The best contemporary brands, independent designers, and street wear labels from the city and around the globe will be in Philadelphia Thursday through Saturday.
"So many designers who've come out of Philadelphia had to go elsewhere because we haven't had the vehicle for them to show off," executive director of Philadelphia Fashion Week Kristie Bergey said.
Bergey was busy Wednesday making sure everything falls into place perfectly as Philadelphia Fashion Week and its partner CMK Entertainment produce the largest fashion show ever in Philadelphia.
"This is something I've been dreaming about for months...working with all the fabulous boutiques and having this creative space and creative edge for each of their own pieces, it's just been exciting," Bergey said.
Marina Makaron from Moscow will be displaying her silk scarves and Fi-fi flowers; she stumbled upon design after graduating from Drexel University with a degree in international business and marketing.
"This is my debut, my first fashion week, so I'm very excited to start it with Philadelphia," Makaron said.
The event will feature 16 runway shows, entertainment, cuisine from area chefs, and shopping at pop-up boutiques.
"This is a fairly new business for me, at least a third a career, and it's great fun," designer Ilene Pearl said.
"Whether it be the designers, the production coordinators, the models, it really comes with everyone's help and dedication and enthusiasm for the project," production director Charlie Smith said.
Local design students will be featured each day of the event: Thursday, it's Moore College of Design.
"On Thursday, we have Moore, on Friday, we have Philadelphia University and on Saturday we have the Art Institute of Philadelphia, so each of those schools will start off the day as best of quarter runway shows," creative director Michael Anderer said.
Philadelphia Fashion Week begins Thursdayand runs through Saturday. The doors open Thursday at 4:00 p.m. and the first show begins at 5. Tickets are now available online.
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Beginning Thursday night, 6abc.com will have extensive coverage of Philadelphia Fashion Week. Check back each night for exclusive photos and videos as we take an in depth look at the runway, the designers, and everything that makes this event look its best.
