything you need to know about this costume warehouse. Now that’s a Dynamic Duo.
Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction
116 N 3rd
The manliest shop for artisanal whiskey, Warby and Parker glasses, art prints and general wilderness survival equipment like flannel shirts and pocketknives.
Roger La Pelle Galleries
122 N 3rd
Whitewashed contemporary art gallery with stacks of gorgeous canvases in the back. The owner Mr La Pelle graduated Penn in the ‘40s and will tell you ~secrets~ about the art industry if he likes you.
More than Old
144 N 3rd
Sexy retro barware for partying like Jay Gatsby. Indulge your drinking problem in style.
The Geisha House
149 N 3rd
Leather cigarette trousers, tiny tops, all black everything. This entire women’s wear boutique is like the Scene’s wardrobe, but edgier.
Biello Studio
148 N 3rd
Entering this dark, sparkling interior design shop is like walking into a jewellery box. The strange and beautiful collection of glittering objects looks inspired by a viewing of Disney’s Fantasia on LSD.