The Fashion District: a natural habitat for Philadelphia’s shopaholics and trendsetters. Stretching across 9th and Market Streets, this retail haven is a haven for editorial dreams. Upon entering, the irresistible prospect of a spree surrounds a collage of radiant model photos. Manifold vendors entertain the latest trends of diverse styles—retro, grunge, bohemian. For college students, one (intensive) session at these designer outlets can supply all the wardrobe essentials: formal gowns/suits, athleisure for coffee runs, loungewear while conquering that nasty hangover.
For the past two decades, this mall—alongside other venues—has hosted Center City’s liveliest fashionista roundup: Philly Fashion Week. Founded by Kevin Parker and Kerry Scott, this convention biannually exhibits ingenuous, subtle graphic artistry. Runway shows unite all corners of the sartorial spectrum, from streetwear to flamboyant gowns. Unlike its counterparts in New York and Paris, PFW’s displays extend beyond fast fashion labels; runways primarily feature the diverse aesthetics of grassroots designers. Alongside the Eagles and salty pretzels, this event comprises an important symbol of Philadelphian pride—flaunting the city’s medley of creative, ambitious inhabitants.
A notable feature of Philly Fashion Week is the Next–Up Student Design Competition—a showcase for undergraduate fashion design and/or merchandising majors. The judges’ first–place selection receives a $1,000 prize—but more significantly, a mentorship with New York Fashion Week professionals.
This season’s eleven contestants represented numerous collegiate design programs in Philadelphia, including Antoinette Westphal College (Drexel University) and Kanbar College (Thomas Jefferson University); other participants hailed from Bryn Mawr’s Harcum College and the University of Delaware. This year’s guidelines offered a rather challenging feat: Students were instructed to compose unique, glamorous head–to–toe outfits from ten pound bags of Goodwill donations.
Yet, for these aspiring designers, upcycling wasn’t a hurdle—it was a canvas. For Ensaam Farraj and Greta Hartman—two juniors at the Moore College of Design and Art—conceptualization guided the project’s fabrication process.
“In my bag, I discovered an oversized coat,” says Ensaam. “Inspired by military uniforms, I transformed the coat into a dress—adding a distinctive pleated sleeve to symbolize the obstacles and tragedies of war.”
Similarly, Greta explains that, “I really wanted to convey the harsh contrast of colors found on chess boards. I cut the repurposed garments I was given into strips, and rewove them to make my pattern.”
Across the board, the competition presented imaginative combinations of accessories and color patterns. Grace Resurreccion (UDelaware ‘27) assembled a plaid miniskirt–ruffled top pair. This intrepid artistic choice reflected a vision of “creating movement and drama to a very neutral Earth look.” Flower brooches, ribbon capes, and leather wrap bracelets supplemented other creations; eclectic prints invoked avant–garde, boho–chic, and edgy styles. The result? A stunning testament to the ingenuity that can be born from thrifted fabric and a visionary mind.
As with any fashion show, the artists’ complementary student models possessed the task of presenting their outfits flawlessly. While sauntering down the aisle, all reps composed a professional, awe–inspiring level of attentivity. Maintaining an unbreakable poker face, these persons carefully absorbed their few seconds of camera posing. As spectators gazed in awe, dozens of Nikon lenses zoomed in on every delicately crafted project; angle shot variations quickly preceded the audience’s eruption into applause. Vis–à–vis Penn lingo, these performers were locked in—now you know who to consult for delivering those hot girl walks on Locust.
Succeeding the models’ final, joint exit, the master of ceremonies reentered and momentarily confounded observers by asking: “Who in this audience is the best dressed?” Amid mumbles of confusion from most attendees, a family of seven boldly approached the stage. With a quick “I wanna see you WALK,” the emcee granted each member a chance to release their inner Heidi Klum. As strobe lights resumed their flashing routines, these individuals strutted down the runway. Call them Demi Lovato, because they showed there’s nothing wrong with confidence.
Lastly, the event’s trend show allowed Fashion District’s outlets to rep their hippest creations. Primark models initiated this finale by sporting a line of casual looks, such as a tracksuit & striped sweater–jeans combo. Afterward, Levi’s Jeans formalized the atmosphere with selections of trucker/leather jackets and long denim skirts. Other retailers, including GUESS, TORRID, and Naturally Us!, brought an eclectic mix of aesthetics, proving that whether your vibe is minimalist chic or avant–garde maximalism, Philly has something for you.
The night proved that East Coast creative directors need not worry about securing a future generation of prodigious designers. And with events like PFW paving the way, Philadelphia continues to solidify its status as an unexpected but undeniable force in the fashion world.
